In the ultra-competitive sub-$100 smartphone market, the verykool i285 and BLU R1 HD represent attempts to deliver functionality at an incredibly low price point. While the verykool i285 lacks publicly available detailed specifications, its existence alongside the BLU R1 HD, which features a Mediatek MT6735 chipset, allows us to analyze the trade-offs inherent in choosing between these two options, focusing on what limited information we have and typical expectations for this segment.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the BLU R1 HD is the superior choice. Its Mediatek MT6735 chipset provides a demonstrable performance advantage over the verykool i285, which lacks any published specifications suggesting comparable processing power. While both phones target the budget market, the R1 HD offers a more usable experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 2, 4, 7, 12, 17 |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Class 12 | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, Q2 | 2016, June. Released 2016, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 117 x 57 x 12.1 mm (4.61 x 2.24 x 0.48 in) | 143.5 x 72 x 8.7 mm (5.65 x 2.83 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 106 g (3.74 oz) | 142 g (5.01 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~146 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.2 inches, 29.1 cm2 (~43.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6735 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-T720 |
| OS | - | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 80MB | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | VGA | 5 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | 1.2 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | Yes | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | MP3/AAC+ player
MP4/3GP player
Organizer
Predictive text input | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 600 h (2G) / Up to 500 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 24 h (2G) / Up to 15 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1100 mAh battery | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Midnight Black |
| Models | - | R1 HD |
verykool i285
- Potentially the lowest possible price point.
- May be suitable for extremely basic communication.
- Lightweight and compact (assumed).
- Likely very poor performance.
- Unknown display quality.
- Limited software support.
BLU R1 HD
- Mediatek MT6735 chipset offers usable performance.
- 720p display provides acceptable clarity.
- More likely to receive software updates (though limited).
- Still a very basic smartphone experience.
- Camera quality is limited.
- Battery life is likely average at best.
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the verykool i285, a direct comparison is difficult. The BLU R1 HD, typical of its price range, likely features a 720p IPS LCD. The absence of information regarding the i285’s panel technology suggests it may utilize a lower-resolution or less color-accurate display. Users prioritizing visual clarity will likely find the R1 HD’s display more acceptable, even if it isn’t a standout feature. Bezels on both devices are expected to be substantial, reflecting the budget nature of the phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be minimal. The BLU R1 HD likely features a basic 8MP rear camera, while the verykool i285’s camera specifications are unknown. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on good lighting conditions. Both phones likely include basic front-facing cameras for video calls. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means image stabilization will be purely digital, resulting in softer images and potential for motion blur.
Performance
The BLU R1 HD’s Mediatek MT6735 chipset, built on a 28nm process, is the defining performance factor in this comparison. Its quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU provides a baseline level of processing power suitable for basic Android operation. The verykool i285, lacking published specifications, is presumed to have a significantly less powerful chipset. This translates to slower app loading times, less responsive multitasking, and a generally less fluid user experience on the i285. The MT6735’s integrated Mali-T720 MP3 GPU allows for limited gaming, while the i285 likely struggles even with less demanding titles.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their budget nature, both likely house batteries in the 2000-2500 mAh range. The Mediatek MT6735’s 28nm process node, while not cutting-edge, is relatively efficient, potentially allowing the BLU R1 HD to offer slightly better battery life than a device with a less optimized chipset like the verykool i285. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, relying on micro-USB connectivity.
Buying Guide
Buy the verykool i285 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to accept significant compromises in performance and features. It's likely suited for extremely basic communication needs. Buy the BLU R1 HD if you prioritize a smoother user experience, even for simple tasks, and want a phone capable of handling light multitasking and basic app usage thanks to its Mediatek MT6735 processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6735 in the BLU R1 HD capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6735 is generally capable of running Facebook and WhatsApp without significant issues. However, expect some lag when switching between apps or loading media-heavy content. It's sufficient for basic social media usage, but don't expect a high-performance experience.
❓ Given the verykool i285's lack of detailed specifications, is it suitable for someone upgrading from a feature phone?
Potentially, but with caveats. If the user's primary need is making calls and sending texts, the verykool i285 might suffice. However, the limited processing power and potentially poor display quality could lead to a frustrating experience compared to even a basic smartphone like the BLU R1 HD.
❓ Can the BLU R1 HD handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds?
Yes, the BLU R1 HD's Mali-T720 MP3 GPU can handle less demanding games like Candy Crush and Angry Birds. However, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings and expect occasional frame drops. More graphically intensive games will likely be unplayable.
