The BLU C5L series represents an entry point into smartphone ownership, focusing on affordability. While both the C5L 2020 and C5L Max share a similar target audience, the Max variant introduces the Unisoc SC9832 chipset, a key differentiator from the C5L 2020’s simpler quad-core processor. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU C5L Max is the superior choice. The inclusion of the Unisoc SC9832 chipset, despite sharing the same Cortex-A53 cores, provides a more integrated and potentially optimized experience, offering a slight performance edge and potentially better power efficiency compared to the C5L 2020.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October. Released 2020, October | 2021, December. Released 2021, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 144 x 72.3 x 11.2 mm (5.67 x 2.85 x 0.44 in) | 159.5 x 76.5 x 10.5 mm (6.28 x 3.01 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.2% 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 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9832 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 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 | 4.0, 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-Ion 2200 mAh | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Red, Blue, Pastel | Gray, Blue, Red, Green, Bronze |
| Price | About 40 EUR | - |
BLU C5L 2020
- Potentially lower price point
- Simpler software experience (potentially fewer pre-installed apps)
- Lightweight due to simpler chipset
- Less powerful chipset
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Potentially slower performance in apps
BLU C5L Max
- Integrated chipset (Unisoc SC9832) offers better overall performance
- Mali-T820 MP1 GPU provides a graphics boost
- Potentially better power efficiency
- Slightly higher price
- May have more pre-installed apps
- Potentially heavier due to more complex chipset
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature similar low-resolution displays, typical for this price segment. Specifics like panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both prioritize cost savings over display quality. The absence of details suggests neither phone will excel in outdoor visibility or color accuracy. Bezels are likely substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Given the price point, camera performance is unlikely to be a key strength for either device. Details are scarce, but it’s safe to assume both feature basic rear and front-facing cameras. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture suggests neither phone will perform well in low-light conditions. Any marketing around megapixel count should be viewed with skepticism, as image quality is more dependent on sensor size and image processing than resolution alone. We can expect similar limitations in video recording capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The BLU C5L 2020 utilizes a simple quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. The BLU C5L Max, however, integrates the Unisoc SC9832, also featuring a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, but crucially, adds an integrated Mali-T820 MP1 GPU and a modem. This integration offers potential benefits in graphics performance and connectivity. While the CPU clock speed is identical, the SC9832’s system-on-a-chip (SoC) design allows for more efficient data handling and potentially smoother multitasking. The 28nm process node of the SC9832 is relatively mature, balancing power consumption and performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given the low-power components, both phones should offer at least a full day of standby time and moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, suggesting both likely rely on standard 5W charging, resulting in relatively slow charging times. The Unisoc SC9832’s potentially improved power efficiency could translate to slightly longer battery life for the C5L Max, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU C5L 2020 if you need the absolute lowest possible price point and are primarily focused on basic communication tasks like calls and messaging. Buy the BLU C5L Max if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for light multitasking, social media browsing, and occasional casual gaming, and are willing to spend a small premium for the improved chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9832 in the C5L Max handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
The Unisoc SC9832 should provide a noticeably smoother experience with social media apps compared to the C5L 2020’s simpler processor. While it won’t offer flagship-level performance, it’s sufficient for basic browsing, scrolling, and light video playback within these applications.
❓ Is the Mali-T820 MP1 GPU in the C5L Max capable of playing any mobile games?
The Mali-T820 MP1 is an entry-level GPU. It can handle less demanding 2D games and older 3D titles at low settings. Don't expect to play graphically intensive games like PUBG or Genshin Impact at playable frame rates. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not for serious mobile gamers.
❓ Does the BLU C5L Max support 4G LTE connectivity for faster data speeds?
The Unisoc SC9832 chipset includes an integrated modem that supports 4G LTE connectivity. This means the BLU C5L Max will be able to connect to 4G networks for faster data speeds, provided your carrier supports it. The C5L 2020's connectivity capabilities are less certain without specific modem details.
