The BLU Studio X5 Max and the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The BLU aims for affordability, while the Samsung leverages brand recognition and a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the superior choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset provides significantly better performance and future-proofing compared to the BLU Studio X5 Max’s aging Cortex-A53 processor. While the BLU may be cheaper, the A12’s improved experience justifies 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 / 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| 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) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~67.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated 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 | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2700 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Bronze, Black, Blue | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
BLU Studio X5 Max
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer a more compact form factor (specifications unavailable)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Outdated processor (Cortex-A53)
- Likely poor performance in demanding apps
- Camera quality likely to be subpar
- Limited software support
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Significantly faster processor (Exynos 850)
- More responsive user experience
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Samsung brand reliability
- 15W fast charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- 2MP macro camera is largely ineffective
- Display quality is average
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. The BLU Studio X5 Max’s display specifications are unavailable, suggesting a basic panel. The Samsung Galaxy A12 features a larger display, but details on its brightness and color accuracy are limited. Given Samsung’s history, it likely offers better color reproduction than the BLU, but both will likely struggle in direct sunlight. The A12’s larger screen size is a benefit for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be a weak point on both devices. The BLU Studio X5 Max’s camera specifications are unavailable, suggesting a basic setup. The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) likely features a more capable main sensor, but its inclusion of a 2MP macro lens is largely marketing fluff. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing, and both phones will struggle in low-light conditions. The Exynos 850’s image signal processor (ISP) will likely provide better noise reduction and dynamic range compared to the BLU’s processor.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The BLU Studio X5 Max utilizes a Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 processor, an older architecture known for its limited capabilities. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is powered by the Exynos 850 (8nm), an Octa-core chip with four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. The 8nm manufacturing process of the Exynos 850 also contributes to better power efficiency. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the A12. The A12’s CPU architecture is significantly more modern, offering improved instructions per clock cycle.
Battery Life
Battery life is difficult to predict without detailed testing. The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) supports 15W wired charging, which is a moderate speed. The BLU Studio X5 Max’s charging speed is unknown. While the A12’s battery capacity is not specified, Samsung generally optimizes its software for efficient power management. The Exynos 850’s 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity compared to the BLU.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio X5 Max if your primary need is a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is an 8nm chip, which generally runs cooler than older, larger-node processors. While it won't match the thermal performance of flagship chips, it should handle moderate gaming sessions without significant overheating or throttling. Expect some warmth, but not to the point of discomfort or severe performance drops.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) actually useful?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro camera is largely a marketing gimmick. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images that are often blurry and lack detail. It's best to rely on the main camera for most of your photography needs.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to use lower graphics settings to achieve a stable frame rate. The Exynos 850 is capable, but it's not a gaming powerhouse. Expect playable performance at balanced or low settings.
❓ What kind of software updates can I expect on the BLU Studio X5 Max?
BLU phones generally have limited software update support. You should expect minimal updates, potentially only security patches. Don't rely on receiving major Android version upgrades on the Studio X5 Max.
