BLU Life View Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to BLU Life View

The BLU Life View was released in early 2013 as part of BLU Products' effort to bring affordable smartphones with competitive features to the market. This smartphone aimed at providing a comprehensive multimedia experience at a reasonable price point. Let's dive into the details of this device, exploring its specifications and features.

Design and Build

The BLU Life View sports a sleek design with dimensions of 161 x 82.5 x 8.9 mm, which makes it relatively large compared to other smartphones at the time. Weighing in at 220 grams, it has a robust presence in hand. The device features a dual SIM slot, a feature that is quite advantageous for users needing multiple lines for personal and professional purposes.

Display

The smartphone boasts a 5.7-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD display. This screen size ensures a vibrant viewing experience for videos and images. With a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, it provides a decent pixel density of approximately 258 ppi. Though not as sharp as newer models, it offers a satisfactory viewing experience for everyday use.

Performance

Under the hood, the BLU Life View is powered by a Mediatek MT6589 chipset built on a 28 nm process. It includes a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and a PowerVR SGX544 GPU, which together handle basic tasks effectively though could struggle with more demanding applications and games. The smartphone comes with 1GB of RAM, which is somewhat limiting by modern standards but allows for basic multitasking.

Software

The device runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. At the time of its release, this OS version offered a stable performance with access to several new features introduced by Android. This version of the operating system includes Google Now integration, widgets on the lock screen, and an overall smoother interface.

Camera Capabilities

One of the standout features of the BLU Life View is its 12 MP rear camera. It comes equipped with autofocus, LED flash, and HDR capabilities, allowing users to capture bright and vivid images. For video, the main camera supports recording at 1080p at 30fps. The front camera is 5 MP, suitable for selfies and video calls, though with basic quality.

Battery Life

The device includes a removable Li-Ion 2600 mAh battery, a convenient feature for users who prefer to have spare batteries. Its battery life is impressive with a stand-by time of up to 980 hours on 2G and 920 hours on 3G networks, along with talk time up to 30 hours on 2G and 25 hours on 3G. These specifications highlight the device's reliability for extended usage without frequent recharging.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the BLU Life View supports GSM and HSPA technologies. The device provides Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct and hotspot capabilities, making it versatile for internet access. It also includes Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS for positioning, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. However, it lacks NFC and only offers basic FM radio for entertainment.

Storage

The smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 16GB. Unfortunately, it lacks a card slot, which means storage expansion is not possible. While adequate for basic use, media enthusiasts might find this limiting.

Additional Features

The device includes several sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and a compass, offering enhanced functionality for various applications. It supports a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio output, retaining a feature appreciated by many audiophiles.

Pricing and Availability

When launched, the BLU Life View was priced around 230 EUR. It was offered in two color options – Black and White, appealing to different aesthetic preferences. The device, however, has been discontinued but can still be found in some markets as a budget-friendly option.

Conclusion

The BLU Life View was a significant contender in the mid-range smartphone market of its time, offering a large screen and decent camera capabilities at an affordable price. Although it may not compete with modern smartphones in terms of performance and features, it serves as a reminder of a time when the balance between cost and functionality was pioneered by companies like BLU.