BLU R2 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of BLU R2

The BLU R2, announced and released in July 2017, represents a budget-friendly smartphone offering from BLU, a company renowned for providing cost-effective yet functional mobile devices. Despite being discontinued later, the BLU R2 stands as a notable entry in the affordable smartphone market, offering essential features and a user-friendly experience.

Network and Connectivity

The BLU R2 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, making it suitable for a range of mobile networks. The phone operates on multiple 2G bands including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for both SIM slots, and 3G bands such as HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100. With a speed capacity of HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, users can expect reliable connectivity for basic internet usage.

Design and Build

The BLU R2 is constructed with attention to detail, measuring 150.3 x 74.3 x 9.6 mm and weighing 156 grams, providing a comfortable yet sturdy feel. It features a dual SIM setup (Micro-SIM), which is beneficial for users needing two separate lines, such as for business and personal use.

Display Features

With a 5.2-inch IPS LCD screen, the BLU R2 delivers adequate visual performance for daily tasks and multimedia consumption. The screen resolution is 720 x 1280 pixels, with a 16:9 aspect ratio resulting in a pixel density of approximately 282 ppi, ensuring clear and vibrant image quality.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the BLU R2 houses a Mediatek MT6580 chipset built on a 28 nm process. It is powered by a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and a Mali-400MP2 GPU. While this setup is not designed for high-end gaming or demanding applications, it is sufficient for everyday smartphone activities such as browsing, social media, and light multitasking.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. While the RAM may limit multitasking capabilities, the storage can be expanded via a microSDXC slot, offering flexibility for users needing more space for apps, photos, and media files.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with 8 MP cameras on both the front and rear, the BLU R2 allows users to capture decent photographs. The main camera features dual-LED dual-tone flash and supports video recording at 1080p@30fps. Similarly, the front camera is accompanied by a dual-LED dual-tone flash, enhancing selfie quality in low-light environments.

Audio and Expandability

The device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, meeting typical user requirements for audio output. The inclusion of FM radio offers an additional entertainment option, particularly useful for users in regions where radio is a popular medium.

Connectivity Options

For wireless connectivity, the BLU R2 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP. It also features GPS for location services. However, the device lacks NFC capability, which might be a consideration for users relying on contactless payment technologies. The microUSB 2.0 port serves as the primary means for wired data transfer and charging.

Additional Features and Sensors

The BLU R2 is equipped with several sensors including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, providing a well-rounded user experience with added security and usability features.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a non-removable Li-Po 3000 mAh battery. This capacity is typical for a device of this class, offering standby times of up to 725 hours on 2G or up to 625 hours on 3G, and talk time of up to 26 hours on 2G or up to 16 hours on 3G, ensuring adequate battery life for daily usage.

Color Variants

The device was released in several color variants including Black, Gold, Rose Gold, and Silver, allowing consumers to choose according to their personal style preferences.

Conclusion

The BLU R2, while discontinued, still holds value as a budget device with essential features for everyday use. Its combination of reasonable processing power, expandable storage, satisfactory cameras, and reliable battery life makes it a practical choice for those seeking an affordable and functional smartphone option.