BLU R1 Plus Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to BLU R1 Plus

BLU R1 Plus is a smartphone that was announced and released in April 2017. Although it has been discontinued, the device offered a range of features that catered to budget-conscious consumers looking for balanced performance and functionality. It was equipped with a set of specifications that provided an adequate smartphone experience.

Design and Build

The BLU R1 Plus boasts a sturdy build with dimensions measuring 153 x 76.6 x 10.5 mm and weighing in at 191 g. This makes the phone feel solid in the hand without being overly cumbersome. The device supports Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by), which provides flexibility for users who require two phone numbers.

Display

The phone features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, offering vibrant colors and decent viewing angles. With a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, the screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio and approximately 267 ppi density. This makes it suitable for general media consumption and browsing the web.

Performance and Software

The BLU R1 Plus is powered by a Mediatek MT6737 chipset with a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a Mali-T720 GPU. Though not the most powerful setup, this combination is capable of handling everyday tasks such as social media, streaming, and light gaming. The device initially ran on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which was a fairly modern operating system at the time of release.

Memory and Storage

Users had the option between two models: one with 16GB of internal storage accompanied by 2GB of RAM, and another with 32GB of storage coupled with 3GB of RAM. Additionally, the presence of a microSDXC card slot ensured that users could expand storage as required, allowing more room for apps, photos, and other media.

Camera

The main camera of the BLU R1 Plus is a 13MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture. It includes features like phase detection autofocus (PDAF), LED flash, panorama, and HDR, and is capable of recording videos at 1080p@30fps. On the front, there's a 5MP selfie camera with an LED flash, providing a decent option for video calls and selfies, even in low-light conditions.

Battery

One of the notable features of the BLU R1 Plus is its robust battery life, offered by a non-removable Li-Po 4000 mAh battery. The battery provides up to 750 hours of standby time on 2G and up to 650 hours on 3G, with talk time reaching up to 30 hours on 2G and up to 22 hours on 3G. This makes it a compelling choice for users who need a phone that can go days without needing a charge.

Connectivity

The device supports multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP and LE, and GPS for positioning. However, it lacks NFC and radio but supports microUSB 2.0. The phone also offers a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is increasingly rare in modern smartphones.

Sensors and Additional Features

Equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, and proximity sensor, the BLU R1 Plus delivers the basic sensory experiences expected in smartphones of its era. These sensors enable functionalities like screen rotation, gaming motion controls, and device proximity detection to prevent accidental touches.

Network Support

The BLU R1 Plus provides support for a variety of network bands. It operates on GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, catering to various network needs. The device includes 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2), 3G bands (HSDPA 850/1700(AWS)/1900/2100), and 4G LTE bands (2, 4, 7, 12, 17) with speeds of HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps.

Conclusion

In summary, the BLU R1 Plus is a budget-friendly smartphone that strikes a balance between performance, battery life, and functionality. While it may not compete with modern smartphones in terms of cutting-edge features and specifications, its affordability and emphasis on essentials make it a valuable option for users who prioritize practicality over novelty. Available in Black, the device embodies a straightforward design perfect for everyday use.