Both the BLU Studio C 8+8 and the BLU Vivo Air LTE represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they differ significantly in their core processing power, stemming from their respective chipset choices. This comparison will dissect those differences and help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality like calling, texting, and light social media, the BLU Vivo Air LTE is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 chipset, utilizing the more modern Cortex-A53 architecture, provides a smoother and more responsive experience than the older Mediatek MT6580 found in the Studio C 8+8.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - S270Q | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | LTE 1700 / 1900 / 2600 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, August. Released 2016, August | 2015, September. Released 2015, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 144.4 x 72.5 x 8.5 mm (5.69 x 2.85 x 0.33 in) | 141.9 x 68.1 x 5.1 mm (5.59 x 2.68 x 0.20 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 152 g (5.36 oz) | 98 g (3.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~306 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.8 inches, 63.5 cm2 (~65.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Adreno 306 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 5.0.2 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 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 | 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, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 775 h (2G) / Up to 650 h (3G) | Up to 700 h (2G) / Up to 650 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 32 h (2G) / Up to 24 h (3G) | Up to 22 h (2G) / Up to 11 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 2050 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Rose Gold, Bronze | Black, White |
BLU Studio C 8+8
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward interface
- Older, less efficient processor
- Slower app loading times
- Less responsive user experience
BLU Vivo Air LTE
- More modern and efficient processor
- Smoother multitasking
- Better graphics performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited for demanding tasks
- Basic camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither BLU provides detailed display specifications. Given their price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels with resolutions around 720p. However, the impact of the chipset on display responsiveness is more significant than panel quality at this level. The Snapdragon 410's GPU will contribute to smoother scrolling and transitions, even if the panels themselves are similar. Expect both to struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Snapdragon 410’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more advanced than the one found in the MT6580, potentially leading to slightly better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Expect both to struggle with dynamic range and detail. Focusing on the chipset's image processing capabilities is more relevant than speculating about sensor size at this price point.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The BLU Studio C 8+8’s Mediatek MT6580, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU clocked at 1.3 GHz. The BLU Vivo Air LTE utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410, also on 28nm, but with a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked slightly lower at 1.2 GHz. While the clock speed is lower, the Cortex-A53 architecture is significantly more efficient and offers better Instructions Per Clock (IPC) than the older Cortex-A7. This translates to better performance in real-world tasks, especially multitasking and app loading times. The Snapdragon 410’s Adreno 306 GPU also provides a more capable graphics experience, though neither phone is suitable for demanding games.
Battery Life
Again, specific battery capacities are not provided. However, the more efficient Cortex-A53 architecture in the Snapdragon 410 will likely result in slightly better battery life for the BLU Vivo Air LTE, even if both phones have similar battery sizes. The Snapdragon 410’s power management features contribute to lower overall power consumption during typical usage scenarios. Charging speeds are also likely to be similar, relying on standard 5W charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio C 8+8 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is extremely limited to essential tasks. It's a functional device for those on a tight budget. Buy the BLU Vivo Air LTE if you value a slightly more responsive user experience, even for basic tasks, and anticipate occasional use of more demanding apps or light multitasking. The Snapdragon 410 offers a noticeable improvement in overall fluidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU Vivo Air LTE handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 410 in the Vivo Air LTE is capable of running Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it will provide a usable and reasonably responsive experience for browsing and posting content. The Studio C 8+8 may exhibit noticeable slowdowns with these apps.
❓ Can I play any games on the BLU Studio C 8+8 or Vivo Air LTE?
Both phones are limited in their gaming capabilities. Simple 2D games and older, less demanding 3D titles may be playable at low settings. However, modern, graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile will likely be unplayable or suffer from extremely low frame rates on both devices. The Vivo Air LTE will offer a slightly better experience due to its more capable GPU.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Both phones are perfectly adequate for basic calling and texting. The difference in performance won't be noticeable for these core functions. The deciding factor would be price – choose the cheaper option if call and text functionality is your primary need.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 410 in the BLU Vivo Air LTE a 64-bit processor, and does that matter?
Yes, the Snapdragon 410 is a 64-bit processor. This allows it to address more memory and potentially run apps more efficiently. While the impact isn't always dramatic, it's a future-proofing feature that the older Mediatek MT6580 may lack, ensuring better compatibility with newer apps over time.
