The BLU C5L Max and C5 Plus represent BLU's entry into the ultra-budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they differ significantly in their underlying hardware. This comparison dives deep into those differences, focusing on the impact of the Unisoc SC9832 in the C5L Max versus the older Cortex-A7 based processor in the C5 Plus.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU C5L Max is the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9832 chipset, featuring Cortex-A53 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the C5 Plus’s Cortex-A7, resulting in a smoother user experience for everyday tasks. While neither phone excels, the C5L Max offers more for the money.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2021, December. Released 2021, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151 x 72.3 x 10 mm (5.94 x 2.85 x 0.39 in) | 159.5 x 76.5 x 10.5 mm (6.28 x 3.01 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 158 g (5.57 oz) | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels (~292 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 77.4 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~68.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9832 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 2 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 2200 mAh battery | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gradient Blue, Black, Red | Gray, Blue, Red, Green, Bronze |
| Price | About 50 EUR | - |
BLU C5 Plus
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Significantly slower processor
- Less responsive user interface
- Limited multitasking capabilities
BLU C5L Max
- Faster and more efficient processor
- Smoother user experience
- Better performance for everyday tasks
- Potentially longer battery life
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited in terms of overall performance
- Camera quality likely remains basic
Display Comparison
Neither BLU provides detailed display specifications. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions (likely 720p+). The C5L Max’s chipset suggests a potentially more capable display controller, possibly allowing for slightly better color reproduction or viewing angles. However, expect both displays to be adequate for basic viewing, but not exceptional in terms of brightness or color accuracy. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. Given the market segment, both phones likely feature basic camera sensors. It's reasonable to assume both have a primary rear camera and potentially a front-facing camera. Image quality will likely be limited, particularly in low-light conditions. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison, but the C5L Max’s more powerful processor *could* enable slightly better image processing, resulting in marginally improved photos. Expect both to struggle with dynamic range and detail.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The BLU C5 Plus utilizes a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor. This is an older architecture, known for its limited performance. The BLU C5L Max, however, features the Unisoc SC9832, a quad-core 1.4 GHz processor based on the Cortex-A53 architecture. Cortex-A53 cores are significantly more efficient and offer substantially better performance per clock cycle than Cortex-A7. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the C5L Max. The 28nm process node of the SC9832 also contributes to better power efficiency compared to the likely larger node used in the C5 Plus. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the C5L Max will handle basic games more comfortably.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given their similar form factors and target market, battery sizes are likely comparable (around 2000-3000 mAh). The Unisoc SC9832’s improved power efficiency in the C5L Max could translate to slightly longer battery life, even with a similar capacity. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely to be slow (5W or less) on both devices, resulting in several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU C5 Plus if your primary need is a very basic, extremely affordable phone for calls, texts, and minimal app usage. It's suitable for those who prioritize absolute cost savings above all else. Buy the BLU C5L Max if you want a slightly more responsive experience for social media, light browsing, and basic app functionality. The improved processor makes a tangible difference in daily usability, justifying the likely small price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU C5L Max handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9832 processor in the C5L Max provides a noticeable performance improvement over the C5 Plus, making it significantly more capable of running social media apps without significant lag or stuttering. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it will be a much more pleasant experience than the C5 Plus.
❓ Is the BLU C5L Max a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
While both phones are suitable for basic calling and texting, the BLU C5L Max is still the better option. The improved processor ensures a more responsive and reliable experience, even for simple tasks. The slightly increased cost is worth it for a smoother overall user experience.
❓ Can I play games on the BLU C5L Max?
You can play *some* games on the BLU C5L Max, but don't expect high performance. Simple, less demanding games will be playable, but graphically intensive titles will likely experience significant lag and may be unplayable. The C5 Plus will struggle even more with gaming.
❓ What type of charging port do these phones use?
Both the BLU C5L Max and C5 Plus almost certainly use a Micro-USB port for charging and data transfer, which is standard for phones in this price range. Expect slow charging speeds – likely several hours to fully charge the battery.
