The BLU M8L Plus and Nokia C2 Tava represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing performance and everyday usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking the most responsive experience, the BLU M8L Plus emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core Cortex-A55 processor, while still entry-level, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia C2 Tava’s quad-core Helio A22, making it more suitable for multitasking and app loading.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August. Released 2020, August | 2020, May 29. Released 2020, May 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 208 x 123.7 x 10.5 mm (8.19 x 4.87 x 0.41 in) | 150.6 x 72.4 x 9.1 mm (5.93 x 2.85 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 383 g (13.51 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (16 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, AF
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Tempered Blue |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 100 EUR |
BLU M8L Plus
- Octa-core processor offers better multitasking.
- More modern Cortex-A55 architecture for improved efficiency.
- Potentially smoother user experience.
- Lower clock speed compared to the Helio A22.
- Display and camera specs are unknown.
Nokia C2 Tava
- Nokia brand reputation for software updates (potentially).
- Potentially better battery life due to chipset efficiency.
- 10W charging is standard for this price point.
- Quad-core processor limits performance.
- Older Cortex-A53 architecture.
- Slower charging speed.
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The Nokia C2 Tava’s Mediatek chipset suggests a focus on power efficiency, potentially leading to slightly better battery life during video playback, but at the cost of graphical performance. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a meaningful comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture suggests neither will excel in low-light conditions. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors present on either device are likely to offer limited practical benefit. Image processing will likely be basic on both, prioritizing speed over image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The BLU M8L Plus features an octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU, while the Nokia C2 Tava utilizes the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. While the Helio A22 has a higher clock speed, the Cortex-A55 architecture found in the M8L Plus is more efficient and generally offers better performance per clock cycle. The octa-core configuration further enhances multitasking capabilities. The Helio A22’s 16nm process node is also less efficient than what’s typically found in newer Cortex-A55 implementations, potentially leading to more heat generation under sustained load. This translates to a smoother experience on the BLU M8L Plus for most users.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Nokia C2 Tava’s 10W wired charging suggests a slower charging speed. The Helio A22’s power efficiency might partially offset this, but the BLU M8L Plus’s more efficient processor could also contribute to comparable or even better battery life, depending on the battery capacity. Expect a 0-100% charge to take well over two hours on the Nokia C2 Tava.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU M8L Plus if you need a phone that feels reasonably snappy for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, and you value a slightly more modern processor architecture. Buy the Nokia C2 Tava if you prioritize brand recognition, a potentially cleaner software experience (typical of Nokia), and are willing to accept a slower, more deliberate pace for everyday operations. The C2 Tava is best suited for users with extremely limited smartphone needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio A22 chipset sufficient for running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Helio A22 can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, but expect slower loading times and occasional lag, especially when multitasking. It's designed for very light usage and won't provide a fluid experience with more demanding applications.
❓ Will the BLU M8L Plus be able to handle light gaming?
The BLU M8L Plus, with its octa-core Cortex-A55 processor, will offer a slightly better gaming experience than the Nokia C2 Tava. However, don't expect to play graphically intensive games at high settings. It's suitable for casual games and older titles.
❓ Does the Nokia C2 Tava receive regular software updates?
Nokia is generally known for providing relatively timely software updates, even on their budget devices. However, the extent of updates for the C2 Tava may be limited to security patches and minor improvements, rather than major Android version upgrades.
❓ What type of storage does each phone use, and is it expandable?
Storage type and expandability are not specified. However, given the price point, both likely utilize eMMC storage. Expandability via microSD card is highly probable on both devices, but confirmation is needed.
