All You Need to Know about the BLU Dash XL Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview

The BLU Dash XL was a budget-friendly smartphone released in November 2016. Aimed at consumers looking for essential smartphone functionalities without breaking the bank, the device featured modest specifications that catered to light users. As a dual-SIM device, it offered a good deal of flexibility for users needing multiple numbers on one handset.

Design and Build

The BLU Dash XL boasted a straightforward design typical of smartphones in its category. It measured 155 x 78.1 x 9.4 mm and weighed 168 grams, making it relatively lightweight and comfortable to hold. Constructed with an unassuming plastic build, its design was functional with a focus on practicality. The colors available were gray and rose gold, providing users with a touch of personality without extravagant designs. Its 5.5-inch display screen was framed with thicker bezels than modern devices, reflecting its mid-2010s era.

Display

The device featured a 5.5-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, equating to a density of approximately 267 pixels per inch. This specification allowed for clear and vivid images, typical for multimedia consumption like browsing and watching videos, although it might not match the sharpness of higher-end models. The IPS LCD technology offered decent viewing angles and color reproduction, enhancing its usability in various lighting conditions.

Performance and Operating System

Under the hood, the BLU Dash XL ran on a Mediatek MT6580 chipset built on a 28 nm process. It was equipped with a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and a Mali-400MP2 GPU. This setup was sufficient for handling basic tasks such as web browsing, social media applications, and light gaming. However, the 1 GB of RAM might limit multitasking capabilities. The device shipped with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), which, at the time of release, provided a decent user interface and access to a plethora of apps through the Google Play Store.

Storage

The internal storage of the phone was 8GB, and this could be expanded via a microSDXC card. This option was particularly useful for users who needed more space for media files or applications. Considering the era of its release, 8GB was typical for entry-level smartphones, although some users might find it insufficient without additional storage.

Camera Features

The BLU Dash XL came equipped with a 5MP main camera and an LED flash. While it was not designed for professional quality photography, it was sufficient for casual use and capturing everyday moments. Additionally, it offered a 1080p video recording capability at 30fps. The front-facing camera, also at 5MP, catered to selfies and video calls, providing adequate performance under good lighting conditions.

Battery and Efficiency

A 2500 mAh Li-Po battery powered the BLU Dash XL. It delivered a stand-by time of up to 700 hours on 2G and up to 625 hours on 3G. For talking, users could expect up to 22 hours on 2G or up to 18 hours on 3G. These specifications suggest a robust battery life suitable for a full day of moderate usage, aligning well with the needs of its target audience.

Connectivity and Network

The smartphone supported GSM and HSPA technologies. It allowed dual SIM capabilities which provided excellent network flexibility. The device could connect via Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and offered Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack was a bonus for many users, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio peripherals. GPS support was also available, enhancing its navigation capabilities, although it lacked the NFC support and advanced network options seen in higher-end phones.

Additional Features

The BLU Dash XL included basic sensors such as accelerometer and proximity sensors, which added to the functionality without complex features found in high-end devices. It boasted FM radio, a feature cherished by many users who enjoy traditional radio broadcasting. The use of a microUSB 2.0 port was common for its time, providing adequate charging and data transfer capabilities.

Conclusion

Overall, the BLU Dash XL was a compelling choice in its segment during the time of its launch. It covered the essentials effectively—offering basic smartphone functionalities at an affordable price. Its uncomplicated design, adequate performance, and additional features made it suited for users with minimal requirements. Despite being discontinued, the BLU Dash XL reflects a period in smartphone evolution where value and practicality were central guiding principles for many consumers in the budget category.