The BLU M8L and BLU Vivo XL5 represent BLU’s commitment to offering affordable smartphones. Both devices target the entry-level market, but subtle differences in their specifications could make one a better fit for specific users. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which provides the most value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance in basic tasks, the BLU M8L and Vivo XL5 are functionally equivalent. Both utilize the same Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU. However, the M8L’s potentially lower price point makes it the slightly better choice for those on a strict budget.
| 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, July. Released 2019, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 208 x 125 x 9 mm (8.19 x 4.92 x 0.35 in) | 161.4 x 78 x 9.6 mm (6.35 x 3.07 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 352 g (12.42 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~78.7% 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 | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 750 h (2G) / Up to 650 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 30 h (2G) / Up to 24 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 60 EUR | - |
BLU M8L
- Identical CPU to Vivo XL5 ensures comparable performance.
- Potentially lower price point offers better value.
- Efficient Cortex-A55 CPU should deliver good battery life.
- Lack of detailed specifications makes a comprehensive comparison difficult.
- Camera performance likely limited without specific details.
BLU Vivo XL5
- Identical CPU to M8L ensures comparable performance.
- Name suggests a potentially larger display for enhanced media consumption.
- Efficient Cortex-A55 CPU should deliver good battery life.
- Lack of detailed specifications makes a comprehensive comparison difficult.
- Camera performance likely limited without specific details.
Display Comparison
With only the CPU specified, display details are unknown. However, given the budget nature of both devices, it’s reasonable to expect both utilize IPS LCD panels. The Vivo XL5’s name suggests a larger screen size, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption. Without knowing resolution, pixel density, or brightness levels, it’s difficult to definitively state which display is superior. Users prioritizing outdoor visibility will need to seek out independent reviews for nit ratings.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are entirely absent from the provided data. Given the price point, it’s likely both phones feature basic camera setups. Expect a primary sensor, potentially accompanied by a depth or macro lens. Image quality will likely be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but performance will likely degrade significantly in low-light environments. Without knowing sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms, a meaningful comparison is impossible.
Performance
Both the BLU M8L and BLU Vivo XL5 are powered by the same Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU. This indicates identical processing power for everyday tasks like web browsing, app launching, and basic multitasking. The Cortex-A55 architecture is known for its efficiency, prioritizing power savings over raw performance. Therefore, both phones should offer acceptable battery life. The absence of information regarding RAM capacity and storage type (eMMC vs. UFS) prevents a deeper analysis of multitasking capabilities and app loading speeds.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified. However, the Cortex-A55 CPU’s efficiency suggests both phones should deliver all-day battery life with moderate usage. Faster charging speeds would be a significant advantage, but without this information, it’s impossible to determine which phone offers a more convenient charging experience. Users heavily reliant on their smartphones should prioritize models with larger battery capacities and support for fast charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU M8L if you need a reliable, no-frills smartphone for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing, and are highly price-sensitive. Buy the BLU Vivo XL5 if you prefer a potentially slightly larger display (assuming differences exist beyond the CPU spec) and are willing to spend a bit more for potentially enhanced features not detailed in the provided specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones struggle with popular social media apps like TikTok or Instagram?
Given the Cortex-A55 CPU, both the BLU M8L and Vivo XL5 should handle basic social media usage without significant issues. However, demanding features within these apps, such as high-resolution video recording or extensive filters, may result in some lag or slowdown. Performance will also depend on the amount of RAM available, which is currently unknown.
❓ Are these phones likely to receive software updates and security patches?
BLU is not known for providing extensive software support. It's unlikely that either the M8L or Vivo XL5 will receive frequent or long-term software updates. Users should be aware of this limitation and prioritize security best practices, such as avoiding suspicious links and installing apps only from trusted sources.
❓ What type of storage do these phones use, and can it be expanded?
The storage type (eMMC or UFS) is not specified. Given the budget nature of these phones, eMMC is more likely. Whether storage is expandable via microSD card is also unknown. Users who anticipate needing significant storage space should verify this information before purchasing.
