BLU C5L Max vs. Motorola Moto G Play (2023): Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The BLU C5L Max and the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Motorola Moto G Play (2023) edges out the BLU C5L Max thanks to its significantly more powerful processor, better battery life, and generally more polished software experience. While the BLU offers a lower price point, the Moto G Play provides a more satisfying overall user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names BLU C5L Max Motorola Moto G Play (2023)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 -CDMA 800 / 1900
Launch
Announced2021, December. Released 2021, December2022, December 08
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, December 12
Body
Build-Plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions159.5 x 76.5 x 10.5 mm (6.28 x 3.01 x 0.41 in)167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight174 g (6.14 oz)203 g (7.20 oz)
 -Water-repellent coating
Display
Resolution480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~68.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetUnisoc SC9832 (28 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)
GPUMali-T820 MP1PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11 (Go edition)Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single5 MP-
Triple-16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video720p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single2 MP5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.12µm
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS
RadioFM radioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, barometer
Battery
Charging-10W wired
TypeLi-Po 2000 mAh, removableLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, Blue, Red, Green, BronzeDeep Indigo
Models-XT2271-1, XT2271-3, XT2271-5, XT2271-4
Price-$ 54.00 / C$ 129.00

BLU C5L Max

  • Extremely affordable
  • Large display
  • Basic functionality

  • Weak processor
  • Limited storage
  • Lower quality display
  • Short battery life
  • Basic camera

Motorola Moto G Play (2023)

  • Better performance
  • Longer battery life
  • Improved camera
  • More reliable software
  • Slightly better display

  • Higher price than BLU C5L Max
  • Still a budget phone with limitations
  • 10W charging is slow

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.5 inches, but the Moto G Play (2023) likely has a slightly higher resolution and better color accuracy. The BLU C5L Max's display is expected to be adequate but may lack vibrancy. Expect both to be LCD panels.

Camera Comparison

The Moto G Play (2023) likely boasts a more capable camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor and better image processing. While both phones will likely offer basic camera features, the Moto G Play should produce noticeably better photos, especially in low light. Expect both to have a front-facing camera for selfies.

Performance

This is where the Moto G Play (2023) shines. Its Octa-core Helio G37 chipset is considerably faster than the BLU C5L Max's Quad-core SC9832. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Moto G Play. The BLU will likely struggle with more demanding tasks.

Battery Life

The Moto G Play (2023) is expected to have a larger battery capacity and more efficient processor, resulting in significantly longer battery life. The BLU C5L Max's battery life will likely be adequate for light usage, but it won't last as long as the Moto G Play.

Buying Guide

The BLU C5L Max is ideal for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize affordability above all else and don't require demanding performance. The Motorola Moto G Play (2023) is a better choice for those seeking a smoother, more reliable experience with a longer battery life and a slightly better camera, even if it costs a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference between the processors in these phones?
The Motorola Moto G Play (2023) uses a Mediatek Helio G37, an Octa-core processor, while the BLU C5L Max uses a Unisoc SC9832, a Quad-core processor. The Moto G Play's processor is significantly more powerful.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Motorola Moto G Play (2023) is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor and more RAM (likely).