The BLU G5 Plus and Studio X9 HD represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Studio X9 HD aims for maximum affordability, while the G5 Plus attempts to deliver a more modern experience with a newer processor. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU G5 Plus is the superior choice. Its octa-core Cortex-A55 CPU provides a significantly smoother and more responsive experience than the Studio X9 HD’s quad-core Cortex-A7. While both phones target the budget segment, the G5 Plus offers a noticeable performance uplift justifying the potential price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - G0190UU |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 28 - G0190LL, G0190VV |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17 - G0190UU |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 25. Released 2020, March 25 | 2019, July. Released 2019, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 143 x 73 x 10.1 mm (5.63 x 2.87 x 0.40 in) | 161.4 x 78 x 9.6 mm (6.35 x 3.07 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 144 g (5.08 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 500 h (3G) | Up to 575 h (2G) / Up to 525 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 15 h (3G) | Up to 20 h (2G) / Up to 15 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Blue | Black, Red, Twilight, Chameleon Blue |
| Price | About 50 EUR | - |
BLU Studio X9 HD
- Lowest possible price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Acceptable for basic communication tasks
- Outdated processor leads to sluggish performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
BLU G5 Plus
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Improved multitasking capabilities
- Better app compatibility
- Potentially higher price than the Studio X9 HD
- May still struggle with very demanding games
- Camera quality likely remains basic
Display Comparison
Neither BLU provides detailed display specifications. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. However, the G5 Plus’s more modern chipset suggests a potentially higher resolution and improved color accuracy. The Studio X9 HD, with its older chipset, may exhibit more noticeable lag during scrolling and animations. Without specific nit brightness data, it’s reasonable to assume both displays will struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. However, given the market segment, it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups. The G5 Plus’s more powerful processor could offer improved image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. Without knowing sensor sizes or lens apertures, it’s difficult to make definitive claims, but the G5 Plus has a clear advantage in processing power to enhance image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPUs. The BLU G5 Plus boasts an octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor, a significant leap over the Studio X9 HD’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. The Cortex-A55 architecture is far more efficient and delivers substantially better performance per clock cycle. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved responsiveness in the G5 Plus. The 28nm process of the MT6580 in the X9 HD is also less efficient, potentially leading to higher power consumption for similar tasks. The G5 Plus will handle more demanding applications and games with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the more efficient Cortex-A55 processor in the G5 Plus will likely result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the X9 HD. The 28nm process of the MT6580 is less power efficient, meaning the Studio X9 HD will drain its battery faster under similar usage conditions. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the G5 Plus’s more modern design might support faster charging technologies.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio X9 HD if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Buy the BLU G5 Plus if you prioritize a smoother user experience, multitasking, and the ability to run more demanding apps without significant lag. The G5 Plus is the better option for anyone who values responsiveness and future-proofing, even on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU G5 Plus handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the octa-core Cortex-A55 processor in the G5 Plus is more than capable of running social media apps smoothly. You should experience minimal lag when scrolling through feeds, posting updates, and browsing photos and videos, unlike the Studio X9 HD which may struggle with these tasks.
❓ Is the BLU Studio X9 HD suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Studio X9 HD is a viable option if your primary needs are basic communication. Its quad-core processor is sufficient for making calls, sending texts, and using simple contact management features. However, be prepared for slower performance if you attempt to use more demanding apps.
❓ Can the BLU G5 Plus run games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While the G5 Plus can *run* these games, don't expect a high-end gaming experience. You'll likely need to play on the lowest graphics settings and may still encounter occasional frame drops. The Studio X9 HD would struggle significantly with these titles.