Looking for an affordable smartphone without breaking the bank? BLU offers several options, and the C5L Max and G51 are two popular contenders. But which one delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BLU G51 takes the win thanks to its more efficient 12nm chipset and faster processor. While both are budget phones, the G51 offers noticeably better performance and potentially longer battery life, making it the smarter choice for most users.
| 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 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December. Released 2021, December | 2022, June 03 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, June 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.5 x 76.5 x 10.5 mm (6.28 x 3.01 x 0.41 in) | 155.3 x 73.5 x 9.5 mm (6.11 x 2.89 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 174 g (6.14 oz) | 166 g (5.86 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~68.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 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 | 4.2, 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 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Red, Green, Bronze | Black, Blue, Green, Silver, Gold |
BLU C5L Max
- Very affordable
- Decent basic functionality
- Compact size (likely)
- Outdated chipset
- Lower performance
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Limited storage
BLU G51
- Better performance
- More efficient chipset
- Potentially longer battery life
- More modern design (likely)
- Slightly more expensive than C5L Max
- Still a budget phone with limitations
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The G51 might have a slightly brighter display due to its more modern chipset allowing for better power management. Screen size is likely around 6.2-6.5 inches for both.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a dual or triple camera setup on the rear. Image quality will depend heavily on software optimization. The G51's more powerful processor *could* allow for slightly better image processing, but don't expect a huge difference.
Performance
This is where the G51 shines. The Mediatek Helio A22's 12nm process is significantly more efficient than the C5L Max's 28nm Unisoc SC9832. The 2.0 GHz CPU on the G51 also provides a noticeable speed boost compared to the C5L Max's 1.4 GHz CPU. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the G51.
Battery Life
The G51's more efficient chipset should translate to better battery life. While both likely have around 4000-5000 mAh batteries, the G51 will likely last longer on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The BLU C5L Max is a good option for users prioritizing a very low price point and basic functionality. The BLU G51 is ideal for those needing a bit more performance for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming, without spending a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9832 and Mediatek Helio A22?
The Mediatek Helio A22 is a more modern and efficient chipset built on a 12nm process, compared to the Unisoc SC9832's 28nm process. This results in better performance and battery life for the G51.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding games. The BLU G51 will handle lighter games better than the C5L Max, but both will likely struggle with high graphics settings.