BLU Grand Mini Comprehensive Guide to Features Pricing and Performance

Introduction to BLU Grand Mini

The BLU Grand Mini, released in August 2017, was designed to cater to the needs of entry-level smartphone users. Although it is now discontinued, it remains a subject of interest for technology enthusiasts and those studying the evolution of budget smartphones. Featuring a balance of basic yet functional specifications, the device was marketed towards users seeking an affordable, no-frills smartphone experience.

Design and Build Quality

With dimensions of 132 x 66 x 8.6 mm and a weight of just 132 grams, the BLU Grand Mini is compact and lightweight. Its pocket-friendly size appeals to users who value portability. The device supports dual SIM functionality, utilizing Micro-SIM cards, which is an added convenience for users managing multiple numbers. Available in four colors: Black, Rose Gold, Silver, and Gold, it offers a reasonable degree of personalization.

Display

The smartphone features a 4.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 218 ppi, which is adequate for basic tasks such as texting, browsing, and viewing media. The 16:9 aspect ratio suits most applications, but it doesn't support high-definition viewing, as expected in a budget device.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), the BLU Grand Mini provides access to numerous apps and services available on the Google Play Store. Its performance is driven by a Mediatek MT6570 chipset with a Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. Though not powerful by today's standards, the device can handle everyday tasks such as calling, messaging, and basic app usage. However, with just 512MB of RAM, multitasking is limited, and intensive applications may not run smoothly.

Storage

The internal storage provided by the BLU Grand Mini is 8GB, which can quickly fill up with apps and media. Fortunately, it includes a microSDXC card slot allowing for expandable storage. This is a crucial feature for users who wish to store more photos, videos, and applications without being constrained by the limited internal storage.

Camera Capabilities

The phone is equipped with a 5 MP rear camera, featuring an LED flash. This basic setup allows users to capture everyday moments, albeit not with high clarity or detail. The camera can record video at 720p@30fps, which suffices for casual video recording. A 2 MP front-facing camera caters to video calls and selfies, but the quality is modest.

Battery Life

The BLU Grand Mini houses a removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery. Considering its modest specifications, the battery life is relatively decent. In standby mode, it can last up to 500 hours on 2G networks and up to 450 hours on 3G. For talk time, it offers up to 20 hours on 2G and 15 hours on 3G, which should comfortably suffice for average daily use.

Connectivity and Additional Features

In terms of connectivity, the device supports GSM and HSPA technology, with data speeds up to 21.1/5.76 Mbps on HSPA networks. It connects to Wi-Fi on 802.11 b/g/n networks, and includes Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connections to other devices. For navigation, GPS is available, although the device does not support NFC. Entertainment-wise, the phone features an FM radio, and connects via a standard microUSB 2.0 port. It also retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature cherished by many users. An accelerometer is included among its sensors.

Conclusion

In summary, the BLU Grand Mini offers a fundamental smartphone experience suited for users with basic needs or as an introductory device for new smartphone users. Its affordable price point during its release made it accessible, and though limited by today's standards, it remains a testament to the budget smartphone market of its time. The device's simple design, essential features, and modest performance are reflective of its purpose to provide essential connectivity and communication functions without unnecessary complexity or expense.