Best Android Phone value I've ever seen (BLU Phone)

[iBlazed]

Just stumbled upon this gem on Amazon, and judging by the reviews it looks like a winner for $109 unlocked. It's called BLU Studio 5.0 C. It comes in a few colors and I'm strongly considering ordering one to accompany my iPhone 6 and Nokia Lumia 635. It's amazing how cheap you can get a pretty high quality phone these days. The Lumia was only $80 btw, but it's locked to AT&T. This BLU phone is unlocked for $109 on sale right now with pretty damn good specs:

Unlocked Dual SIM Phone
5.0inch HD Display (720x1280): 8MP Autofocus Camera with LED Flash, and 2MP front camera, HD Video HD recording (1080p)
1.3GHz Quad-core, Android 4.4 Kit Kat
4GB Internal memory with 1GB RAM with Micro SD Slot up to 32GB
4G HSPA+ up to 21Mbps 850/1700/1900: Nationwide Coverage on the Following Carriers:
AT&T, GoPhone, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, Cricket Wireless, Tracfone, Straight Talk, Net10, H20 Wireless, 420 Wireless, Black Wireless, Consumer Cellular, Pure TalkUSA, Red Pocket, Telcel America, Lyca, Speedtalk, Go Smart, Simple Mobile, Net10, Straight Talk, Solavei, Ultra Mobile, Telcel America, Walmart Family Mobile

Anyone have one of these?

 

[SD-B]

One Plus One Android

A bit more but the best Android i have ever owned...........its a geeks dream. Dont have the one you are asking ab out but you might want to take a peek at this one.
Just the invites alone to buy one were selling on Craigslist for $40 up until recently LOL

Its an $800 unlocked phone for only $325
CPU Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400


(you can read more about it on the one plus one forums)
http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_one-6327.php

Opens up for pre-orders next week but if you can grab an invite before that, you can get it right away- i am due any day, I believe, 2 invites to hand out

GENERAL 2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100
4G Network LTE 700 / 1700 / 1800 / 2100 / 2300 / 2600
SIM Micro-SIM
Announced 2014, April
Status Available. Released 2014, June
BODY Dimensions 152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.02 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
Weight 162 g (5.71 oz)
DISPLAY Type LTPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size 1080 x 1920 pixels, 5.5 inches (~401 ppi pixel density)
Multitouch Yes, up to 10 fingers
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- CyanogenMod 11S
SOUND Alert types Vibration; MP3 ringtones
Loudspeaker Yes, dual mono speakers
3.5mm jack Yes
MEMORY Card slot No
Internal 16/64 GB, 3 GB RAM
DATA GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot
Bluetooth v4.1, A2DP
NFC Yes
USB microUSB v2.0, USB On-the-go, USB Host
CAMERA Primary 13 MP, 4128 x 3096 pixels, autofocus, dual-LED flash, check quality
Features Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, panorama, HDR
Video 2160p@30fps, 2160p(DCI)@24fps, 1080p@60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, stereo sound rec., check quality
Secondary 5 MP, 1080p@30fps
FEATURES OS Android OS, v4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to v4.4.4 (KitKat)
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801
CPU Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400
GPU Adreno 330
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Messaging SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email, IM, Push Email
Browser HTML5
Radio No
GPS Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS
Java Yes, via Java MIDP emulator
Colors Silk White, Sandstone Black
- Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
- MP4/H.264/WMV player
- MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV/FLAC player
- Document viewer
- Photo viewer/editor
- Voice memo/dial/commands
BATTERY Non-removable Li-Po 3100 mAh battery
Stand-by
Talk time
MISC SAR US 0.62 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body)
Price group About 220 EUR
TESTS Performance Basemark OS II: 1196 / Basemark X: 13129
Display Contrast ratio: 799 (nominal), 1.961 (sunlight)
Camera Photo / Video
Loudspeaker Voice 74dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 80dB
Audio quality Noise -94.1dB / Crosstalk -94.3dB
Battery life
Endurance rating 66h

its unbelievably fast......Quad core..

 

[iBlazed]

...

Great deal for what it is, but definitely pretty expensive. I'm used to the subsidized phone model, so when I think $300, I think 64GB iPhone 6. I like my extra phones to be around the $100 range and I'm always looking for the best possible deals I can get in that range. It's amazing to me that if someone wants to they can have a fully sophisticated smartphone on a very low budget. I'll never dump my iPhone though, no matter how much I enjoy using other mobile OS's, I have a sense of feeling at home on iOS.

----------

Update: My mistake. The phone I'm referring to is this one. Also made by BLU, but with much better specs and quad core processor. It's $110 but the deal ends in 5 hours. It's normally $150. Considering buying one before the deal ends. Just changed my OP to reflect that.

 

[iBlazed]

Only thing I worry about it being able to update to the next version of Android. I wonder how that's gonna work.

 

[samiznaetekto]

its a geeks dream

>MEMORY Card slot No
>BATTERY Non-removable

That's an epic fail, right there.

 

[AppleRobert]

I took a shot at a Microsoft store with the Blu Win and I did not return it after 14 days. It will do for me upgrading the smartphone I had for Windows, the Nokia Lumia 521.

 

[SD-B]

Great deal for what it is, but definitely pretty expensive

No problem. No need to explain it to me. You have to buy whats right for you and i just thought i was helping you by potentially making you aware of a phone you might not yet have been aware of.
Buy what makes you happy and i saw your further post and realize you might have already bought your phone


I will answer 1 quote here meant for me but don't want to take it any further after that as I don't wish to change the thread topic away form the actual phone he is set on buying....so don't want to discuss the One Plus One any further if no one minds not in this thread...

That's an epic fail, right there

Maybe for you but they can't keep up with production as more people want to buy this phone than they can make so i don't think its an issue for many.
Perhaps for you and if so, then its not the phone for you.


I apologize for bringing up the One Plus Phone. I was trying to help but don't want to see the thread discuss it again from here on in.............so as to respect your thread, your phone topic, etc.
So if anyone wishes to comment further on the One Plus One, feel free to do so by PM to me.


OP: Good Luck on your purchase and hope you find what you want.

 

[iBlazed]

I ended up buying it. The price went up to $130 today, glad I got it yesterday. Will let you guys know how I like it after I receive it.

 

[comper]

If you don't like it, grab a Moto G instead. It's highly regarded by almost everyone as the best budget Android smartphone.

 

[MasterRyu2011]

For Verizon users (and probably other CDMA folks), the Moto G is probably the only low cost option.

 

[iBlazed]

For Verizon users (and probably other CDMA folks), the Moto G is probably the only low cost option.

Yeah, actually it's one of the reasons I stay on AT&T. I enjoy the ability to jump around to different phones with ease and have more options available to me in the budget smartphone market.

 

[MasterRyu2011]

Yeah, actually it's one of the reasons I stay on AT&T. I enjoy the ability to jump around to different phones with ease and have more options available to me in the budget smartphone market.

Totally agree. Before I became a "phone" person, I couldn't care less what other carriers had (a gloriful plethora of options), because I loved the superior connection too much. But after having become someone who gets excited about new phones every year and are intrigued by all of these low cost GSM options as well low cost plans, I had to part way with Verizon.

 

[iBlazed]

Totally agree. Before I became a "phone" person, I couldn't care less what other carriers had (a gloriful plethora of options), because I loved the superior connection too much. But after having become someone who gets excited about new phones every year and are intrigued by all of these low cost GSM options as well low cost plans, I had to part way with Verizon.

It's truly amazing to me how affordable technology has become. I so enjoy playing with all these different smartphones and OS's. I feel like such a geek sometimes when I look at my night stand and have an iPhone 6 charging next to a Nokia Lumia 635 charging next to a BLU Android phone. And to be honest, in my part of the country AT&T's coverage is on par with Verizon. Can't remember the last time I had a dropped call or didn't have an LTE connection. New Jersey is well covered.

----------

UPDATE on my BLU phone:

Received it yesterday. Installed the Google Now Launcher to make the phone more stock Android-like. And I have to say, there is almost no bloatware on this phone, it's almost stock out of the box and it's on KitKat, which you also don't see in a lot of cheap Android phones. I hope BLU pushes out a Lollipop update. Doesn't have any tacky skin over it like TouchWiz either. Nice big bright screen. Only complaint I have is the battery life is horrendous which is why I'm hesitating to use it as a main driver for an entire day. Do any Android users have any battery preservation suggestions for me?

 

[vhl71]

----------

[/COLOR]UPDATE on my BLU phone:

Received it yesterday. Installed the Google Now Launcher to make the phone more stock Android-like. And I have to say, there is almost no bloatware on this phone, it's almost stock out of the box and it's on KitKat, which you also don't see in a lot of cheap Android phones. I hope BLU pushes out a Lollipop update. Doesn't have any tacky skin over it like TouchWiz either. Nice big bright screen. Only complaint I have is the battery life is horrendous which is why I'm hesitating to use it as a main driver for an entire day. Do any Android users have any battery preservation suggestions for me?

Do you get LTE with this phone?

 

[TacticalDesire]

BLU phones are decent values for the price but if Android updates are your thing (I don't really care) they're usually pretty slow to get updates. I've heard it's because they have to wait to get the drivers from MediaTek. But they are a U.S based company in Miami.

 

[iBlazed]

Do you get LTE with this phone?

You do not, that's the one downside. I can live with it though, it has the "3.5G" connection that the iPhone 4S had.

 

[Savor]

MediaTek surpassing Qualcomm as of late?

www.phonearena.com/news/MediaTeks-MT6735-SoC-beats-the-Snapdragon-410-chipset-in-benchmark-tests_id68455


Gionee Marathon M5 was just announced with a 6000+ mAh battery. That is likely the same template for the successor to the BLU Studio Energy which was the M3 in Asia. BLU uses Gionee designs. The most interesting aspect isn't just dual battery but that SoC. MediaTek 6735 is beating

Read the comments on that article. MediaTek is gaining alot of ground on Qualcomm Snapdragons. Many have been disappointed in Qualcomm's 64-bit chips. They got lazy. MediaTek were a joke before. Now they are staying the dragons while winning the price war...

 

[Technarchy]

Only thing I worry about it being able to update to the next version of Android. I wonder how that's gonna work.

I see these devices as being burners. Say you need a phone in a pinch because a device is lost or broken. Maybe cheap phones for tweens and grandparents as gifts.

Longevity is not something I would be overly concerned about.

I wouldn't go in expecting much on updates.

 

[ucfgrad93]

For Verizon users (and probably other CDMA folks), the Moto G is probably the only low cost option.

Agreed, the Moto G great value.

 

[iBlazed]

I see these devices as being burners. Say you need a phone in a pinch because a device is lost or broken. Maybe cheap phones for tweens and grandparents as gifts.

Longevity is not something I would be overly concerned about.

I wouldn't go in expecting much on updates.

That phone ended up being sent back to Amazon not long after this post. Android really isn't my cup of tea and I seem to become even more of an Apple fanboy since November.

 

[mi7chy]

Agreed, the Moto G great value.

Moto G is the best premium budget phone and one of my favorites next to new S6 (best luxury performance) and Galaxy Note II (best future proof phone and will still be better than iPhone 6S Plus when it comes out). No other phone for anywhere close to $20-25 than Moto G that has the same quality 326ppi IPS display as iPhone 6.

 

[MRU]

Moto G is the best premium budget phone and one of my favorites next to new S6 (best luxury performance) and Galaxy Note II (best future proof phone and will still be better than iPhone 6S Plus when it comes out). No other phone for anywhere close to $20-25 than Moto G that has the same quality 326ppi IPS display as iPhone 6.

The Moto G does not have he same quality LCD panel as the iPhone 6. As the Note 2 has seemingly seen the last update at 4.4.2 to describe it as future proof (or any phone for that matter as 'future proof') is equally silly.

Whilst it's really great to be passionate about Android or a particular device brand, your posts frequently just go too far from silly to irrational, deeply biased and trolling.

 

[Savor]

A decent reference for MediaTek SoC's

www.tomshardware.com/reviews/chinese-arm-soc-mediatek-allwinner-rockchip,3912-4.html

Keep an eye out for the A7-based MT6592. That is probably their most efficient with the best price just like how price and power efficient the A7-based Snapdragon 400 is for Qualcomm. But the 6592 has capability from flagships from 18-20 months ago and possibly for a fraction of the price as phones like the Nexus 5, LG G2, and Sony Xperia Z2. Snapdragon 400-410 have capabilities closer with flagships from late-2012 and camera quality before that. My G3 Beat's cam is in between iPhone 4s and 5 quality. More the former with a grainy selfie cam. The MT6592 seems like a better bargain. I hope Gionee and Lenovo make a model packing at least 4000-5000 mAh for it.

My budget phone wishlist -
"4.5-"5 HD
Not taller than 137mm
ARM Cortex A7-based MT6592
2500+ mAh (higher would be nicer)
Decent cam with flash on both sides
Under $120

I don't really need software updates since MediaTek closes that door usually. KitKat is the most stable and RAM efficient Android firmware ever. I could be stuck on 4.4.2 for life and won't care. I also prefer if my CPU doesn't clock higher than 1.5 GHz. MT6592 with Snapdragon 800/801 capabilities with Snapdragon 400/410 prices. Finding excellent horsepower with the right balance of size, price, and power efficiency can be found with MediaTek now.

 

[mi7chy]

Been following Mediatek on YouTube mainly for A72 cores and wouldn't mind checking out their product but they're not so common here in US.

 

[mrex]

Only thing I worry about it being able to update to the next version of Android. I wonder how that's gonna work.

i have to ask why you are worried about updates? you dont need to get the latest android os version to get latest app updates, not even for core apps.