Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The BLU C5 Max and Nokia C1 Plus are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C1 Plus edges out the BLU C5 Max thanks to its slightly faster processor and generally more reliable Nokia brand reputation. Both offer basic functionality, but the C1 Plus provides a marginally smoother experience and potentially longer software support.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International, APAC |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Saudi Arabia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January | 2020, December 15. Released 2021, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 76.5 x 9.8 mm (6.27 x 3.01 x 0.39 in) | 149.1 x 71.2 x 8.8 mm (5.87 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 164 g (5.78 oz) | 146 g (5.15 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~68.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 2700 mAh | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Green, Bronze | Blue, Red |
| Models | - | TA-1312 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 70 EUR |
BLU C5 Max
- Potentially larger screen
- May offer more RAM variants
- Generally more affordable
- Slower processor
- Less reliable brand reputation
- Likely limited software updates
Nokia C1 Plus
- Slightly faster processor
- Reputable brand with better support
- Potentially longer software updates
- Android Go Edition (optimized for low-end hardware)
- Smaller screen potentially
- Basic camera quality
- Limited storage
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively basic LCD displays, likely around 6.2-6.5 inches. The BLU C5 Max might offer a slightly higher resolution, but viewing angles and color accuracy will be limited on both. Expect adequate brightness for indoor use, but struggles in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both phones will be basic. Expect single rear cameras, likely in the 8-13MP range. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be poor. Front-facing cameras will likely be 5MP or less, suitable for basic selfies.
Performance
The Nokia C1 Plus holds a slight advantage here with its 1.4 GHz quad-core processor compared to the BLU C5 Max's 1.3 GHz. While both are entry-level chips, the extra clock speed should translate to marginally faster app loading and smoother multitasking. Expect some lag with demanding apps on both devices.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely around 4000mAh on both devices, suggesting all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, software optimization and processor efficiency will play a significant role. Nokia's reputation for efficient software could give the C1 Plus a slight edge.
Buying Guide
The BLU C5 Max is a good option for users prioritizing a larger screen and potentially more RAM (depending on the specific variant) on an extremely tight budget. The Nokia C1 Plus is ideal for those seeking a dependable, entry-level phone from a trusted brand with a slightly better processor and potentially longer software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is Android Go Edition?
Android Go Edition is a lightweight version of Android designed for smartphones with limited RAM and storage. It uses optimized apps and reduces background processes to improve performance.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Both phones typically offer limited storage, likely around 16GB or 32GB. It's highly recommended to use a microSD card for additional storage.
