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Deal.ai › Compare

BLU Studio Mini vs TCL Ion Z T501C

Both are entry-level Android phones built on the same MediaTek Helio A22 quad-core chip, so neither is fast. The TCL Ion Z is the better pick: it has 3GB of RAM, 4G LTE, and a newer Android 12 base, while the BLU Studio Mini lists 2GB RAM and 3G only. The BLU counters with more storage (32GB vs 16GB) and a higher listed camera (13MP vs 5MP). Owners of phones in this class report slow app loading and short battery life; treat both as basics for calls, messaging and light browsing.

  • Choose the BLU Studio Mini if you want more built-in storage and a higher-megapixel camera on a cheap backup or first phone.
  • Choose the TCL Ion Z if you need 4G LTE data and more RAM for smoother everyday use.

Prices

  • BLU Studio Mini: $45.99 at ADAM EXPRESS (last seen Nov 10)
  • TCL Ion Z T501C: $39.99 at The Phone Parts (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the TCL Ion Z T501C is $6.00 cheaper than the BLU Studio Mini at the latest prices (Nov 10)
BLU
BLU Studio Mini

BLU Studio Mini

$45.99
at ADAM EXPRESS
Checked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit ADAM EXPRESS
Pros
  • 32GB storage, double the TCL's
  • Expandable storage via microSD
  • Higher listed rear and front camera resolution
  • Dual SIM, unlocked
Cons
  • 3G only, no LTE
  • 2GB RAM limits multitasking
  • Old Android base
  • Listings disagree on camera and battery specs
TCL
Unlocked TCL Ion Z T501C 16GB 5MP 4G LTE

TCL Ion Z T501C

Unlocked TCL Ion Z T501C 16GB 5MP 4G LTE

$39.99at The Phone PartsChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit The Phone Parts
Pros
  • 4G LTE data
  • 3GB RAM for smoother switching between apps
  • Android 12
  • Same efficient 12nm Helio A22 chip
Cons
  • Only 16GB storage
  • 5MP rear camera
  • No front camera or battery figure listed
  • Little detail published about the model

What separates them

BLU Studio MiniTCL Ion Z T501C
Cellular networkGSM, 3G only4G LTE
RAM2GB3GB
Internal storage32GB, expandable via microSD16GB
Rear camera13MP listed5MP
Front camera8MP listedNot specified
Android versionAndroid 9 Pie listed (Go Edition in description)Android 12
Battery3000 mAh listedNot specified
ProcessorMediaTek Helio A22 quad-coreMediaTek Helio A22 quad-core

Price history

  • BLU Studio Mini: lowest $33.99 on Nov 2 at Walmart; $33.99 on Nov 8.

Prices at every store

BLU Studio Mini

  • ADAM EXPRESSNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $45.99Checked Nov 10
    Visit ADAM EXPRESS
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknownSold by commcentral

    $18.80+ $9.95 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay
  • WalmartNew

    Out of stockSold by OG Wireless

    $33.99Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 3 stores and price history →

TCL Ion Z T501C

  • The Phone PartsNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $39.99Checked Nov 10
    Visit The Phone Parts
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecBLU Studio MiniTCL Ion Z T501C
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels1440x720
RAM2GB3 GB
Weight187 g—
Operating SystemAndroid 9.0 (Pie)—
SIMDual Sim—
Display Size5.5"—
Display TechnologyIPS LCD—
Internal Storage32GB—
Main Camera13 MP—
Front Camera8 MP—
Battery Capacity3000 mAh—
Bluetooth4.1—
Show all 32 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBLU Studio MiniTCL Ion Z T501C
CarrierUnlocked—
SIM SupportDual SIM—
Cellular NetworkGSM—
ColorBlack—
With Expandable StorageYes—
Broadband Generation3G—
Screen Size5.5″—
Storage Capacity32 GB storage—
Rear Camera Resolution13 MP rear camera—
Front Camera Resolution

Questions and answers

Which is better for everyday use?
The TCL Ion Z. Its 3GB of RAM and 4G LTE make browsing and messaging less painful than on the 2GB, 3G-only BLU.
Which has more storage?
The BLU Studio Mini, at 32GB versus 16GB on the TCL. The BLU also takes a microSD card.
Which lasts longer?
Neither is built to last years. The TCL runs Android 12, so it will keep app compatibility longer than the BLU's older Android base.
Is the BLU camera better?
On paper yes, 13MP versus 5MP. Both are basic sensors, so expect usable daylight shots only.
Do either support 4G?
Only the TCL Ion Z lists 4G LTE. The BLU Studio Mini is listed as 3G GSM.
Is the TCL worth stepping up to?
Yes if you use mobile data or keep several apps open. Take the BLU only if storage matters more than speed and LTE.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best unlocked phones under $50
8 MP front camera
—
Processor—MT6761V-CAB
Total RAM—2807.4 MB
SoC—Helio A22
Android API—12 (31)
CPU cores—4
CPU family—Cortex-A53
Clock speed—850 - 2001 MHz
Process—12 nm
GPU model—PowerVR Rogue GE8300
Frequency range—2402-2462 MHz