BLU offers compelling value in the budget smartphone space, but the Studio X5 Max and G90 Pro represent very different approaches. The X5 Max aims for affordability, while the G90 Pro attempts to deliver near-midrange performance with its Helio G90T chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU G90 Pro is the superior choice. Its MediaTek Helio G90T chipset provides a significantly faster and more responsive experience than the X5 Max’s quad-core Cortex-A53. The addition of 18W wired and 10W wireless charging further solidifies its position as the better all-around device, justifying the price difference.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July | 2020, August 25. Released 2020, August 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 162 x 77 x 10.1 mm (6.38 x 3.03 x 0.40 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~67.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
Secondary unspecified camera | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | HTML |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
10W wireless (Qi) |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 560 h (2G) / Up to 445 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 8 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 6 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2700 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Bronze, Black, Blue | Purple Haze |
| Models | - | xt502 |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) |
BLU Studio X5 Max
- Most affordable option
- Functional for basic tasks
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful processor
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely outdated display technology
BLU G90 Pro
- Much faster performance with Helio G90T
- 18W wired and 10W wireless charging
- Better gaming capabilities
- More modern processor architecture
- Higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May not be significantly better for extremely basic tasks
Display Comparison
Details regarding the displays of both devices are unavailable. However, given the G90 Pro’s positioning, it likely features a larger and higher-resolution display than the X5 Max. The X5 Max, being a more basic model, likely utilizes a standard LCD panel. The G90 Pro’s chipset suggests it could support higher refresh rates, though this is unconfirmed. Bezels are expected to be larger on the X5 Max due to its lower price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications beyond the existence of cameras are unavailable for either device. However, given the G90 Pro’s focus on providing a more complete experience, it likely features a more sophisticated camera system with a higher-resolution main sensor and potentially optical image stabilization (OIS). The X5 Max likely features a basic camera setup suitable for casual snapshots. The G90 Pro’s image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the Helio G90T, will also offer superior image processing capabilities.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The BLU G90 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G90T, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration with two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz and six efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Studio X5 Max’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53. The G90T’s architecture allows for significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a much better gaming experience. The G90T also includes a more capable GPU, enabling higher frame rates in demanding games. The X5 Max will struggle with graphically intensive applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the G90 Pro’s inclusion of 18W wired charging and 10W wireless (Qi) charging is a significant advantage. This allows for much faster charging times compared to the X5 Max, which likely supports only standard 5W charging. While the X5 Max might have a slightly larger battery capacity to compensate for the less efficient processor, the G90 Pro’s faster charging will provide a more convenient user experience. The G90T’s power efficiency, despite its higher performance, will also contribute to competitive battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio X5 Max if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for those on a very tight budget. Buy the BLU G90 Pro if you want a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, multitasking, and benefit from faster charging speeds and a more modern processor architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU G90 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G90T chipset in the G90 Pro is specifically designed for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should be capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. The X5 Max would struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the wireless charging on the BLU G90 Pro worth using, or is it too slow?
The 10W wireless charging on the G90 Pro is slower than wired charging, but it offers convenience. It's ideal for overnight charging or topping up the battery throughout the day. While not as fast as some higher-end wireless charging solutions, it's a valuable feature not found on the X5 Max.
❓ How much of a performance difference will I actually notice between the Cortex-A76 and Cortex-A53 cores?
The difference is substantial. The Cortex-A76 cores in the G90 Pro are significantly more powerful than the Cortex-A53 cores in the X5 Max. You'll notice this in faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience. Multitasking will also be much more fluid on the G90 Pro.
