Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The BLU C5L Max and Xiaomi Redmi A1 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 to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi A1 edges out the BLU C5L Max thanks to its more efficient chipset, faster processor speed, and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the Redmi A1 provides a smoother experience and a more modern feel, making it the slightly better choice.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December. Released 2021, December | 2022, September 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.5 x 76.5 x 10.5 mm (6.28 x 3.01 x 0.41 in) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 174 g (6.14 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~68.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| 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 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Red, Green, Bronze | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | - | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH |
| Price | - | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
BLU C5L Max
- Potentially larger screen
- Very affordable price point
- Basic functionality for calls and messaging
- Outdated chipset
- Slow performance
- Basic camera quality
- Likely shorter battery life
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- More efficient chipset
- Faster processor speed
- Slightly better battery life
- More modern design
- Smaller screen (potentially)
- Basic camera quality
- Limited storage options
Display Comparison
Both phones feature basic LCD displays, likely around 6.2-6.5 inches. The BLU C5L Max might have a slightly larger display, but expect similar resolution and color accuracy – both are adequate for everyday use but not exceptional. Expect lower brightness levels on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both devices will be basic. Expect single rear cameras, likely in the 8-13MP range. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be poor on both. The Redmi A1 might have slightly better image processing due to its newer chipset.
Performance
Here's where the Redmi A1 shines. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset (12nm) is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Unisoc SC9832 (28nm) in the BLU C5L Max. The Redmi A1's 2.0 GHz CPU offers a noticeable speed boost for multitasking and app loading. The BLU C5L Max will likely feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000mAh range. However, the Redmi A1's more efficient chipset should translate to better battery life, potentially lasting a full day with moderate use, while the BLU C5L Max might require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
The BLU C5L Max is ideal for users who prioritize a larger screen and are on an extremely tight budget. The Xiaomi Redmi A1 is a better choice for those seeking a more responsive device with a slightly more modern design and improved efficiency, even if it means a smaller screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the chipsets?
The Xiaomi Redmi A1 uses a Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) chipset, which is more modern and efficient than the Unisoc SC9832 (28nm) in the BLU C5L Max. This results in better performance and battery life.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi A1 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset. However, neither phone is designed for demanding games.
