Price and specifications of BLU Smart advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

BLU Smart Overview

The BLU Smart was introduced to the market in the late 2010, standing as a feature phone aimed at providing basic mobile functionalities. Despite its discontinuation, this device remains a relevant study for understanding early 2000s mobile design and technology.

Network and Connectivity

The BLU Smart supports GSM and HSPA technologies, offering fundamental connectivity that was standard for mobile phones during its release. It operates on GSM bands 850, 900, 1800, and 1900, as well as HSDPA bands 850 and 2100. The device provides data speeds of up to HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps, allowing for basic internet connectivity and web browsing.

Launch Details

Announced in September 2010 and released a month later, in October, the BLU Smart had a brief presence in the mobile phone market. Its status now is discontinued, which reflects the rapid technological advancements seen in the telecommunications industry.

Physical Design

The body of the BLU Smart is compact, with dimensions of 104 x 55 x 12.2 mm. Weighing 102 grams, the phone is lightweight and easy to carry. It supports a Mini-SIM card and is designed with a relatively simple and minimalist aesthetic that prioritizes functionality over flair.

Display

The display of the BLU Smart is a 3.0-inch TFT resistive touchscreen which supports 256K colors. Although the screen size is small by today's standards, this was typical for feature phones at the time of its release, providing users with basic visual interaction for texting and application navigation.

Memory and Storage

The BLU Smart is equipped with a microSDHC card slot for expandable storage, an essential feature given its limited internal memory of 52MB. The phone can store up to 1000 contacts in its phonebook, catering well to the needs of its users for basic calling and messaging.

Camera Capabilities

Featuring a single 2 MP rear camera, the BLU Smart offers basic photographic capabilities. It can record videos, although the quality is limited given the camera's specifications. The phone also includes a front camera, supporting rudimentary selfie photographs.

Sound and Audio

The BLU Smart is equipped with a loudspeaker, although it does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring users to likely rely on wireless solutions for personal audio. The inclusion of FM radio provides users access to radio broadcasting, a valued feature before the mass adoption of music streaming services.

Communication Features

For communication, the BLU Smart has several features including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, and proprietary USB connectivity. It lacks modern GNSS positioning but provides FM radio access, further highlighting its core communication-focused functionality.

Core Features and Functionality

The BLU Smart comes with basic applications including SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging. The browser is WAP 2.0/xHTML based, limiting the web experiences compared to modern standards. It supports downloadable games and Java, maintaining entertainment within the constraints of limited processing capabilities.

Battery Life and Performance

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery, providing up to 600 hours of standby time and 7 hours of talk time, an impressive feat for its time ensuring long-lasting usage in daily scenarios.

Miscellaneous Features

A choice of colors was not a significant selling point for the BLU Smart; it was available only in black, a standard and professional finish for mobile phones of that era.

Conclusion

The BLU Smart represents an era of feature phones that emphasized core functionalities like calling, messaging, and basic connectivity. Its simple interface, compact design, and essential features serve as a reminder of mobile technology's evolution, reflecting user needs before smartphones became prevalent.