BLU View 3 vs. Apple iPhone 6s: A Clash of Generations

The smartphone landscape is vast, with options for every budget and need. Today, we pit a budget-friendly contender, the BLU View 3, against a classic, the Apple iPhone 6s. Can a modern budget phone truly compete with a device that helped define the smartphone era?
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iPhone 6s, despite its age, offers a significantly smoother and more refined experience thanks to its superior chipset and iOS. While the BLU View 3 provides a more affordable entry point, the iPhone 6s's performance and ecosystem advantages make it the overall winner for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names BLU View 3 Apple iPhone 6s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29 - A1688
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41 - A1687
Launch
Announced2021, September. Released 2021, October2015, September 09. Released 2015, September 25
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Corning-made glass), aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions160.2 x 76.7 x 9 mm (6.31 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm (5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight178 g (6.28 oz)143 g (5.04 oz)
 -Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified)
Display
Protection-Ion-strengthened glass, oleophobic coating
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density)750 x 1334 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~326 ppi density)
Size6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~75.6% screen-to-body ratio)4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~65.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 500 nits
 -3D Touch
Platform
CPUOcta-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Dual-core 1.84 GHz Twister
ChipsetMediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Apple A9 (14/16 nm - maker dependant)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GT7600 (six-core graphics)
OSAndroid 11iOS 9, upgradable to iOS 15.8.5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal32GB 3GB RAM16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR
Single13 MP12 MP, f/2.2, 29mm (standard), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, PDAF
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps,1080p@120fps, 720p@240fps
Selfie camera
Features-Face detection, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP5 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard)
Video720p@30fps720p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 -16-bit/44.1kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE4.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (Apple Pay only)
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0Lightning, USB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Stand-by-Up to 240 h (3G)
Talk time-Up to 14 h (3G)
TypeLi-Po 3400 mAhLi-Ion 1715 mAh, non-removable (6.91 Wh)
Misc
ColorsBlackSpace Gray, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold
Models-A1633, A1688, A1691, A1700, iPhone8,1
PriceAbout 50 EURAbout 230 EUR
SAR-1.14 W/kg (head)     1.14 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.87 W/kg (head)     0.98 W/kg (body)
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -93.8dB / Crosstalk -73.2dB
Battery life- Endurance rating 62h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1481 (nominal), 3.783 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker- Voice 66dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 65dB
Performance- Basemark OS II 2.0: 2195

BLU View 3

  • Affordable
  • Large Display (likely)
  • Decent Battery Life (potentially)

  • Lower Performance
  • Less Refined Software
  • Lower Camera Quality
  • Plastic Build

Apple iPhone 6s

  • Powerful Chipset
  • Smooth iOS Experience
  • Good Camera
  • Premium Build Quality
  • Apple Ecosystem

  • Older Device
  • Potential Battery Degradation
  • Higher Price (used)
  • Limited Storage Options

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a contrast ratio of 1481 (nominal) and 3.783 (sunlight), indicating good visibility. However, the iPhone 6s's display is generally considered superior due to Apple's color calibration and overall display technology. The BLU View 3 likely uses a less vibrant and accurate panel.

Camera Comparison

The iPhone 6s's camera, while not top-tier by today's standards, still produces consistently good photos and videos. It benefits from Apple's image processing algorithms. The BLU View 3's camera is likely to be less consistent and offer lower image quality, especially in low light. Specific megapixel counts are not provided, but the iPhone's image processing is a key advantage.

Performance

This is where the iPhone 6s truly shines. The A9 chip, while older, is significantly more powerful than the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive user experience on the iPhone 6s. The BLU View 3 will likely struggle with demanding apps and games.

Battery Life

Both devices are reported to have an endurance rating of 62h. However, battery health on the iPhone 6s is a significant concern due to its age. A used iPhone 6s may have significantly degraded battery life. The BLU View 3, being newer, is more likely to have a healthier battery.

Buying Guide

The BLU View 3 is ideal for users on a tight budget who prioritize affordability and basic functionality. The iPhone 6s is a better choice for those seeking a reliable, well-supported device with a premium feel and access to the Apple ecosystem, even if it means paying a premium for a used device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iPhone 6s still worth buying in 2024?
Yes, if you prioritize performance and iOS, but be mindful of potential battery degradation and limited software updates. It's a good option for basic use and accessing the Apple ecosystem.
❓ What are the main differences between the BLU View 3 and iPhone 6s?
The iPhone 6s offers significantly better performance, a more refined user experience, and a better camera. The BLU View 3 is a more affordable option for basic smartphone use.