BLU Studio 55 S Full Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction

The BLU Studio 5.5 S is a smartphone that was first announced in January 2014 and released in February of the same year. Although it has been discontinued, it was popular in its time for offering robust features at an affordable price point. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the various aspects of the BLU Studio 5.5 S, including its specifications, design, performance, and more.

Network Capabilities

The BLU Studio 5.5 S is equipped with GSM and HSPA network technology. It supports 2G bands, including GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 for both SIM 1 and SIM 2, ensuring wide compatibility across different regions. For 3G connectivity, it supports HSDPA bands 850, 1900, and 1700 (model D630U). The device supports HSPA speeds of up to 21.1/11.5 Mbps, which was quite competitive for its time.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 156 x 77.6 x 8.9 mm (6.14 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) and a weight of 166 g (5.86 oz), the BLU Studio 5.5 S is a bit large but comfortable to hold. The phone sports a Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) design, allowing users to manage two phone numbers simultaneously, which is particularly beneficial for frequent travelers or those who want to separate work and personal communications.

Display

The device features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, adopting a 16:9 aspect ratio. With a calculated pixel density of approximately 200 ppi, visuals are clear and bright for normal usage, although not as crisp as more modern devices with higher resolutions. The large screen size was attractive to users who enjoyed media consumption such as watching videos and browsing the web.

Performance and Platform

Powered by the Mediatek MT6582M chipset, the BLU Studio 5.5 S offers a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU coupled with a Mali-400MP2 GPU. While not the most powerful configuration, it was adequate for basic to moderate smartphone tasks in its time such as social media, web browsing, and casual gaming. The phone runs Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), which provides a user-friendly interface and access to a broad range of applications via the Google Play Store. However, it may not support the latest apps due to OS version limitations.

Memory and Storage

The device includes 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, which was typical for budget phones upon its release. For users requiring more storage space, the BLU Studio 5.5 S offers a microSDXC card slot, allowing for memory expansion to store more apps, photos, and videos.

Camera Functionality

The main camera on the BLU Studio 5.5 S is an 8 MP sensor featuring autofocus, LED flash, panorama, and HDR capabilities. It supports video recording at 1080p@30fps, offering decent video quality for home videos and simple vlogging tasks. The front camera is a modest 2 MP, suitable for video calls and basic selfies.

Sound and Connectivity

The phone is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, accommodating users who prefer wired audio peripherals. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 3.0 for local wireless communication, and GPS for navigation. While NFC is not supported, FM radio and a microUSB 2.0 port are available, adding to the device's utility in communication and entertainment.

Sensors and Features

Sensor-wise, the BLU Studio 5.5 S includes an accelerometer, gyro, and proximity sensor. These sensors enhance the user experience by enabling functionalities like automatic screen rotation and gesture-based navigation. The straightforward feature set aligns with its target audience who prioritize basic smartphone functionality over advanced features.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 2350 mAh battery. In terms of longevity, the BLU Studio 5.5 S offers a stand-by time of up to 960 hours on 2G and up to 820 hours on 3G, along with a talk time of up to 28 hours on 2G and up to 16 hours on 3G, making it a reliable companion for users who often find themselves away from a power source.

Miscellaneous Information

Initially available in white, the BLU Studio 5.5 S was priced around 130 EUR. While it might not stand out in today’s market, it remains a reference point for discussions on budget-friendly smartphones from its era.

Conclusion

The BLU Studio 5.5 S represents an era of smartphones that balanced basic functionalities with affordability. Despite its discontinuation, it provides insight into the smartphone development and consumer trends of the mid-2010s. Its specs, while modest by today's standards, were aligned with what the average user needed at the time. The phone served its purpose effectively, meeting user demands for a large-screen, dual SIM device with satisfactory performance and reliable battery life at a competitive price.