The BLU Studio X5 Max and the alcatel 3X (2020) represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the alcatel 3X (2020) is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a substantial performance advantage over the BLU Studio X5 Max’s quad-core processor, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience. While both phones are limited, the alcatel 3X offers more for the money.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July | 2020, June. Released 2020, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 165 x 75 x 9.1 mm (6.50 x 2.95 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~67.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
Secondary unspecified camera | - |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2700 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Bronze, Black, Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | 5061U, 5061K_EEA, 5061K, 5061U_EEA, 5061A |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 170 EUR |
BLU Studio X5 Max
- Potentially lower price point
- Basic smartphone functionality
- Simple user interface
- Significantly slower performance
- Likely limited battery life
- Inferior multitasking capabilities
alcatel 3X (2020)
- Faster octa-core processor
- More efficient 12nm process
- Improved multitasking performance
- 10W wired charging
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera quality is basic
- May cost slightly more than the BLU Studio X5 Max
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specifications for the BLU Studio X5 Max, we can assume it utilizes a standard IPS LCD panel common in this price bracket. The alcatel 3X (2020) also features an IPS LCD, but the focus here isn’t on panel quality; it’s on processing power to drive the display smoothly. Both will likely exhibit limited viewing angles and color accuracy, but the alcatel 3X’s more powerful chipset will contribute to smoother scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information for the BLU Studio X5 Max, it’s safe to assume a relatively low-resolution main sensor. The alcatel 3X (2020) likely features a similar configuration, prioritizing affordability over image quality. Expect limited low-light performance and a lack of advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS) on both. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors included on either device will offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The BLU Studio X5 Max is equipped with a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. In contrast, the alcatel 3X (2020) utilizes the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 chipset fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process. This means the alcatel 3X will deliver significantly faster processing speeds, better multitasking capabilities, and a more fluid user experience. The 12nm process also implies improved thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The alcatel 3X’s GPU will also outperform the BLU’s, making it the better choice for casual gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for the BLU Studio X5 Max. The alcatel 3X (2020) supports 10W wired charging. While not fast charging by modern standards, it’s adequate for a device in this price range. The alcatel 3X’s more efficient chipset will likely translate to better battery life, even if the battery capacity is similar to the BLU Studio X5 Max. The combination of a more efficient processor and 10W charging gives the alcatel 3X a slight edge in real-world usability.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio X5 Max if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for minimal tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and you are operating under a very strict budget. Buy the alcatel 3X (2020) if you prefer a more responsive device capable of handling social media, streaming video, and occasional gaming without significant lag, and are willing to spend a little more for improved performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the alcatel 3X (2020) be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the alcatel 3X (2020)'s Mediatek Helio P22 chipset is capable of running most popular social media apps without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it will provide a usable and reasonably smooth experience for browsing feeds, posting content, and watching videos.
❓ Is the performance difference between the BLU Studio X5 Max and the alcatel 3X (2020) noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The alcatel 3X (2020)'s octa-core processor will be noticeably faster than the BLU Studio X5 Max's quad-core processor. This translates to quicker app launch times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience. The difference will be particularly apparent when multitasking or running more demanding apps.
❓ Can the alcatel 3X (2020) handle basic mobile games?
The alcatel 3X (2020) can handle basic mobile games, but don't expect high frame rates or graphics settings. It's suitable for casual gaming, but more demanding titles may require reduced settings or experience occasional lag. The BLU Studio X5 Max will struggle even more with gaming.
