The BLU Studio C 8+8 LTE and the Motorola Moto E (2nd generation) represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The BLU aims for a slightly more modern chipset, while the Moto E leverages Motorola’s software optimization and brand recognition. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best experience for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a smooth, reliable experience, the Motorola Moto E (2nd Gen) LTE model is the better choice. While the BLU Studio C 8+8 LTE boasts a newer chipset on paper, the Snapdragon 410’s optimization and Motorola’s clean software provide a more consistent and responsive user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - XT1527, XT1511 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 7, 12, 17 | 2, 4, 5, 7, 17 - XT1527 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 20 - XT1524 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, August. Released 2016, August | 2015, February. Released 2015, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 144.4 x 72.5 x 8.5 mm (5.69 x 2.85 x 0.33 in) | 129.9 x 66.8 x 12.3 mm (5.11 x 2.63 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 145 g (5.11 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~245 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~64.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 - 3G modelQuad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 - LTE model |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6735 (28 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 (28 nm) - 3G modelQualcomm Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) - LTE model |
| GPU | Mali-T720 | Adreno 302 - 3G modelAdreno 306 - LTE model |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 5.0/5.1 (Lollipop) - only XT1527, upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 750 h (2G) / Up to 650 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 30 h (2G) / Up to 20 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2390 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White |
| Models | - | XT1527, XT1511, XT1505, XT1524, XT1528, XT1526 |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.89 W/kg (head) 1.40 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 82h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 72dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 75dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 546Basemark X: 1851 |
BLU Studio C 8+8 LTE
- Potentially newer chipset (MT6735)
- LTE connectivity
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Less established brand reputation
- Potential software instability
- Limited camera details
Motorola Moto E (2nd gen)
- Reliable Snapdragon 410 performance
- Motorola’s clean software experience
- Strong brand reputation for budget phones
- Older chipset generation
- Basic camera capabilities
- Substantial bezels
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature 720p panels, typical for this price point. However, the lack of specific display specs for the BLU Studio C 8+8 LTE makes a direct comparison difficult. The Moto E’s display quality is generally considered adequate for basic tasks, but neither phone will impress users accustomed to higher-resolution or color-accurate screens. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature basic photo and video capabilities, but neither is a photography powerhouse. The context data provides minimal detail, suggesting both rely on entry-level sensors. The Moto E’s camera is generally considered passable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The BLU Studio C 8+8 LTE’s camera performance is less well-documented, but given the overall budget nature of the device, expectations should be tempered. The absence of details like sensor size or aperture makes a meaningful comparison impossible.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The BLU Studio C 8+8 LTE utilizes the Mediatek MT6735, a 28nm chip with quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs clocked at 1.0 GHz. The Motorola Moto E (2nd gen) offers two variants: a 3G model with the Snapdragon 200 and an LTE model with the Snapdragon 410 (also 28nm) and quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs clocked at 1.2 GHz. The Snapdragon 410, even with a similar architecture, generally outperforms the MT6735 due to Qualcomm’s optimizations and more efficient GPU. The 1.2 GHz clock speed on the Moto E’s LTE variant provides a noticeable performance edge in everyday tasks. While both use 28nm process, Qualcomm’s architecture is more refined.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 82 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. This suggests similar battery capacities and power efficiency. However, the Snapdragon 410 in the Moto E is known for its relatively efficient power management, potentially translating to slightly longer real-world usage, especially during demanding tasks. Charging speeds are likely to be slow on both devices, given the lack of fast-charging technology.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio C 8+8 LTE if you absolutely need the latest chipset generation and are comfortable potentially troubleshooting software quirks. It's a good option for tinkerers or those who prioritize having the newest hardware, even if it's not perfectly polished. Buy the Motorola Moto E (2nd gen) if you value a stable, user-friendly experience, reliable battery life, and a trusted brand known for software support – even on its budget devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6735 in the BLU Studio C 8+8 LTE significantly faster than the Snapdragon 410 in the Moto E?
While the MT6735 is a newer chipset, the Snapdragon 410 benefits from Qualcomm’s software optimization and a more efficient GPU. In real-world usage, the Snapdragon 410 generally provides a smoother and more responsive experience, especially in tasks like app loading and web browsing.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto E (2nd gen) receive software updates?
Motorola provides a relatively clean Android experience with minimal bloatware. While the Moto E (2nd gen) is an older device, it did receive at least one major Android update. However, long-term software support is limited, so don't expect the latest Android versions.
❓ Which phone is better for playing basic mobile games?
The Motorola Moto E (2nd gen) LTE model is the better choice for gaming. The Snapdragon 410’s GPU is more capable than the MT6735’s, resulting in smoother frame rates and a more enjoyable gaming experience, even with less demanding titles.