The BLU M7L and BLU C5L Max represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The M7L boasts an octa-core processor, while the C5L Max utilizes the Unisoc SC9832 chipset. This comparison will dissect the architectural differences and real-world implications to determine which device delivers the most compelling experience for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU M7L emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core Cortex-A55 CPU provides a noticeable performance advantage over the C5L Max’s quad-core Cortex-A53, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading. While both phones target the entry-level segment, the M7L offers a more responsive user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 28 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 09. Released 2021, February 09 | 2021, December. Released 2021, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 194.4 x 109.2 x 11 mm (7.65 x 4.30 x 0.43 in) | 159.5 x 76.5 x 10.5 mm (6.28 x 3.01 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 286 g (10.09 oz) | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 600 x 1240 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~197 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 123.9 cm2 (~58.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~68.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9832 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| 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 | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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 2800 mAh | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Gray, Blue, Red, Green, Bronze |
| Price | About 50 EUR | - |
BLU M7L
- Faster octa-core processor for smoother performance
- More modern Cortex-A55 architecture
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Lack of detailed specifications
- Likely basic camera performance
BLU C5L Max
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer slightly better battery life due to lower performance demands
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Slower quad-core processor
- Older Cortex-A53 architecture
- Less responsive user interface
Display Comparison
Neither BLU provides display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. However, the lack of detailed specs makes a direct comparison impossible. We can infer that both will offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing angles and color reproduction. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, typical for this market segment.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a meaningful comparison. It’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization. Image processing will likely be minimal on both, relying heavily on software algorithms.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU architecture. The BLU M7L’s octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor offers a significant advantage over the BLU C5L Max’s quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A55 is a more modern and efficient architecture, delivering better performance per clock cycle. The M7L’s higher core count further enhances multitasking capabilities. The Unisoc SC9832 in the C5L Max, built on a 28nm process, is an older chipset, likely resulting in lower performance and potentially higher power consumption. This translates to slower app loading times and a less fluid user experience on the C5L Max.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the lower performance demands of the C5L Max, it may exhibit slightly better battery life despite potentially having a smaller capacity. The 28nm process of the Unisoc SC9832 is less efficient than the Cortex-A55, but the lower overall processing load could offset this. Charging wattage is also unknown, so 0-100% times are speculative, but likely to be several hours on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU M7L if you prioritize responsiveness and smoother performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Its octa-core processor will handle multiple apps more efficiently. Buy the BLU C5L Max if your primary needs are extremely basic – calls, texts, and minimal app usage – and you are seeking the absolute lowest possible price point, accepting a trade-off in performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU C5L Max struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
The BLU C5L Max’s quad-core Cortex-A53 processor and limited RAM may result in noticeable lag and slow loading times when using demanding apps like Facebook and Instagram. While usable, the experience won’t be as smooth as on the BLU M7L.
❓ Is the BLU M7L suitable for playing mobile games?
The BLU M7L can handle casual mobile games, but it’s not designed for graphically intensive titles. Expect lower frame rates and potentially stuttering in more demanding games. The C5L Max will likely perform even worse in gaming scenarios.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and can it be expanded?
Storage capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the price point, both devices likely offer limited internal storage (e.g., 16GB or 32GB). It's highly probable that both support microSD card expansion, but this needs to be verified with official specifications.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
The Android version is not specified. However, given the hardware and target market, it's likely to be an older version (e.g., Android 11 or 12) with limited update support. Expect a relatively stock Android experience with minimal bloatware.
