BLU R2 LTE Complete Guide to Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The BLU R2 LTE showcases a design that is both functional and stylish. Measuring 150.3 x 74.3 x 9.6 mm and weighing 156 grams, the device fits comfortably in hand and is easy to carry around. The phone is constructed with a plastic body that includes a removable back cover, providing access to replace the SIM cards and expand the storage using a microSD card. The device is available in multiple color options, such as Black, Gold, Rose Gold, and Silver, offering a choice that suits various aesthetic preferences. The design is enhanced by a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is a convenient feature for quick and secure access to the phone.

Display

The BLU R2 LTE is equipped with a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display boasting a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This translates to a pixel density of approximately 282 ppi, which provides a decent level of sharpness and clarity for everyday use. The screen-to-body ratio stands at roughly 66.8%, providing a sufficient viewing area while ensuring the phone remains compact and manageable in size. The display performance is adequate for various tasks such as browsing the web, watching videos, and using social media apps.

Performance and Software

At the heart of the BLU R2 LTE lies the Mediatek MT6737 chipset, a quad-core processor running at a clock speed of 1.3 GHz. The Cortex-A53 cores paired with the Mali-T720 GPU ensure smooth handling of light to moderate tasks. The smartphone comes in two variants: a 2GB RAM model with 16GB of internal storage and a 3GB RAM model with 32GB of internal storage. For users seeking additional storage, the device offers a microSDXC card slot for expansion. Running on Android 7.0 Nougat, the BLU R2 LTE offers a relatively stock Android experience, which helps in minimizing bloatware and delivering a responsive interface.

Camera

The BLU R2 LTE features a 13 MP main camera equipped with dual-LED dual-tone flash, allowing users to capture images in various lighting conditions. The camera supports 720p video recording at 30fps, providing a basic level of video capture for casual users. On the front, a 13 MP selfie camera is paired with a dual-LED dual-tone flash, ensuring that selfies are well-lit even in low-light environments. The camera setup is sufficient for everyday photography needs, though it's not aimed at professional or high-end photography enthusiasts.

Battery Life

Powering the BLU R2 LTE is a non-removable Li-Po 3000 mAh battery. This battery capacity is capable of delivering a stand-by time of up to 725 hours on 2G networks and up to 625 hours on 3G networks. The device offers a talk time of up to 26 hours on 2G networks and up to 16 hours on 3G networks, ensuring that the phone can last through a full day of moderate usage without the need for recharging. However, users who frequently engage in demanding activities may find the battery life somewhat limited.

Network and Connectivity

The BLU R2 LTE supports multiple network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. It covers essential frequency bands like GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for 2G and HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100 for 3G, making it compatible with several carriers worldwide. For 4G LTE, it supports bands 1, 3, 7, and 20. The device provides up to HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps speeds. Additionally, it includes standard connectivity features such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS for positioning, FM Radio, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer. It's important to note that the device lacks NFC support.

Additional Features

The BLU R2 LTE is equipped with several sensors that enhance the overall user experience. These sensors include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for easy unlocking, an accelerometer for motion detection, a proximity sensor, and a compass. Despite being a budget-friendly device, these features add a level of convenience and functionality to the smartphone's operation.

Conclusion

The BLU R2 LTE is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a balanced mix of features for users seeking an affordable and reliable device. With its competent performance, decent camera setup, and satisfactory battery life, it caters to everyday needs without breaking the bank. While it may not pack impressive high-end specifications, it's a suitable option for users whose primary concerns are basic functionality and cost efficiency. Despite its discontinuation, the BLU R2 LTE remains a competitive choice in the entry-level market for those who can source it.