The BLU Studio X5 and the alcatel 1x (2019) represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, often found as prepaid devices or deeply discounted options. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which offers the most value for its cost.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly smoother performance, the alcatel 1x (2019) emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek MT6739 chipset, clocked at 1.5 GHz, provides a modest but noticeable performance edge over the BLU Studio X5’s 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 processor, making everyday tasks feel a bit more responsive.
| 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 - 5059A |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40 - 5008T |
| 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 |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - 5008Y |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July | 2019, January. Released 2019, Q1 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 145 x 72.4 x 10.1 mm (5.71 x 2.85 x 0.40 in) | 146.4 x 68.8 x 8.3 mm (5.76 x 2.71 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 149 g (5.26 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
Secondary unspecified camera | 13 MP
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted, 5008T only), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Bronze, Black, Blue | Pebble Blue, Pebble Black |
| Models | - | 5008T, 5008Y, 5008U, 5008R, 5008D_EEA, 5008Y_EEA, 5008D |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 120 EUR |
BLU Studio X5
- Potentially lower price point.
- Compact and lightweight design (assumed).
- Basic smartphone functionality.
- Slower processor compared to the alcatel 1x (2019).
- Likely less efficient chipset.
- Limited camera capabilities.
alcatel 1x (2019)
- Faster processor (1.5 GHz vs 1.3 GHz).
- More efficient chipset (MT6739).
- Slightly smoother user experience.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Still limited in terms of performance and features.
- Camera quality remains basic.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specifications, we can assume both utilize low-resolution LCD panels typical of this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather basic readability. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy and viewing angles will be limited on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be extremely limited. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature low-resolution primary sensors. Image quality will suffer in low light, and detail will be minimal. Any secondary cameras (likely 2MP depth or macro sensors) are largely marketing gimmicks and offer little practical benefit. The alcatel 1x (2019) *might* have slightly better image processing capabilities due to the MT6739’s integrated ISP, but the difference will be marginal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The alcatel 1x (2019) features the Mediatek MT6739, a 28nm chipset with a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.5 GHz. The BLU Studio X5 utilizes a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53. While both CPUs share the same architecture, the higher clock speed of the MT6739 translates to faster processing. The 28nm process node of the MT6739, while older, is likely more efficient than whatever fabrication process the BLU Studio X5’s CPU uses, potentially leading to slightly better battery life under load. Neither phone will excel at demanding tasks, but the alcatel 1x (2019) will handle basic multitasking more smoothly.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their price point and hardware, both likely house batteries in the 2000-2500 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely limited to 5W. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage, but both should be able to last a full day with light use. The MT6739’s potentially better efficiency could give the alcatel 1x (2019) a slight edge in longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio X5 if you need a phone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage – and are extremely budget-constrained. Buy the alcatel 1x (2019) if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for social media browsing, light web surfing, and occasional app downloads, and are willing to spend a small premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the alcatel 1x (2019) be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
The alcatel 1x (2019)'s Mediatek MT6739 chipset offers a slight performance advantage over the BLU Studio X5. While it won't provide a flagship-level experience, it should be capable of running Facebook and Instagram without significant lag, especially with a limited number of background apps.
❓ Is the BLU Studio X5 a good option for a first smartphone for a senior citizen?
The BLU Studio X5's simplicity could be beneficial for a first-time smartphone user. However, its slower processor might make it frustrating for even basic tasks. The alcatel 1x (2019) is a slightly better choice due to its marginally improved performance, offering a more responsive experience.
❓ Can either of these phones be used for mobile gaming?
Neither the BLU Studio X5 nor the alcatel 1x (2019) are suitable for serious mobile gaming. While they might be able to run very basic 2D games, demanding titles will likely be unplayable due to the limited processing power and graphics capabilities.
