The BLU M8L Plus and C5 Max represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The M8L Plus aims for a more modern experience with an octa-core processor, while the C5 Max focuses on basic functionality at an even lower price point. This comparison dissects their core differences to help you determine which best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU M8L Plus is the superior choice. Its octa-core Cortex-A55 processor provides a significantly smoother and more responsive experience than the C5 Max’s quad-core Cortex-A7, making it better suited for multitasking and modern app usage. While the C5 Max is cheaper, the performance trade-off is substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August. Released 2020, August | 2022, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, January |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 208 x 123.7 x 10.5 mm (8.19 x 4.87 x 0.41 in) | 159.2 x 76.5 x 9.8 mm (6.27 x 3.01 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 383 g (13.51 oz) | 164 g (5.78 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~68.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 5 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 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 | 4.1, 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 |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 2700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Black, Blue, Red, Green, Bronze |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 60 EUR |
BLU M8L Plus
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient CPU architecture (Cortex-A55)
- Better suited for multitasking and modern apps
- Likely a higher price point than the C5 Max
- Display and camera specs are unknown and potentially basic
BLU C5 Max
- Most affordable option
- Potentially longer battery life due to lower processing demands
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Slow processor and limited performance
- Outdated CPU architecture (Cortex-A7)
- Struggles with multitasking and modern apps
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, but given the price points, both devices likely utilize LCD panels. However, the M8L Plus’s more powerful processor suggests it may be capable of driving a higher resolution display or a faster refresh rate, if equipped. Bezels are likely substantial on both, typical of this market segment. Color accuracy is expected to be basic on both, prioritizing cost over calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. It’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, the M8L Plus’s more powerful processor could potentially enable more sophisticated image processing algorithms, resulting in slightly better image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to provide significant photographic value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPUs. The BLU M8L Plus boasts an octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor, while the C5 Max features a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. The Cortex-A55 architecture is significantly more efficient and offers improved instruction throughput compared to the older Cortex-A7. This translates to faster app launch times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the M8L Plus. The additional cores further enhance its ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently. While RAM specifications are missing, the M8L Plus’s processor is better equipped to manage more RAM effectively.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified. Given the lower processing demands of the C5 Max, it may exhibit slightly longer battery life on a single charge. However, the M8L Plus’s more efficient processor could mitigate this difference. Without knowing charging speeds, it’s impossible to determine which phone offers a faster charging experience. Both are likely to utilize micro-USB charging, given their price points.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU M8L Plus if you need a phone capable of handling everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and light gaming without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who want a reasonably modern smartphone experience on a tight budget. Buy the BLU C5 Max if your primary needs are basic communication – calls and texts – and you prioritize absolute affordability above all else, accepting a slower and less fluid user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU M8L Plus handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the octa-core Cortex-A55 processor in the M8L Plus is sufficiently powerful to run social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. The C5 Max may struggle with these apps, especially when multitasking.
❓ Is the BLU C5 Max suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The BLU C5 Max is an excellent choice for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication. Its quad-core processor is adequate for calls and texts, and its lower price point makes it a very affordable option.
❓ Can the BLU M8L Plus run basic games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds?
Yes, the BLU M8L Plus should be able to run basic games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds without issue. However, more demanding games may experience performance limitations.
❓ What type of charging port do these phones use?
Given their price points, both the BLU M8L Plus and C5 Max likely utilize a micro-USB charging port. Faster USB-C charging is unlikely to be included in these budget models.
