The TCL A3 and BLU G5 Plus represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison focuses on the core performance differences stemming from their respective chipsets, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance in everyday tasks, the TCL A3 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, while older, offers a higher clock speed and a more established track record than the BLU G5 Plus's CPU, resulting in a smoother user experience.
| 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 - G0190UU |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 13, 66 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 28 - G0190LL, G0190VV |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17 - G0190UU |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October | 2019, July. Released 2019, July |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 145.8 x 71.1 x 9.9 mm (5.74 x 2.80 x 0.39 in) | 161.4 x 78 x 9.6 mm (6.35 x 3.07 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 171 g (6.03 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | 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 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Red, Twilight, Chameleon Blue |
| Models | A509DL | - |
| Price | About 40 EUR | - |
TCL A3
- Higher CPU clock speed for faster performance
- Established Mediatek Helio P22 chipset
- Potential for better display quality (TCL expertise)
- Older Cortex-A53 cores are less efficient per clock cycle
- 12nm process node is not the most advanced
BLU G5 Plus
- Potentially better power efficiency with Cortex-A55 cores
- Newer CPU architecture
- Likely lower price point
- Lower CPU clock speed impacts overall performance
- CPU details are limited, making performance prediction difficult
- BLU's software support is historically less consistent
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given their price point, both likely utilize 720p LCD panels. The TCL A3, benefiting from TCL's display manufacturing expertise, *may* offer slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical of this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are absent beyond the existence of cameras on both devices. It's safe to assume both feature basic camera setups with a primary sensor and potentially a depth or macro lens. Image quality will likely be similar, heavily reliant on software processing. Without sensor size or aperture information, a meaningful comparison is impossible. Expect limited low-light performance from both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The TCL A3’s Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12nm) features an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, utilizing Cortex-A53 cores. The BLU G5 Plus employs an octa-core CPU clocked at 1.6 GHz, using the newer Cortex-A55 architecture. While Cortex-A55 cores are more efficient *per clock cycle* than A53, the 2.0 GHz clock speed of the Helio P22 provides a raw processing power advantage. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The 12nm process node of the Helio P22 is also a factor; while not leading-edge, it's a mature and well-optimized process. The G5 Plus's CPU, lacking specific process node information, may be manufactured on a less efficient node, potentially impacting thermal performance under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified. Given the price bracket, both likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The potential efficiency gains of the BLU G5 Plus’s Cortex-A55 CPU *could* translate to slightly longer battery life, but the higher processing demands of the TCL A3’s CPU may offset this. Charging speeds are likely to be slow on both devices, relying on standard 5W or 10W charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL A3 if you need a phone that can reliably handle multitasking, social media, and light gaming without significant slowdowns. Its higher clocked CPU provides a noticeable advantage in responsiveness. Buy the BLU G5 Plus if you prioritize potential power efficiency and are primarily focused on basic communication tasks like calls, texts, and minimal app usage. The Cortex-A55 architecture *could* offer better efficiency, but the lower clock speed is a trade-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL A3 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The TCL A3’s Helio P22 chipset should handle Facebook and WhatsApp without significant issues. However, expect some loading delays and occasional stuttering when multitasking with other apps. The 2.0 GHz clock speed provides enough headroom for these commonly used applications.
❓ Is the BLU G5 Plus suitable for playing mobile games?
The BLU G5 Plus is not ideal for gaming. The lower CPU clock speed and lack of dedicated GPU information suggest it will struggle with even basic 3D games. Expect low frame rates and significant lag. It's best suited for casual games and basic tasks.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the TCL A3 and BLU G5 Plus?
TCL typically offers a relatively clean Android experience with some pre-installed apps. BLU, historically, has been known to include more bloatware. This can impact performance and storage space. Software update support is also generally more reliable with TCL.
