The BLU Studio C 8+8 and LG Tribute 2 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with different chipsets and approaches. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best experience for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, the LG Tribute 2 edges out the BLU Studio C 8+8. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 410, while slightly slower on paper, benefits from a more modern CPU architecture, resulting in a smoother overall experience and better long-term software support.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | - | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41 |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, August. Released 2016, August | 2015, July. Released 2015, July |
| 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 64.9 x 10.9 mm (5.11 x 2.56 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 152 g (5.36 oz) | 138.9 g (4.94 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~218 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~66.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD | IPS LCD |
| 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 5.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@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, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | No |
| 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) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 32 h (2G) / Up to 24 h (3G) | Up to 16 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1900 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Rose Gold, Bronze | BLue |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
BLU Studio C 8+8
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer slightly more storage for the price
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Older and less efficient CPU architecture
- Potentially slower performance in everyday tasks
- Likely limited software updates
LG Tribute 2
- More modern and efficient CPU architecture
- Better overall performance and responsiveness
- Potentially better software support from LG
- May be slightly more expensive
- Could have less internal storage
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature 720p panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specifications necessitates a focus on the chipset's ability to drive the UI smoothly. The GPU within the Snapdragon 410, while modest, is likely to handle the 720p resolution with slightly less strain than the Mali-400 MP2 in the MT6580, potentially leading to fewer dropped frames in basic animations.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Given the target price point, expect basic 5MP or 8MP sensors. Without specific aperture or sensor size data, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 410 generally offers better image processing capabilities than Mediatek’s ISP in the MT6580, potentially resulting in slightly more detailed and less noisy photos in good lighting conditions. The inclusion of any software features like HDR is also more likely on the LG Tribute 2.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The BLU Studio C 8+8 utilizes the Mediatek MT6580, featuring a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. The LG Tribute 2 employs the Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410, also with a quad-core CPU, but utilizing the more efficient Cortex-A53 architecture clocked at 1.2 GHz. While the MT6580 has a slightly higher clock speed, the Cortex-A53 offers superior instructions per clock (IPC), meaning it can accomplish more with each cycle. This translates to a more responsive user experience, especially when multitasking. The Snapdragon 410 also benefits from Qualcomm’s optimizations for Android, potentially leading to better software support and stability.
Battery Life
Battery life will largely depend on usage patterns. Both devices likely house batteries in the 2000-2500 mAh range. The more efficient Cortex-A53 architecture in the Snapdragon 410 should contribute to slightly better battery life on the LG Tribute 2, even with a similar capacity battery. Charging speeds are unlikely to be fast on either device, with standard 5W charging being the most probable scenario.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio C 8+8 if you need a phone primarily for static tasks like music playback or as a secondary device where performance isn't critical. Its lower price point makes it a disposable option. Buy the LG Tribute 2 if you prioritize a more responsive user interface, slightly better app compatibility, and a more reliable experience with everyday tasks like browsing and social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG Tribute 2 handle basic social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 410's Cortex-A53 architecture is sufficient to run these apps without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it should provide a usable and responsive experience for everyday social media browsing.
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6580 in the BLU Studio C 8+8 capable of playing any mobile games?
The MT6580 can handle very basic 2D games and older 3D titles at low settings. However, demanding modern games will likely be unplayable or suffer from severe performance issues. Expect significant frame rate drops and long loading times.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the LG Tribute 2?
While LG is no longer a major player in the smartphone market, the Tribute 2 likely received at least one major Android update (potentially to Android 7 or 8). However, security updates are likely limited or non-existent at this point. Expect a limited software lifespan.
❓ Does either phone support 4G LTE connectivity?
Yes, both the BLU Studio C 8+8 and the LG Tribute 2 support 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for reasonably fast data speeds where available. However, the specific LTE bands supported may vary, so it's important to check compatibility with your carrier.
