Unveiling BLU Diamond M Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of BLU Diamond M

The BLU Diamond M, released in August 2016, marked the company's continued efforts to provide affordable smartphones with decent specifications for budget-conscious users. Although this device has been discontinued, it remains a notable example in BLU’s lineup during its time. The smartphone offers basic functionalities and features aimed at everyday communication and necessary media consumption.

Network and Connectivity

BLU Diamond M supports GSM and HSPA technologies, making it suitable for users who primarily rely on 2G and 3G networks. The device can accommodate two micro-SIM cards, allowing for dual-standby functionality which is beneficial for users managing separate professional and personal numbers. The 3G band support includes HSDPA 850, 1700(AWS), and 1900, ensuring versatility and adequate coverage. With HSPA speeds of up to 21.1/5.76 Mbps, the device is capable of handling essential browsing and data needs.

Design and Build

Measuring 144.5 x 71.5 x 12 mm and weighing in at 162 grams, the BLU Diamond M is compact yet robust in design. The 5.69 x 2.81 x 0.47-inch frame enables comfortable one-handed operation. The device is available in several colors: Grey, White, Pink, Gold, and Blue, appealing to a variety of fashion preferences. Its plastic build may not provide the premium feel of metal or glass, but it ensures durability for day-to-day handling.

Display Quality

The BLU Diamond M features a 5.0-inch LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 196 ppi. While this does not deliver high-definition visuals, it is sufficient for standard applications like browsing and social media use. The 66.7% screen-to-body ratio is typical for devices in this category, offering an entry-level visual experience.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Diamond M runs on a Mediatek MT6580 chipset with a Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, and a Mali-400MP2 GPU. Combined with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, performance is modest, focusing on basic tasks rather than demanding applications. Expandability via a microSDXC card slot helps mitigate the limited storage, allowing users to increase capacity for photos, music, and apps.

The device operates on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), offering a range of Google services and an interface familiar to Android users. Although it might not support the latest apps due to version limitations, it can run compatible apps efficiently.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera of the Diamond M is a 5MP shooter equipped with an LED flash. It is capable of capturing images suitable for social media sharing and basic photography needs. Video recording is supported at 720p@30fps, providing decent video quality for personal projects. The front-facing camera is a 2MP sensor, suitable for video calls and standard selfies, though underperforming in low-light conditions.

Audio and Communication

Audio-wise, the device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with most headphones and audio devices. Communication features extend to Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS positioning services. Absent is NFC functionality, which would have facilitated mobile payments and quick device pairing. However, the device includes stereo FM radio to provide entertainment and news access.

Battery Life

Powering the Diamond M is a 2200 mAh removable Li-Po battery. While this capacity is on the lower side in today’s standards, it allows up to 700 hours of standby time and up to 26 hours of talk time on 2G networks. Users on 3G networks can expect up to 600 hours of standby and up to 14 hours of talk time. The removable battery option is an advantage, allowing users to carry a spare or replace the battery easily as needed.

Additional Features

Sensors in the device include an accelerometer and a proximity sensor, offering essential support for motion-sensing applications and managing screen orientation. While it lacks other advanced sensors like fingerprint or gyroscope, it meets the expectations of devices within its market segment.

Conclusion

The BLU Diamond M represents a functional, entry-level option for users needing essential smartphone capabilities without the high cost. Though its specifications may not compete with modern, high-end devices, it fulfills basic connectivity, media consumption, and communication needs. Its colorful design options and accessible price point made it a viable choice for its target audience at the time of its release.