The BLU Studio C 5 + 5 and TCL 30 SE represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they approach it with vastly different hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best experience for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the TCL 30 SE is the clear winner. Its newer Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a substantially more responsive experience than the BLU Studio C 5 + 5’s aging quad-core MT6582. While neither phone excels in any single area, the TCL 30 SE offers a better balance of performance and features.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, July. Released 2015, July | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 143 x 71.8 x 9 mm (5.63 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 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) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6582 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| 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-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Orange, Pink, White | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | - | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
BLU Studio C 5 + 5
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Potentially longer battery life if it has a larger capacity
- Outdated chipset and slow performance
- Likely slow charging speeds
- Poor multitasking capabilities
TCL 30 SE
- Significantly faster performance with Helio G25
- 15W fast charging support
- More responsive user experience
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera quality likely limited by sensor
- May cost slightly more than the BLU Studio C 5 + 5
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data, we can assume both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The TCL 30 SE’s advantage lies in its chipset’s ability to drive a potentially higher resolution and refresh rate, though this isn’t explicitly stated. The BLU Studio C 5 + 5, with its older chipset, will likely struggle with anything beyond basic UI rendering. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for budget displays.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, given the price points, both phones likely feature basic camera setups. The TCL 30 SE’s newer chipset may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but the sensor quality will likely be the limiting factor. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 15W charger on the TCL 30 SE suggests a slightly more modern approach to overall system design, potentially extending to camera software optimization.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek Helio G25 (MT6762G) is built on a 12nm process, offering improved efficiency and power compared to the BLU’s 28nm Mediatek MT6582. The Helio G25’s octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) provides a substantial uplift in multi-core performance over the BLU’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The TCL 30 SE is the better choice for users who occasionally play mobile games or use demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the TCL 30 SE’s 15W wired charging is a clear advantage. The BLU Studio C 5 + 5 likely charges at a slower rate, potentially taking significantly longer to reach a full charge. While a larger battery capacity on the BLU could offset the slower charging, the TCL 30 SE’s more efficient chipset will likely result in comparable or better real-world battery life, even with a similar capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio C 5 + 5 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are primarily focused on basic communication tasks like calls and messaging. It's a functional device for those with minimal smartphone needs. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you prioritize a smoother user experience, occasional gaming, and a more modern chipset, even if it means spending a bit more. It's the better choice for anyone who wants a phone that can handle more than just the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 30 SE be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek Helio G25 chipset is significantly more capable of handling the demands of social media apps like TikTok and Instagram compared to the BLU Studio C 5 + 5. You should experience smoother scrolling, faster loading times, and fewer instances of lag.
❓ Is the BLU Studio C 5 + 5 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the BLU Studio C 5 + 5 is a functional option for basic communication. If your primary needs are making calls, sending texts, and occasional light web browsing, it will suffice. However, be prepared for a slower and less responsive experience compared to more modern smartphones.
❓ Can the TCL 30 SE handle basic mobile games?
The TCL 30 SE can handle basic mobile games, but don't expect high frame rates or graphics settings. The Helio G25 is an entry-level gaming chip, so it's best suited for less demanding titles. More graphically intensive games may require reduced settings to achieve playable performance.
