Apple has just announced its much-awaited iPhone 6s Plus phablet which brings a plethora of exciting new features such as 3D Touch.
A day prior to Apple's announcement, Miami-based BLU Products unveiled its BLU Pure XL phablet which packs in quite a punch with its robust features. Moreover, the premium device with a metal unibody is available at half the price of the iPhone 6s Plus.
We take a look at how the iPhone 6s Plus and the BLU Pure XL compare against each other.
Processor
The BLU Pure XL houses an octa-core 64-bit MediaTek Helio X10 I processor, which clocks at 2GHz. The iPhone 6s Plus, on the other hand, packs in the 64-bit A9 processor, whose speed is not known but is said to be 70 percent faster than the previous-gen processor. However, it is estimated that the A9 processor has a quad-core set-up where two cores clock in at 1.7GHz and the other two at 1.2GHz.
On paper, the BLU Pure XL's processor may sound more powerful, but only benchmark tests will be able to determine which is the zippier of the two.
Per the company, the BLU Pure XL scored in the 49,000 range on the AnTuTu benchmark, making it one of the speediest smartphones currently around.
Display
The iPhone 6s Plus, like its predecessor, has a 5.5-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The BLU Pure XL trumps the Apple offering in this regard as it packs in a bigger 6-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED with a higher pixel resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. This resolution is similar to that of Apple's staunch rival Samsung's Galaxy Note 4.
When it comes to pixel density, the BLU Pure XL pips the iPhone 6s Plus with 490 ppi vis-à-vis 401 ppi.
Both the phablets tout a robust display which is scratch resistant. BLU opts for Corning Gorilla Glass 3, whereas Apple deploys an oleophobic coating.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the iPhone 6s Plus stay nearly the same when compared to the previous iteration and the device measures 6.2 x 3.07 x 0.29 inches. The BLU Pure XL phablet measures 5.93 x 2.95 x 0.37 inches, which makes the Apple phablet longer, less wide and thinner than its rival.
For those eyeing a light smartphone, the BLU Pure XL scores again and despite its bigger screen, at 152gms, it is considerably lighter than the iPhone 6s Plus' 192gms.
Memory
The iPhone 6s Plus will be available in 16GB, 64GB and 128GB on-board storage options. Apple is sticking to the convention it introduced in 2014. The BLU Pure XL will only be available in the 64GB option. However, it comes with an expandable memory option of up to 64GB via a microSD card - a feature lacking in iPhones. So technically, the BLU Pure XL will be able to store a maximum of 128GB as well.
In terms of memory capacity, the Galaxy Note has 3GB of RAM vis-à-vis iPhone 6 Plus' 1GB. However, since iOS and Android are different ecosystems, it would be unfair to compare the RAM.
Camera
The iPhone 6s Plus' iSight camera sees an improvement over the previous version and has been bumped up to 12MP from 8MP. It not only has OIS and auto HDR capabilities, but also improved noise reduction, True Tone flash and more. It can also take 4K videos and Live Photos which is a novelty.
If you were blown away by what Apple had to offer, brace yourself for the BLU Pure XL's camera capabilities.
The BLU Pure XL packs in a primary camera which 24MP. That's not all, it also features support for OIS, HDR, as well as 4K Ultra HD video recording. It might not have Live Photos, but 24MP on a primary camera is pretty crazy!
The BLU Pure XL also trumps the front-facing camera on iPhone 6s Plus as it houses an 8MP camera versus the latter's 5MP one.
Operating System
The iPhone 6s Plus will run the latest iOS 9, whereas the BLU Pure XL comes pre-loaded with the older Android 4.2 KitKat operating system. It is likely that the phablet will get updated to Android Lollipop and eventually Marshmallow.
Battery
The BLU Pure XL packs in a massive 3,500 mAh battery, which touts a quick charge function. The talk time supported is not known currently. The iPhone 6s Plus' battery size is not known as Apple seldom reveals the same, but the li-ion battery supports up to 24 hours of talk time on 3G. If Apple has retained the same battery which was housed in the iPhone 6 Plus, then it is a 2,915 mAh one.
Additional Features
Both the phablets are NFC capable and house a fingerprint sensor. The distinctive feature which may tilt the scale in the iPhone 6s Plus' favor is the 3D Touch or Force Touch functionality.
Availability, Colors & Price
BLU Pure XL is poised for a Sept. 29 release and will be available in two hues: gold and gray. The unlocked variant of the smartphone will cost $349.
The iPhone 6s Plus is set to go up for pre-order on Sept. 12 and will hit the shelves a week later on Sept. 19. It will come in four colors: Space Grey, Rose Gold, Gold and Silver. The unlocked smartphone will cost $749, $849 and $949 for the 16GB, 64GB and 128GB variants, respectively.
