Price and specifications of BLU Energy Diamond advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview

The BLU Energy Diamond is a smartphone that was announced and released in August 2016. It’s a budget device that was part of the mid-2010s wave of smartphones focusing on providing affordable mobile technology without sacrificing essential features. Though it has been discontinued, the device still holds value for those interested in budget-friendly technology or seeking a secondary device with acceptable performance and battery life.

Network Capabilities

The BLU Energy Diamond is compatible with GSM and HSPA technology, offering flexible options for connectivity. It supports multiple 2G bands (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 for both SIM 1 & SIM 2) and 3G bands (HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900). The speed of connectivity can reach up to HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, providing adequate performance for users in networks supporting these bands.

Design and Build

This smartphone measures 147.5 x 71.5 x 12.7 mm and weighs 184 g, making it relatively substantial in hand but not overly cumbersome. It offers Dual SIM capability (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by), which is advantageous for users requiring multiple network access. The device is available in several colors: Grey, White, Pink, Gold, and Blue, providing some choice in personal style.

Display

The BLU Energy Diamond features a 5.0-inch LCD display, with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels and a 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density). While this is not the highest resolution available, for a budget device, it ensures that essential visuals and text are clear without requiring extensive graphics power or draining the battery quickly.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), the device utilized the Mediatek MT6580 chipset (28 nm) paired with a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and Mali-400MP2 GPU. This set-up was adequate for basic tasks and apps during its time, though it might struggle with more demanding software released thereafter. The choice of this hardware reflects a balance between cost and functionality, aiming to deliver a smooth user experience for everyday tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and basic app usage.

Memory and Storage

With 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, the BLU Energy Diamond falls within the lower spectrum of device specifications. This configuration would necessitate cautious management of installed applications and media storage to avoid performance lags. However, it supports microSDXC cards for expandable storage, allowing users to mitigate some limitations by adding external memory for photos, music, and other files.

Camera

The device's camera offerings include a 5 MP autofocus main camera with LED flash, capable of recording 720p video at 30fps. The selfie camera is a modest 2 MP, also equipped with an LED flash. While these specifications are basic, they cater to users who value cost over high-resolution photography, enabling them to capture and share everyday moments effectively.

Sound and Additional Features

The BLU Energy Diamond comes with a loudspeaker system (dual speakers) and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for flexibility in audio consumption. The presence of a 3.5mm jack is especially beneficial as it supports traditional wired headphones, which were more prevalent at the time of the device's release.

Connectivity

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS for navigation, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Although NFC is absent, which limits capabilities for contactless payments and data exchange, the presence of Stereo FM radio offers an additional entertainment source for users.

Sensors

The device integrates essential sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor. While not extensive in its sensor configuration, it provides the necessary capabilities for auto-rotation and basic orientation-based functionality, common to many smartphones of its class during that period.

Battery Life

One of the strongest points of the BLU Energy Diamond is its battery performance. It is equipped with a Li-Po 4000 mAh removable battery, offering robust longevity compared to many peers. Reports suggest a standby time of up to 900 hours on 2G and up to 875 hours on 3G, with talk time reaching up to 52 hours on 2G and up to 38 hours on 3G. The impressive battery life makes it particularly attractive for users who need a dependable device without frequent recharges.

Summary

While the BLU Energy Diamond may be considered outdated by modern standards, particularly in processing power and display technology, it delivers a well-rounded package at an affordable price point. Its primary strengths lie in its impressive battery life and dual SIM capability. For users seeking a reliable backup phone or a budget-friendly primary device, the Energy Diamond might just fit the bill.