BLU Advance 40 Complete Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

BLU Advance 4.0 Overview

The BLU Advance 4.0 is a smartphone that was launched in December 2013. It stands out as a basic and affordable option for users seeking essential functionalities in a compact design. Although it has been discontinued, it still draws interest for its classic features and straightforward operation.

Design and Build

The device sports a compact and lightweight design with dimensions of 125 x 65 x 12.4 mm and a weight of 124 grams. This makes it relatively easy to handle with one hand. The phone accommodates dual SIM cards (Mini-SIM) with dual stand-by mode, allowing users to manage two numbers simultaneously, which is a convenient feature for those needing separate personal and business lines.

Display

The BLU Advance 4.0 features a 4.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. This translates to a decent pixel density of approximately 233 ppi. While this screen might not compete with high-resolution displays of modern smartphones, it was adequate for its time, providing clear and bright images suited for basic media consumption and day-to-day activities.

Processor and Performance

Under the hood, the device is powered by a Mediatek MT6572 chipset, built on a 28 nm process. It runs on a dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, paired with a Mali-400 GPU. These specifications point towards a device capable of handling basic tasks such as calling, texting, and light app usage. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking due to its limited processing power.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the BLU Advance 4.0 comes with 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal storage. While the storage is quite limited, users can expand it via a dedicated microSDHC slot, which adds a level of flexibility for storing more apps, photos, and media files. However, the 512 MB RAM is a restrictive factor for running modern applications smoothly.

Camera

The device is equipped with a single 5 MP rear camera accompanied by an LED flash, allowing for basic photography and video recording capabilities. The camera supports video shoot at 720p@30fps, which, although standard for its time, might be considered low by today's standards. The front camera is a VGA shooter, primarily intended for video calls and basic selfies.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1600 mAh battery, the BLU Advance 4.0 offers reasonable battery life for its category. Officially, it provides up to 600 hours of standby time on 2G and up to 400 hours on 3G networks. Talk time can extend up to 15 hours on 2G and 9 hours on 3G, ensuring the phone can last through a typical day’s usage without frequent recharging.

Operating System and User Interface

Running on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the phone offers a user-friendly interface characteristic of this Android version. While Android 4.2 provides access to a wide range of applications from the Google Play Store, the age of this OS means it lacks several modern features and security updates found in newer Android versions.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The BLU Advance 4.0 offers essential connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS, stereo FM radio, and microUSB 2.0. The phone does not support NFC, which limits its capability to engage in certain wireless transactions or actions. It also includes a 3.5mm audio jack and loudspeaker, suitable for basic multimedia consumption.

Price and Market Position

At its release, the device was priced at about 80 EUR, marking it as an entry-level option accessible to a large user base seeking basic smartphone functionality without high costs. Its affordability and dual SIM capacity positioned it competitively in markets looking for budget-friendly tech solutions.

Conclusion

In essence, the BLU Advance 4.0 is a simple, user-friendly device serving the fundamental needs of users who prioritize practicality over high-end technology. Despite its discontinuation, its historical position as a budget-friendly smartphone underscores the importance of accessible technology in expanding digital connectivity across various user demographics during its time.