Price and specifications of BLU Studio 7.0 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build

The BLU Studio 7.0 presents a unique blend of a smartphone and a tablet, often referred to as a phablet. Measuring 187.5 x 103 x 9.4 mm and weighing 299 g, it stands out due to its massive 7.0-inch display. The device’s design is practical, with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 71.4%, giving it a substantial viewing area. The body is made from robust materials and is available in four colors: White, Gold, Grey, and Blue—offering both style and durability. The device supports a Mini-SIM, emphasizing its early smartphone era connectivity standards.

Display

One of the standout features of the BLU Studio 7.0 is its large 7.0-inch TFT display. With a resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels and an approximate pixel density of 170 ppi, the screen is suitable for media consumption, such as watching videos or browsing the internet, although its clarity and brightness might be less impressive compared to modern-day standards. The display size is a boon for those who prefer larger screens for improved interaction.

Performance

Under the hood, the BLU Studio 7.0 builds on a Dual-core 1.3 GHz CPU, coupled with a Mali-400 GPU. This combination, supported by 1GB of RAM, provides adequate performance for basic tasks and casual apps. However, users should note its limitations regarding heavy multitasking and high-demand applications. The device runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, which, at its time, offered a range of features and access to numerous applications through Google Play. Yet, due to its dated software, users may not access the latest app updates.

Storage

The device offers 8GB of internal storage, which is modest by any standard, especially with today’s data-heavy applications and media. Thankfully, the presence of a dedicated microSDXC card slot alleviates this concern, allowing users to expand the device's storage capacity and store more apps, photos, and music without hassle.

Camera

The camera setup on the BLU Studio 7.0 comprises a 5 MP autofocus main camera accompanied by an LED flash. It supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, which was relatively impressive for its time. For selfies and video chats, the device is equipped with a 2 MP front-facing camera. While not the centerpiece of the device, these cameras were suitable for basic photography needs and casual selfie capturing.

Battery Life

Powering the device is a non-removable Li-Po 3000 mAh battery, providing standby times of up to 200 hours and talk time of up to 10 hours. This capacity ensures users can rely on the device throughout the day with moderate use. Its longevity in terms of battery performance was one of its selling points, though today's users might find it falling short due to higher screen usage and data consumption.

Connectivity and Features

The BLU Studio 7.0 supports GSM and HSPA technologies, making it apt for 2G and 3G networks. Its connectivity suite includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for internet access, Bluetooth 3.0 for wireless earphones and transfers, GPS for navigation, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. The device includes an accelerometer and proximity sensor, an FM radio, and a 3.5mm audio jack, maintaining compatibility with a wide array of audio devices. However, there is no NFC support, reflecting its era's technological constraints.

Price and Availability

The BLU Studio 7.0, launched in November 2014, retailed originally around 130 EUR. It represented an affordable solution for users seeking large displays at the time. However, being discontinued, it is now primarily available through second-hand marketplaces or electronic retail outlets specializing in older technology.

Conclusion

The BLU Studio 7.0 was a noteworthy attempt at merging the best aspects of smartphones and tablets into a single device. While its specifications may seem antiquated by today's standards, at the time of its release, it catered effectively to a niche audience seeking affordability combined with large-screen portability. For fans and collectors of early smartphone technology, the Studio 7.0 remains a fascinating piece of tech history.