The TCL 502 and BLU Advance L5 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users who prioritize affordability above all else. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison will dissect those differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the TCL 502 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, clocked at 2.0 GHz, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the BLU Advance L5’s older 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7, making it more responsive for everyday tasks. While both are entry-level, the TCL 502 offers a smoother, more modern experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - A390U |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 66, 71 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - A390L |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December 04 | 2019, September. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159 x 78 x 9.6 mm (6.26 x 3.07 x 0.38 in) | 124.8 x 65.2 x 10.4 mm (4.91 x 2.57 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 104 g (3.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~56.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio A22 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 13 (Go edition) | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 450 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 18 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) |
| Type | 3000 mAh | Li-Po 1300 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Cyan, Lime, Red |
| Models | T432J | - |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 40 EUR |
TCL 502
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More modern chipset with better power efficiency
- 10W charging for faster top-ups
- Still an entry-level device with limited capabilities
- Camera quality likely to be basic
BLU Advance L5
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Outdated processor results in sluggish performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor BLU provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions (likely 720p+). The TCL 502’s advantage lies in its more powerful chipset, which can more efficiently drive the display, potentially resulting in smoother animations. The BLU Advance L5, with its older processor, may exhibit noticeable lag when scrolling or transitioning between apps, impacting the perceived display quality.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is expected to excel in photography. Without detailed camera specifications, it’s safe to assume both feature basic sensors. The TCL 502’s more powerful processor *could* allow for slightly better image processing, but the limitations of the sensor itself will be the primary bottleneck. Expect low-light performance to be poor on both devices. Focusing on camera quality with these phones is unrealistic; they are designed for basic communication, not photography.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices is the chipset. The TCL 502’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) is a significantly more modern design than the BLU Advance L5’s Cortex-A7. The Helio A22’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores offer a substantial clock speed and architectural improvement over the Cortex-A7’s 1.3 GHz. This translates to faster app launch times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The 12nm process node of the Helio A22 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life despite the increased performance. The BLU Advance L5 will likely struggle with even moderately demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the TCL 502’s 10W wired charging suggests a more modern charging implementation. The BLU Advance L5 likely uses a slower, older charging standard. While the actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, the Helio A22’s improved power efficiency in the TCL 502 could result in longer runtimes, even with a similar battery capacity. The 10W charging on the TCL 502 will also provide a faster top-up when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 502 if you need a smartphone capable of handling basic social media, messaging, and light web browsing without significant lag. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable backup device. Buy the BLU Advance L5 if your primary need is a phone for making calls and sending texts, and you are operating under a very strict budget where every dollar counts. It will struggle with anything beyond the most basic tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 502 be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the TCL 502’s Mediatek Helio A22 chipset is capable of running Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. While it won’t offer a high-end experience, it should provide a usable and responsive experience for basic social media browsing and posting.
❓ Is the BLU Advance L5 suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for making calls and sending text messages?
Absolutely. The BLU Advance L5 is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like making calls and sending text messages. Its older processor won’t hinder these core functionalities, and its affordability makes it a viable option for users with minimal smartphone needs.
❓ Can I play games on the TCL 502?
Simple, less demanding games are playable on the TCL 502, but don't expect a great experience. The Helio A22 isn't a gaming chipset. Expect low frame rates and graphical settings on most titles. The BLU Advance L5 will struggle even with very basic games.
❓ What type of charging port does the TCL 502 use?
While not explicitly stated, given the current market trends and the TCL 502's specifications, it almost certainly uses a Micro-USB port for charging. The BLU Advance L5 likely uses the same.
