BLU is a prominent player in the ultra-budget smartphone market, offering devices that prioritize affordability. The M8L and Studio Mini both target this segment, featuring identical Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPUs. This comparison dives deep to uncover which device provides the better overall experience, considering potential differences in other components and software optimization.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic smartphone functionality, the BLU M8L and Studio Mini are functionally equivalent. However, given the lack of differentiating specs, the M8L likely represents the better value if available at a lower price point, as it's the newer model and may receive longer software support.
| 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 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August. Released 2020, August | 2019, September. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 208 x 125 x 9 mm (8.19 x 4.92 x 0.35 in) | 150.5 x 71.5 x 10.4 mm (5.93 x 2.81 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 352 g (12.42 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~72.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 600 h (2G) / Up to 550 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 21 h (2G) / Up to 16 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 70 EUR |
BLU M8L
- Potentially longer software support due to being a newer model.
- Identical CPU performance to the Studio Mini.
- Likely similar battery life given the same chipset.
- No specified advantages over the Studio Mini without further specs.
- Likely similar camera performance to the Studio Mini.
BLU Studio Mini
- Identical CPU performance to the M8L.
- Likely similar battery life given the same chipset.
- May be available at a lower price point.
- Potentially shorter software support due to being an older model.
- No specified advantages over the M8L without further specs.
Display Comparison
With no display specifications provided beyond the device names, it's reasonable to assume both the BLU M8L and Studio Mini utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. Expect 720p+ resolution and moderate brightness levels. The user experience will likely be similar, with neither device offering exceptional viewing angles or color accuracy. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Without camera specifications, it's safe to assume both devices feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Expect a primary sensor, potentially accompanied by a depth or macro lens of limited utility. Image quality will be adequate in well-lit conditions but will suffer in low light. The image processing algorithms will likely prioritize speed over detail, resulting in soft images. Differences in camera performance will likely be minimal, dictated more by software optimization than hardware.
Performance
Both the BLU M8L and Studio Mini are powered by the same Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU. This chipset is designed for efficiency and basic tasks, handling everyday apps and light multitasking without significant lag. However, demanding games or resource-intensive applications will likely struggle. The performance will be nearly identical between the two devices, assuming similar RAM configurations (which are not specified). Thermal throttling is unlikely to be a major concern given the low power draw of the Cortex-A55.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified for either device. Given the Cortex-A55's efficiency, both the M8L and Studio Mini should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, heavy users may need to top up the battery during the day. Charging times will depend on the included charger and battery capacity, but are unlikely to be particularly fast given the budget nature of these devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU M8L if you need a slightly more modern device with the potential for longer software updates, and if the price is comparable or lower than the Studio Mini. Buy the BLU Studio Mini if you find it significantly cheaper and are solely focused on core smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, accepting potentially shorter software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either the BLU M8L or Studio Mini struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
Neither device should struggle significantly with basic usage of Facebook and Instagram. The Cortex-A55 CPU is sufficient for these apps, but expect some loading times and occasional lag when scrolling through image-heavy feeds. Performance will be similar on both phones.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile on the BLU M8L or Studio Mini?
While technically possible, playing PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile on either the BLU M8L or Studio Mini will likely result in a poor experience. The Cortex-A55 CPU and likely limited GPU will struggle to maintain a stable frame rate, even on the lowest graphics settings. Expect significant lag and stuttering.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the BLU M8L compared to the Studio Mini?
The BLU M8L, being a newer model, is likely to receive software updates for a longer period than the Studio Mini. BLU's update track record is not extensive, but newer devices generally benefit from longer support cycles. Expect at least one major Android version update on the M8L, potentially more.
