The Energizer E284S and BLU R2 Plus represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The E284S relies on a newer, albeit low-end, Unisoc chipset, while the R2 Plus utilizes an older, but more powerful, Mediatek processor. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the BLU R2 Plus is the better choice. Its Mediatek MT6753 chipset, with its octa-core CPU clocked at 1.3 GHz, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Energizer E284S’s 1 GHz Unisoc T117. While the E284S may benefit from newer architecture, the raw processing power of the R2 Plus is more impactful for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 12, 17, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December. Released 2022, Q2 | 2017, November. Released 2017, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137.6 x 62.5 x 15.6 mm (5.42 x 2.46 x 0.61 in) | 155.7 x 77 x 9.2 mm (6.13 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM) |
| Weight | 131 g (4.62 oz) | 167 g (5.89 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~28.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1 GHz | Octa-core 1.3 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc T117 | Mediatek MT6753 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-T720 |
| OS | - | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128MB, 64MB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | eMMC | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | dual-LED dual-tone flash |
| Single | VGA | 13 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1 | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Downloadable | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | No | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 725 h (2G) / Up to 625 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 26 h (2G) / Up to 16 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Green | Black, Gold |
| Price | About 50 EUR | - |
Energizer E284S
- Potentially newer software support due to Unisoc chipset.
- May have slightly better power efficiency at idle.
- Lower price point (potentially).
- Significantly slower CPU performance.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Struggles with demanding applications.
BLU R2 Plus
- Faster octa-core processor for smoother performance.
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- More responsive user experience.
- Older chipset architecture.
- Potentially shorter software support lifecycle.
- May have slightly lower battery life under heavy load.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-end display. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions. The lack of detailed display specifications necessitates a focus on the chipset's ability to drive the display efficiently. The R2 Plus’s more powerful GPU within the MT6753 should handle display rendering with slightly less strain, potentially resulting in smoother scrolling and transitions. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are likely to feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will rely on low-resolution sensors. The R2 Plus’s more capable chipset could offer slightly better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in marginally improved image quality. Any claims of advanced features like HDR or scene recognition should be viewed with skepticism. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The BLU R2 Plus’s Mediatek MT6753, fabricated on a 28nm process, features an octa-core CPU clocked at 1.3 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Energizer E284S’s Unisoc T117, a quad-core processor running at 1 GHz. While the Unisoc T117 benefits from a more modern architecture, the sheer number of cores and higher clock speed of the MT6753 translate to superior multitasking and application launch speeds. The 28nm process of the MT6753, while older, is a mature technology, and thermal management should be adequate for the intended use case. The E284S may struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their budget nature, both likely house batteries in the 2000-3000 mAh range. The more efficient Mediatek MT6753 in the R2 Plus could potentially offer slightly longer battery life despite a potentially similar capacity. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to support slow charging speeds, meaning a full charge will take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer E284S if you need a phone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage – and prioritize a potentially longer software support window due to the newer chipset. Buy the BLU R2 Plus if you prefer a smoother experience when browsing the web, using social media, or running multiple apps simultaneously, and are willing to accept a potentially shorter software support lifecycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek MT6753 in the BLU R2 Plus overheat during prolonged use?
The MT6753 is a mature chipset and, while not a powerhouse, is unlikely to overheat during typical usage scenarios like browsing, social media, or light gaming. Its 28nm process is well-understood, and thermal throttling is unlikely to be a major issue given the phone's low-end positioning.
❓ Is the Unisoc T117 in the Energizer E284S sufficient for running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Unisoc T117 should be capable of running basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. However, expect slower loading times and potential lag when switching between apps. It's best suited for users who prioritize simplicity and minimal app usage.
❓ Can the BLU R2 Plus handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The BLU R2 Plus should be able to handle less demanding mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers without significant issues. However, don't expect high frame rates or the ability to run graphically intensive games smoothly.
