The BLU G5 Plus and C5L 2020 represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The C5L 2020, a slightly older model, focuses on affordability, while the G5 Plus attempts to offer a more modern experience with an upgraded processor. This comparison will dissect the key differences, particularly the CPU architecture, to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the BLU G5 Plus is the clear winner. Its octa-core Cortex-A55 processor provides a significant performance uplift over the C5L 2020’s quad-core Cortex-A53, translating to smoother app launches and a more fluid user experience, despite likely similar battery capacities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - G0190UU |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 28 - G0190LL, G0190VV |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17 - G0190UU |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October. Released 2020, October | 2019, July. Released 2019, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 144 x 72.3 x 11.2 mm (5.67 x 2.85 x 0.44 in) | 161.4 x 78 x 9.6 mm (6.35 x 3.07 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | Mali-T820 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP |
| 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, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 575 h (2G) / Up to 525 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 20 h (2G) / Up to 15 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2200 mAh | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Red, Blue, Pastel | Black, Red, Twilight, Chameleon Blue |
| Price | About 40 EUR | - |
BLU C5L 2020
- Likely the more affordable option.
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks.
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor (speculative).
- Significantly slower performance compared to the G5 Plus.
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
- Older CPU architecture.
BLU G5 Plus
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the octa-core Cortex-A55.
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- More future-proofed due to the newer processor.
- Likely slightly more expensive than the C5L 2020.
- May have similar battery life to the C5L 2020 despite the more efficient processor.
- Camera quality likely remains basic.
Display Comparison
Information regarding display specifications (resolution, panel type, brightness) is unavailable. However, given the price point of both devices, it's reasonable to assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p resolution. The lack of information prevents a direct comparison of color accuracy or viewing angles. Bezels are likely substantial on both models, typical for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. It's safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without sensor size or aperture information, a meaningful comparison is impossible. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to provide significant image quality improvements and should be considered a marketing feature rather than a substantial benefit. Image processing will likely be minimal on both, relying heavily on software optimization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPUs. The BLU G5 Plus boasts an octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor, while the C5L 2020 features a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A55 architecture is a significant improvement over the A53, offering better instructions per clock (IPC) and improved power efficiency. This means the G5 Plus will handle multitasking and demanding apps more effectively. While core count isn't everything, the combination of more cores *and* a newer architecture gives the G5 Plus a substantial advantage. RAM specifications are unknown, but likely limited on both, potentially impacting multitasking performance regardless of the CPU.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their similar target market and size, they likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unknown. The G5 Plus’s more efficient Cortex-A55 processor *could* translate to slightly longer battery life under similar usage, but this is speculative without concrete data. 0-100% charging times will likely be in the 2-3 hour range for both devices, assuming standard 5W or 10W charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU C5L 2020 if you need a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the BLU G5 Plus if you prefer a more responsive device capable of handling multiple apps, occasional gaming, and a generally smoother user experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU G5 Plus handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the octa-core Cortex-A55 processor in the G5 Plus should provide a noticeably smoother experience with social media apps compared to the C5L 2020. The increased processing power will reduce lag when scrolling through feeds and loading images.
❓ Is the BLU C5L 2020 suitable for playing mobile games?
The BLU C5L 2020 is only suitable for very basic mobile games. The quad-core Cortex-A53 processor will struggle with more demanding titles, resulting in low frame rates and potential stuttering. The G5 Plus offers a better, though still limited, gaming experience.
❓ How much storage do these phones likely have, and can it be expanded?
Given the price point, both phones likely come with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. It's highly probable that both devices feature a microSD card slot for storage expansion, allowing you to add more space for photos, videos, and apps.
❓ What Android version do these phones run?
While not explicitly stated, both devices likely run a relatively older version of Android, potentially Android 10 or 11, with a customized BLU UI. Updates beyond this are unlikely, given the budget nature of these phones.
