The BLU Studio C 8+8 and Studio X Plus represent BLU’s entry into the ultra-budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver affordability, a closer look reveals a key difference: the Studio C 8+8 utilizes the Mediatek MT6580 chipset, while the Studio X Plus relies solely on a Cortex-A7 quad-core CPU. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best experience for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and a slightly more refined experience, the BLU Studio X Plus is the better choice. While both phones share a similar CPU core count, the Studio C 8+8’s MT6580 chipset, built on a 28nm process, is likely to exhibit slightly lower efficiency and potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load.
| 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 - S270Q | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 - D770U |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - D770L |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, August. Released 2016, August | 2015, January. Released 2015, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 144.4 x 72.5 x 8.5 mm (5.69 x 2.85 x 0.33 in) | 155.5 x 76.6 x 10.6 mm (6.12 x 3.02 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM/ Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 152 g (5.36 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | 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 | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 775 h (2G) / Up to 650 h (3G) | Up to 800 h (2G) / Up to 775 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 32 h (2G) / Up to 24 h (3G) | Up to 28 h (2G) / Up to 16 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Rose Gold, Bronze | Black, White, Blue, Gold, Pink |
BLU Studio C 8+8
- Integrated GPU (MT6580) offers potential graphics advantage.
- Known chipset (MT6580) may have better software compatibility.
- Potentially wider app support due to chipset features.
- Less efficient 28nm process may lead to throttling.
- Potentially shorter battery life due to chipset power draw.
- Limited information available on display quality.
BLU Studio X Plus
- Simpler architecture may lead to smoother basic operation.
- Potentially better thermal management due to fewer components.
- Likely lower cost compared to the Studio C 8+8.
- Lacks integrated GPU, limiting graphics performance.
- Reliance solely on CPU for all processing tasks.
- Limited information available on display quality.
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed display specifications are unavailable for either device. However, given their price point, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize LCD panels with resolutions around 480x854. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or PWM dimming rates makes a direct comparison impossible. Users sensitive to screen flicker should research independent reviews for PWM frequency data before purchasing either device.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. It’s highly probable that both feature basic camera setups with low-resolution sensors. Without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing algorithms, a meaningful comparison is impossible. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to deliver significant image quality improvements, serving primarily as a marketing feature. Users should manage expectations regarding camera performance, as these phones are not designed for photography enthusiasts.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The BLU Studio C 8+8’s Mediatek MT6580, fabricated on a 28nm process, integrates a Mali-400 MP2 GPU alongside its quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. The Studio X Plus, conversely, features only the quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. While the CPU architecture is identical, the MT6580’s integrated GPU provides a theoretical advantage in graphics-intensive tasks. However, the 28nm process node of the MT6580 is less efficient than more modern nodes, potentially leading to increased heat generation and throttling during prolonged gaming or video playback. The lack of RAM specifications for both devices further complicates the performance assessment; insufficient RAM will severely impact multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified for either device. Given the budget nature of these phones, it’s reasonable to expect capacities around 2000-2500 mAh. Charging speeds are likely to be slow, potentially taking several hours to reach a full charge. The MT6580’s less efficient 28nm process in the Studio C 8+8 could result in slightly shorter battery life compared to the Studio X Plus, particularly during demanding tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio C 8+8 if you need a phone with a known chipset and are comfortable with potentially slower performance in demanding apps. Its Mediatek MT6580 offers a degree of compatibility and driver support that might be beneficial for specific, niche applications. Buy the BLU Studio X Plus if you prefer a simpler, potentially more streamlined experience, and prioritize responsiveness for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU Studio C 8+8 handle basic games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Yes, both the BLU Studio C 8+8 and the Studio X Plus should be capable of running less demanding games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers. However, expect limited graphical settings and potential frame rate drops during more intense moments. The MT6580’s Mali-400 MP2 GPU in the Studio C 8+8 might offer a slightly smoother experience, but the difference will likely be minimal.
❓ Is either phone suitable for streaming videos from services like YouTube or Netflix?
Both phones can likely stream videos from YouTube or Netflix, but the experience will be limited by the display resolution and potential network connectivity. Expect lower video quality settings to ensure smooth playback. The lack of information regarding display brightness may also impact visibility in brightly lit environments.
❓ How much storage space is available on each device, and can it be expanded?
Storage capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, budget smartphones typically come with limited internal storage (8GB or 16GB). It’s highly probable that both devices feature a microSD card slot for storage expansion, but this needs to be verified through independent reviews or the manufacturer’s specifications.
