Looking for an affordable smartphone? The BLU C5L and C5L Max are both contenders in the budget market. But with subtle differences, which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BLU C5L Max edges out the C5L primarily due to its likely improved RAM and storage (assumed based on 'Max' designation). While both share the same CPU, the Max's potential for better multitasking and storage capacity makes it the slightly better choice for most users, especially if available at a similar price.
| 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 - C0050UU |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17 - C0050UU |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 28 - C0050LL |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December. Released 2021, December | 2019, February. Released 2019, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.5 x 76.5 x 10.5 mm (6.28 x 3.01 x 0.41 in) | 144.3 x 72.5 x 10.3 mm (5.68 x 2.85 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 174 g (6.14 oz) | 153 g (5.40 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~68.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.9% 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 MP1 | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 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 | 4.0, 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 |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 500 h (2G) / Up to 450 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 18 h (2G) / Up to 14 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Red, Green, Bronze | Black, Blue |
| Price | - | About 60 EUR |
BLU C5L Max
- Likely more RAM and storage
- Potentially better multitasking
- Similar performance to C5L
- Affordable price
- Unisoc chipset isn't known for high performance
- Basic camera quality
- Limited upgrade potential
BLU C5L
- Very affordable
- Basic smartphone functionality
- Compact size
- Limited RAM and storage
- Basic camera quality
- Unisoc chipset isn't known for high performance
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar 5.5-inch display with a resolution around 720 x 1280 pixels. Expect adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level quality. The C5L Max *might* have slightly improved brightness or color accuracy, but this is speculative without official specs.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are likely similar, with a rear camera around 8MP and a front camera around 5MP on both devices. 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 potential software optimizations, but this is not guaranteed.
Performance
Both devices are powered by a Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. However, the C5L Max likely has more RAM (potentially 2GB vs 1GB in the C5L) and storage (potentially 16GB vs 8GB in the C5L). This translates to better multitasking and the ability to store more apps and files on the C5L Max. Expect basic performance for everyday tasks like browsing and social media, but demanding games will struggle.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely around 2800-3000 mAh for both phones. Expect a full day of moderate use, but heavy users may need to charge before the end of the day. Battery life will largely depend on usage patterns and screen brightness.
Buying Guide
The BLU C5L Max is ideal for users who need a bit more storage and smoother multitasking on a tight budget. The BLU C5L is a good option for those prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic smartphone functionality. Consider your storage needs and desired performance level.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What chipset do these phones use?
Both the BLU C5L and C5L Max use the Unisoc SC9832 chipset, which is a budget-friendly option.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
The BLU C5L likely has 8GB of storage, while the BLU C5L Max likely has 16GB. Both support microSD card expansion.
