Looking for an affordable smartphone without breaking the bank? The BLU C5L Max and BLU C5 Max are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BLU C5L Max edges out the C5 Max primarily due to its slightly faster chipset (Unisoc SC9832 vs. Cortex-A7) and potentially improved overall performance. Both offer basic functionality, but the C5L Max provides a marginal advantage for everyday tasks.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December. Released 2021, December | 2022, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, January |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.5 x 76.5 x 10.5 mm (6.28 x 3.01 x 0.41 in) | 159.2 x 76.5 x 9.8 mm (6.27 x 3.01 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 174 g (6.14 oz) | 164 g (5.78 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~68.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~68.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | - |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 5 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 2700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Red, Green, Bronze | Black, Blue, Red, Green, Bronze |
| Price | - | About 60 EUR |
BLU C5L Max
- Slightly faster chipset
- Potentially better multitasking
- Likely more modern software support
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- May not offer significant improvements over the C5 Max for basic users
- Limited availability of detailed specs
BLU C5 Max
- Very affordable
- Suitable for basic phone functions
- Simple and easy to use
- Slower performance
- Limited features
- Older chipset
- Potentially shorter software support lifespan
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 5.5-6 inches with standard resolutions (likely 720p). Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The C5L Max *might* have a slightly newer display technology, but this is difficult to confirm without more detailed specifications.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are likely similar on both devices – probably a single rear camera in the 8-13MP range and a basic front-facing camera. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The C5L Max *might* have slightly improved image processing due to its newer chipset.
Performance
The Unisoc SC9832 in the C5L Max is generally considered a slightly more modern and efficient chipset compared to the Cortex-A7 found in the C5 Max. This translates to marginally faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and potentially better overall responsiveness. However, neither phone is a powerhouse and will struggle with demanding games or apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000mAh range. Battery life will depend heavily on usage, but expect a full day of moderate use from either device. The C5L Max's more efficient chipset *could* provide slightly better battery life.
Buying Guide
The BLU C5L Max is ideal for users prioritizing a bit more processing power for basic apps and multitasking. The BLU C5 Max is a good choice for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and very light usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9832 and Cortex-A7 chipsets?
The Unisoc SC9832 is a more modern chipset generally offering better performance and efficiency compared to the older Cortex-A7. This translates to faster app loading and smoother multitasking.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
No, neither of these phones are suitable for demanding games. They are designed for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light app usage.
