The Lenovo Phab2, released in 2016, represented a large-screen, affordable option. Now, the BLU Studio Mega 2019 enters the arena, boasting a newer processor. This comparison dissects whether the generational leap in CPU architecture translates to a meaningfully better user experience, especially for those seeking a low-cost smartphone.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the BLU Studio Mega 2019 is the clear winner. Its octa-core Cortex-A55 CPU offers a significant performance advantage over the Phab2’s quad-core Cortex-A53, despite the age difference. While both phones target the budget segment, the Mega 2019 provides a more modern and fluid experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17 - USA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, June. Released 2016, June | 2019, September. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 175 x 89.5 x 9.6 mm (6.89 x 3.52 x 0.38 in) | 161.4 x 78 x 9.6 mm (6.35 x 3.07 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 225 g (7.94 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~229 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 112.9 cm2 (~72.1% 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-A53 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8735 | - |
| GPU | Mali-T720MP2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 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 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 575 h (2G) / Up to 525 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 20 h (2G) / Up to 15 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 4050 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gunmetal Grey, Champagne Gold | Black |
| Models | PB2-650M, PB2-650Y | - |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Lenovo Phab2
- Potentially larger screen size (unconfirmed)
- Lower initial price (likely, given age)
- Established brand recognition (Lenovo)
- Outdated quad-core processor
- Slower performance and multitasking
- Likely limited software support
BLU Studio Mega 2019
- More modern octa-core processor
- Improved performance and responsiveness
- Better multitasking capabilities
- More efficient CPU architecture
- BLU brand reliability concerns (historically)
- Potentially smaller screen size
- Unknown camera quality
Display Comparison
Neither device is known for display excellence. The Lenovo Phab2’s large screen size is its primary draw, but details like panel type and resolution are not provided. The BLU Studio Mega 2019’s display specifications are similarly sparse. Given the target price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels with modest brightness and color accuracy. Without specific nit ratings or color gamut coverage, it’s difficult to declare a winner; however, the Phab2’s larger size may appeal to media consumers.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Details are lacking for both, but given the price bracket, image quality will likely be acceptable in good lighting conditions but struggle in low light. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is impossible. It’s safe to assume both rely on software processing to enhance images, but the processing power of the Mega 2019’s CPU may give it a slight edge in post-processing speed.
Performance
This is where the BLU Studio Mega 2019 shines. The Mediatek MT8735 in the Phab2 features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.3 GHz. The BLU Studio Mega 2019, however, utilizes an octa-core Cortex-A55 CPU clocked at 1.6 GHz. The Cortex-A55 architecture represents a significant improvement in efficiency and instruction-per-clock (IPC) over the A53. This means the Mega 2019 will handle multitasking, app loading, and general navigation with noticeably less lag. While RAM details are missing for both, the CPU advantage is substantial. The A55’s efficiency also suggests potentially better battery life under load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for both phones. However, the more efficient Cortex-A55 CPU in the BLU Studio Mega 2019 will likely translate to longer battery life, even with a similar capacity battery. Charging wattage is also unknown for both devices, meaning we can’t assess charging speeds. The Mega 2019’s processor efficiency is the key differentiator here, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Phab2 if you absolutely need a very large screen on an extremely tight budget and are willing to accept slower performance and potentially limited software support. Buy the BLU Studio Mega 2019 if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and a more current processor architecture, even if it means sacrificing some screen real estate. The Mega 2019 is the better choice for daily use and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BLU Studio Mega 2019 a reliable phone, given BLU's past reputation?
BLU has historically faced some reliability concerns, but their recent offerings have shown improvement. The Mega 2019 benefits from a newer processor and potentially better quality control. However, Lenovo has a more established track record for long-term support and build quality.
❓ Will the BLU Studio Mega 2019 handle basic gaming like PUBG Mobile or Free Fire?
While the BLU Studio Mega 2019 won't deliver a high-end gaming experience, the octa-core Cortex-A55 CPU should be capable of running PUBG Mobile or Free Fire at lower settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense action and limited graphical fidelity. The Phab2 would struggle significantly more with these titles.
❓ How much storage does the BLU Studio Mega 2019 have, and is it expandable?
Storage capacity details are not provided in the available data. However, most budget smartphones in this price range offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, with microSD card support for expansion. Checking retailer listings is crucial to confirm the specific storage configuration.
