Looking for an affordable Android phone without breaking the bank? The TCL Ion X and BLU G51 are both contenders in the budget smartphone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL Ion X edges out the BLU G51 thanks to its octa-core processor and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget devices, the Ion X's more powerful chipset provides a smoother user experience, making it the preferable option for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 26 | 2022, June 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 26 | Available. Released 2022, June 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.5 x 75.2 x 8.9 mm (6.16 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 155.3 x 73.5 x 9.5 mm (6.11 x 2.89 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) | 166 g (5.86 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android, TCL UI | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Blue, Green, Silver, Gold |
| Price | About 100 EUR | - |
TCL Ion X
- More powerful Octa-Core Processor
- Potentially better image processing
- Slightly more modern chipset
- Likely better multitasking performance
- 10W charging is slow
- Likely basic display quality
- Budget build quality
BLU G51
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Suitable for basic tasks
- Weaker Quad-Core Processor
- Lower performance
- Likely basic display quality
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with a standard resolution (likely HD+). Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The TCL Ion X *might* have a slightly better panel, but differences will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar – both will probably have a primary rear camera around 13MP, with a secondary depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The TCL Ion X *might* have slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset.
Performance
This is where the TCL Ion X has a clear advantage. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset with an octa-core processor significantly outperforms the BLU G51's Helio A22 quad-core processor. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive experience on the Ion X. Gaming performance will also be noticeably better.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. Battery life should be comparable, offering a full day of moderate use. The TCL Ion X's more efficient chipset *could* provide slightly better battery life, but it's unlikely to be a significant difference.
Buying Guide
The TCL Ion X is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a slightly more modern chipset, even on a tight budget. The BLU G51 is a good option for those seeking a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing, and who are extremely price-sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G25 and Helio A22 chipsets?
The Helio G25 is an octa-core processor, offering significantly more processing power than the BLU G51's quad-core Helio A22. This translates to better performance in apps, games, and multitasking.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
Neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, but the TCL Ion X's more powerful chipset will provide a noticeably better gaming experience than the BLU G51. Expect to play less demanding games at lower settings.
