The BLU Studio X9 HD and Nokia 3.1 Plus represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. While both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they differ significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how they impact real-world performance and usability for the budget-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia 3.1 Plus is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio P22 (or Snapdragon 439 in the US) chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the BLU Studio X9 HD’s aging Mediatek MT6580, resulting in a smoother, more responsive user experience. While the BLU may be cheaper, the Nokia offers better value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 2, 4, 5, 12, 14, 29, 30 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 25. Released 2020, March 25 | 2018, October. Released 2018, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 143 x 73 x 10.1 mm (5.63 x 2.87 x 0.40 in) | 156.9 x 76.4 x 8.2 mm (6.18 x 3.01 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 144 g (5.08 oz) | 180 g (6.35 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 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 - GlobalOcta-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) - USA |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) - GlobalQualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) - USA |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 - GlobalAdreno 505 - USA |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (USA, APAC & EMEA) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 500 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 15 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Blue | Blue, White, Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1118, TA-1125, TA-1113, TA-1117, TA-1124, TA-1125 |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.58 W/kg (body) |
BLU Studio X9 HD
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Significantly slower performance
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Likely limited software support
Nokia 3.1 Plus
- Much faster performance
- More efficient chipset
- 10W charging support
- Potentially better software support (Nokia brand)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera performance still limited by price point
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature 720p panels, typical for this price point. However, the Nokia 3.1 Plus benefits from a more modern chipset capable of driving a potentially higher quality panel. The BLU Studio X9 HD, with its older processor, may struggle with smoother animations even at this resolution. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and brightness are unavailable, but the Nokia’s newer architecture suggests a better overall visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but given the price point, large sensors and wide apertures are unlikely. The Nokia 3.1 Plus may benefit from slightly better image processing capabilities due to its more powerful chipset, potentially resulting in marginally better image quality in good lighting conditions. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered marketing features rather than significant photographic tools.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The BLU Studio X9 HD’s Mediatek MT6580, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU clocked at 1.3 GHz. This is a decidedly entry-level processor. In contrast, the Nokia 3.1 Plus utilizes the Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) globally, or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm) in the US. The Helio P22’s octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, and the Snapdragon 439’s octa-core configuration (split 1.95GHz & 1.45GHz), offer a substantial leap in multi-core performance. The 12nm process node also contributes to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling compared to the BLU’s 28nm chip. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Nokia.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Nokia 3.1 Plus includes 10W wired charging, a feature likely absent on the BLU Studio X9 HD. While 10W isn’t fast charging by modern standards, it’s still a benefit. The more efficient 12nm chipset in the Nokia 3.1 Plus will also contribute to longer battery life, even with a similar capacity battery to the BLU Studio X9 HD, due to reduced power consumption.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio X9 HD if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and extremely light app usage, and your budget is severely constrained. You're willing to accept significant performance limitations. Buy the Nokia 3.1 Plus if you want a phone capable of handling everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and light gaming without frustrating lag, and you value a more modern chipset and potentially better software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6580 in the BLU Studio X9 HD sufficient for running WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the MT6580 *can* run WhatsApp and Facebook, expect a sluggish experience, especially with multiple chats or background activity. The limited processing power and RAM will struggle with these apps, leading to noticeable lag and potential crashes. The Nokia 3.1 Plus will handle these tasks much more smoothly.
❓ Does the Nokia 3.1 Plus support popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Nokia 3.1 Plus can *run* PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but not at high settings. Expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially with a lower frame rate to maintain a playable experience. The Mediatek Helio P22/Snapdragon 439 isn't a gaming powerhouse, but it's significantly better than the BLU Studio X9 HD's chipset for gaming.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
The Nokia 3.1 Plus is far more likely to receive software updates. Nokia has a commitment to providing regular updates, even for their budget devices, as part of the Android One program. BLU typically offers limited software support for their phones.
