Both the BLU Studio C 5 + 5 LTE and the BLU Studio X Plus occupy the ultra-budget smartphone segment, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. However, despite similar price points, a key difference lies in their processing power, impacting everyday usability and app performance. This comparison dives deep into the nuances of each device to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU Studio X Plus is the better choice. Its slightly faster 1.3 GHz quad-core processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the C 5 + 5 LTE’s 1.1 GHz chip, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading times. While both are entry-level, the X Plus offers a more responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 - D770U |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 7, 17 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - D770L |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, July. Released 2015, August | 2015, January. Released 2015, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 143 x 71.8 x 9 mm (5.63 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) | 155.5 x 76.6 x 10.6 mm (6.12 x 3.02 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM/ Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM/ Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 157 g (5.54 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 5.0 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | Stereo FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, gravity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 800 h (2G) / Up to 700 h (3G) | Up to 800 h (2G) / Up to 775 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 22 h (2G) / Up to 12 h (3G) | Up to 28 h (2G) / Up to 16 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Gold | Black, White, Blue, Gold, Pink |
BLU Studio C 5 + 5 LTE
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable for basic communication tasks
- Qualcomm chipset offers established driver support
- Slower processor compared to the X Plus
- Less efficient chipset (Snapdragon 210)
- Limited performance for multitasking
BLU Studio X Plus
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- More responsive user experience
- Potentially better multitasking capabilities
- May be slightly more expensive
- Chipset details are unknown
- Likely similar camera performance to the C 5 + 5 LTE
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, display specifications beyond the basic screen size are unavailable for either device. Given their market segment, we can assume both utilize LCD panels with resolutions around 480x854. The lack of information prevents a detailed comparison of brightness, color accuracy, or viewing angles. However, the focus should be on basic readability rather than media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. It's safe to assume both feature basic rear and front-facing cameras, likely with resolutions around 5MP or 8MP. Without information on sensor size, aperture, or image processing capabilities, a meaningful comparison is impossible. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality, serving more as a marketing feature than a practical benefit. Expect basic photography performance suitable for casual snapshots.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their CPUs. The BLU Studio X Plus boasts a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, while the C 5 + 5 LTE is equipped with a quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7. While both are based on the same ARM Cortex-A7 architecture, the 200 MHz clock speed difference translates to a tangible performance advantage for the X Plus. Furthermore, the C 5 + 5 LTE utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 chipset, fabricated on a 28nm process. This older manufacturing node is less efficient than newer processes, potentially leading to slightly higher power consumption for similar tasks. The X Plus, lacking specific chipset details, likely uses a similarly budget-oriented SoC, but the higher clock speed is the key differentiator.
Battery Life
Battery capacity information is unavailable for both devices. Given their budget nature, we can estimate capacities around 2000-2500 mAh. Without knowing charging wattage, it’s difficult to estimate 0-100% charging times. However, the Snapdragon 210 in the C 5 + 5 LTE, being a less efficient chipset, might result in slightly faster battery drain during intensive use compared to the X Plus.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio C 5 + 5 LTE if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for calls, texts, and light web browsing, and you prioritize a potentially lower price point. Buy the BLU Studio X Plus if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience, anticipate using more apps, or want a device that feels a bit more future-proof, even within this budget category.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU Studio X Plus handle basic social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the 1.3 GHz processor in the BLU Studio X Plus should provide a reasonably smooth experience with basic social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. While it won't offer the same performance as a flagship device, it's a step up from the C 5 + 5 LTE and should handle these tasks without significant lag.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 200 MHz difference in processor speed is noticeable, particularly when multitasking or opening multiple apps. The BLU Studio X Plus will feel more responsive and less prone to slowdowns compared to the BLU Studio C 5 + 5 LTE, especially over time as the device becomes filled with apps and data.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Neither phone is well-suited for demanding modern mobile games. While they might be able to run simpler 2D games, expect significant lag and low frame rates with more graphically intensive titles. These phones are designed for basic communication and light usage, not gaming.