Comprehensive Review of BLU Dash 35 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of BLU Dash 3.5

The BLU Dash 3.5 is a discontinued smartphone that was announced and released in September 2012. Geared towards budget-conscious consumers, it offered basic smartphone functionalities without a high price tag. Its practical design and essential features made it suitable for users new to smartphones or those requiring basic connectivity and media capabilities.

Network and Connectivity

The Dash 3.5 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, making it applicable to both 2G and 3G frequency bands. The phone operates on multiple 2G bands (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) and 3G bands, depending on the model variant (HSDPA 850 / 1900 for D171a and 900 / 2100 for D171b). With a speed capability of HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps, it provides basic mobile internet connectivity suitable for light browsing and app usage.

Design and Body

The device measures 115 x 62 x 11.5 mm and weighs approximately 110 grams, making it compact and lightweight, ideal for single-hand use. It sports a dual SIM configuration (Mini-SIM), with dual standby mode, allowing users to manage two different numbers simultaneously - a handy feature for separating work and personal contacts.

Display

Equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT display, the BLU Dash 3.5 has a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. Its screen ratio of approximately 51.2% screen-to-body ratio and pixel density of about 165 ppi offer basic visual experience adequate for text reading and simple media viewing.

Platform and Performance

Operating on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the Dash 3.5 is powered by a Mediatek MT6572M chipset built on a 28 nm process. Its dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, coupled with a Mali-400 GPU, provides sufficient power for basic tasks like calling, text messaging, and running non-intensive applications.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 512MB internal storage and 256MB of RAM, which limits multitasking and modern app usage. However, the device includes a dedicated microSDHC card slot for expandable storage, giving users the option to store more media and application data externally.

Camera Capabilities

The BLU Dash 3.5 features a single 3.15 MP main camera capable of recording videos. While the camera lacks modern features found in advanced smartphones, it suffices for casual photography needs. Notably, the device lacks a front selfie camera, a limitation for selfie enthusiasts.

Sound and Audio

Equipped with a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm jack, the Dash 3.5 offers basic audio functionalities. The inclusion of stereo FM radio enhances its capability to provide entertainment on-the-go without relying heavily on data services.

Communication and Additional Features

The phone supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot functions, allowing internet connectivity and internet sharing capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP ensures wireless connectivity for peripherals. The availability of GPS facilitates basic location-based services. However, the device does not support NFC, limiting touchless transactions and connections.

Sensors

An accelerometer is included as the primary sensor, which provides basic motion sensing capability for applications requiring device orientation data.

Battery Life

Power comes from a removable 1300 mAh Li-Ion battery. Expected performance is up to 700 hours of standby time on 2G and up to 500 hours on 3G. Talk time is approximately 15 hours on 2G and 10 hours on 3G, ensuring a full day’s usage with moderate activity levels.

Price and Availability

Originally retailed for about 70 Euros, the BLU Dash 3.5 was crafted as an affordable entry-level smartphone. Its availability now rests mainly in second-hand markets, given its discontinued status. Offered in classic colors such as black and white, the device serves individuals seeking no-frills functionality.

Conclusion

The BLU Dash 3.5 stands as a testament to the early 2010s era of budget smartphones, delivering primary functionality at a modest price. It’s suitable for users desiring essential communication features, albeit with constraints in performance and modern app compatibility. While obsolete by today’s standards, it provides insight into the smartphone landscape’s evolution and remains a relic for technology enthusiasts exploring past mobile innovations.