The BLU View 1 and Nokia C100 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users for whom affordability is the sole priority. Both devices rely on Mediatek chipsets, but differ in their execution. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the most usable experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Nokia C100 emerges as the better choice. Its newer Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 chipset, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance boost over the BLU View 1’s older MT6739, despite both featuring quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 66, 71 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2022, January 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, Q2 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 142.2 x 71.1 x 10.1 mm (5.60 x 2.80 x 0.40 in) | 149.6 x 71.9 x 9.7 mm (5.89 x 2.83 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 153 g (5.40 oz) | - |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~195 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~77.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~71.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 2500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Blue |
| Models | - | TA-1484, TA-1520, N152DL |
| Price | - | About 50 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.03 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) |
BLU View 1
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic calling and texting
- May be readily available in certain markets
- Outdated and inefficient chipset
- Slow performance and laggy UI
- Limited app compatibility
Nokia C100
- More efficient and powerful chipset
- Smoother user experience
- Better battery life
- Android Go optimized for low-end hardware
- Still limited by budget components
- Camera performance will be basic
- May be slightly more expensive than the BLU View 1
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type (IPS is assumed for both) and resolution are likely similar and unspecified. The key difference lies in the underlying chipsets' ability to efficiently drive the display. The Nokia C100’s MT6761, with its newer architecture, will likely offer slightly better responsiveness and smoother scrolling, even if the raw pixel count is identical. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature basic sensors. The focus should be on usability, not image quality. The Nokia C100’s slightly more powerful chipset may allow for marginally faster image processing, but don’t expect significant improvements. Any secondary cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) on either device are likely to be of limited practical value.
Performance
The Nokia C100’s Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 is the clear winner in performance. While both chipsets utilize a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU, the MT6761 is built on a 12nm process compared to the BLU View 1’s older 28nm MT6739. This smaller fabrication node translates directly to improved power efficiency and the ability to sustain higher clock speeds for longer periods. The C100’s 2.0 GHz CPU clock speed versus the View 1’s 1.5 GHz further reinforces this advantage. This means faster app loading times and a more fluid user interface on the Nokia C100, especially when running Android Go.
Battery Life
Battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns, but the Nokia C100’s more efficient chipset gives it an edge. The 12nm process of the MT6761 consumes less power than the 28nm MT6739, resulting in longer standby times and potentially more screen-on time. While mAh capacity isn’t specified, the C100’s power efficiency will likely offset any potential differences in battery size. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, given their budget nature.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU View 1 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to accept significant performance limitations. It's a viable option for basic communication tasks only. Buy the Nokia C100 if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, even for simple tasks, and appreciate the benefits of a more modern, power-efficient chipset. The C100 is better suited for light social media browsing and basic app usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C100 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
While the Nokia C100 won't offer a flagship-level experience, its MT6761 chipset and Android Go optimization are designed to handle lightweight apps like WhatsApp and Facebook reasonably well. Expect some loading times and occasional lag, but it should be usable for basic social media interaction.
❓ Is the BLU View 1 suitable for a first-time smartphone user?
The BLU View 1 could function as a very basic first smartphone, primarily for calls and texts. However, its slow performance may frustrate new users accustomed to more responsive devices. The Nokia C100 is a better option for a first-time user due to its smoother operation.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Neither the BLU View 1 nor the Nokia C100 are suitable for playing demanding mobile games. While simple 2D games might be playable at low settings, more graphically intensive titles will likely experience significant lag and poor performance. These phones are not designed for gaming.
