The BLU Studio C 5 + 5 and Nokia C1 Plus represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they achieve this with different approaches to hardware. This comparison dissects their specifications to determine which device offers the best experience for users on a tight budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly better processing power and a more established brand reputation, the Nokia C1 Plus is the better choice. While the BLU Studio C 5 + 5 offers a comparable experience, the Nokia’s marginally faster CPU and broader software support provide a slight edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - D890U | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International, APAC |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Saudi Arabia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, July. Released 2015, July | 2020, December 15. Released 2021, January 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 143 x 71.8 x 9 mm (5.63 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) | 149.1 x 71.2 x 8.8 mm (5.87 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM/ Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 157 g (5.54 oz) | 146 g (5.15 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6582 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | - |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 900 h (2G) / Up to 750 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 24 h (2G) / Up to 12 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Orange, Pink, White | Blue, Red |
| Models | - | TA-1312 |
| Price | - | About 70 EUR |
BLU Studio C 5 + 5
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Mediatek chipset is widely supported
- Older 28nm chipset may run warmer
- Less brand recognition
- Likely limited software updates
Nokia C1 Plus
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed
- More recognizable Nokia brand
- Potentially better software support
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by low-end specifications
- Basic camera performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifics regarding panel type, resolution, or brightness are unavailable, suggesting both utilize basic LCD panels common in this price bracket. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is expected to be limited, prioritizing cost over fidelity. The lack of detailed display specs suggests a focus on functionality over visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature basic sensors suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light photography will be challenging. Any mention of a 2MP macro camera on either device should be viewed with skepticism; its utility is minimal. Image processing will likely be basic, prioritizing speed over detail and dynamic range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processing power. The BLU Studio C 5 + 5 is powered by the Mediatek MT6582, a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor built on a 28nm process. The Nokia C1 Plus features a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz. While core count is identical, the 100MHz clock speed difference, combined with potential architectural improvements in the Nokia’s CPU, suggests a slight performance advantage. The 28nm process of the MT6582 is older, potentially leading to slightly higher power consumption and heat generation compared to the Nokia’s CPU. This translates to marginally faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Nokia C1 Plus, particularly noticeable when running Android Go.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given their low-end specifications and likely small screen sizes, battery life should be sufficient for a full day of light use – primarily calls, texts, and occasional social media browsing. Charging wattage is also unknown, suggesting slow charging speeds via micro-USB. The slightly more efficient CPU in the Nokia C1 Plus might translate to marginally longer battery life, but the difference is unlikely to be significant.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio C 5 + 5 if you need a functional smartphone for the absolute lowest possible price and are comfortable with a less-known brand. It’s a viable option for basic communication and light tasks. Buy the Nokia C1 Plus if you prefer a more recognizable brand with potentially longer software support and a slightly more responsive user experience, even if it comes at a small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C1 Plus receive Android updates?
Nokia generally provides a guaranteed number of software updates and security patches for its devices, even at the entry-level. While the C1 Plus won't receive major Android version upgrades indefinitely, it's likely to receive security updates for a longer period than the BLU Studio C 5 + 5, which typically has limited software support from the manufacturer.
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6582 in the BLU Studio C 5 + 5 capable of running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6582 is capable of running lightweight apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, especially when paired with Android Go, which is optimized for low-RAM devices. However, expect slower loading times and occasional lag when multitasking or using more demanding features within these apps.
❓ What type of charging port do these phones use?
Both the BLU Studio C 5 + 5 and Nokia C1 Plus are expected to use a micro-USB port for charging. This is standard for phones in this price range, but it's slower and less convenient than the USB-C port found on more modern devices.
