BLU Dash Full Specs Pricing & Insights

Overview of the BLU Dash

The BLU Dash, released in 2012, was an entry-level Android smartphone targeting budget-conscious consumers. Despite being discontinued, its historical significance in BLU's lineup reflects an effort to cater to needs for affordability and basic smartphone functionalities. This article delves into the features and specifications that defined the BLU Dash, examining its components, performance, and overall impact on the mobile phone market.

Network and Connectivity

The BLU Dash supported GSM and HSPA network technologies. It operated on 2G bands GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 and 3G bands HSDPA 850 and 1900. With a maximum speed of HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps, it provided basic connectivity for browsing, downloading, and social media interaction. This modest connectivity suite was typical of smartphones at its price point during its release period.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 103 x 56 x 12 mm and a weight of 96 grams, the BLU Dash was both compact and lightweight, making it easily portable. The device supported dual SIM cards, enhancing its appeal to users needing multiple numbers or plans. Its plastic body came in four color variations—black, blue, white, and pink—catering to a range of aesthetic preferences.

Display

The phone featured a 2.8-inch TFT screen capable of displaying 256K colors. The display resolution was 240 x 320 pixels, which resulted in a pixel density of approximately 143 ppi. While this is modest by current smartphone standards, it was adequate for simple tasks such as phone calls, texting, and light web browsing.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the BLU Dash was equipped with a Mediatek MT6573 chipset. It housed a 650 MHz Cortex-A9 CPU alongside a PowerVR SGX531 GPU. This configuration offered minimal processing power, sufficient for basic applications but not suitable for intensive tasks or heavy application usage. The device was equipped with 256MB of RAM and 512MB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDHC card slot.

Camera Capabilities

The BLU Dash sported a 2MP rear camera, capable of basic photography and video recording. While the camera did not have advanced features like autofocus or flash, it was functional for users needing to capture spontaneous moments or document simple visuals. A front-facing camera was also present, although it was not designed for high-quality selfies.

Audio and Multimedia

The device included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing for audio playback through earphones or headphones. Additionally, the phone supported stereo FM radio, a popular feature for users who enjoy live broadcast content.

Communication Features

In terms of communications, the BLU Dash supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 with EDR, and GPS for basic navigation and connectivity. For wired connections, the device used a microUSB 2.0 port, standard for devices of its time.

Sensors

The phone's sensor suite included an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. Though these sensors were basic, they enabled essential functionalities like screen rotation, basic motion gaming, and navigation tools.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1110 mAh battery, the BLU Dash offered a standby time of up to 800 hours on 2G and up to 600 hours on 3G networks. Talk time was rated up to 20 hours on 2G and 10 hours on 3G, providing adequate endurance for everyday use.

Market Position and Pricing

With a launch price of approximately 70 EUR, the BLU Dash was positioned as a budget-friendly smartphone, aimed at users seeking a basic, cost-effective mobile solution. This strategy was particularly appealing in emerging markets where smartphone penetration was just beginning to ramp up.

Conclusion

The BLU Dash's role in the smartphone market was defined by its affordability and essential feature set. While it lacked advanced capabilities, its design and functions met the needs of users looking for a straightforward, reliable device. Such devices highlight the importance of accessibility and value for money in broader mobile market dynamics.