Introduction to BLU Studio Selfie 2

The BLU Studio Selfie 2 is a budget smartphone that was released in May 2016 by BLU, a company widely recognized for producing cost-effective mobile devices. The phone quickly gained attention for its affordable price point combined with its decent specs tailored towards users seeking a phone with basic functionalities and a focus on front-facing camera capabilities for selfies. Although production has been discontinued, the phone still holds interest for many due to its economic value and simplicity.

Design and Build

One of the most appealing aspects of the BLU Studio Selfie 2 is its compact design. Measuring 144.4 x 72.5 x 8.5 mm and weighing in at 153 g, the phone is relatively lightweight and easy to handle, even with one hand. Its dimensions translate to a comfortable hold, while the choice of materials keeps the cost down without feeling too plasticky. The device comes in three color variants: Black, White, and Gold, offering some degree of customization for users.

Display

The phone is equipped with a 5.0 inches IPS LCD display. While the resolution of 480 x 854 pixels may not sound impressive by today's standards, with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 65.8% and a pixel density of around 196 ppi, it delivers satisfactory visual output suitable for casual browsing and viewing content. This spec ensures basic clarity and sharpness, adequate for most applications you'll run on this device.

Camera Capabilities

The BLU Studio Selfie 2 features dual 5 MP cameras, both in the front and the rear. The rear camera includes auto-focus capabilities and is supported by an LED flash, allowing for acceptable photo quality in well-lit environments, as well as offering basic night photography functionalities. It can record videos at 720p at 30 frames per second, capturing straightforward video content for everyday use. The front-facing camera facilitates decent selfie shots, playing into the name of the device as a "Selfie" phone, making it appealing for users who value front camera performance for video calls and social media interactions.

Performance and Processing Power

Under the hood, the BLU Studio Selfie 2 is powered by the Mediatek MT6580 chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and Mali-400MP2 GPU. It runs on Android 5.1 (Lollipop), giving users access to a wide range of apps via the Google Play Store. With 1 GB of RAM, the phone is designed to handle day-to-day tasks such as texting, phone calls, and light app usage without much lag, although it might struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.

Storage

Storage-wise, the device comes with 8 GB of internal memory. While this isn't much by current standards, it includes a microSDXC slot that allows for expandable storage, providing users with the option to increase space for more apps, photos, and music, accommodating those who require more than the base capacity for their daily needs.

Battery Life

The phone is equipped with a removable Li-Po 3000 mAh battery, promising a talk time of up to 34 hours on 2G and 24 hours on 3G, along with standby capabilities of up to 700 hours on 2G and 600 hours on 3G. These features make it a reliable option for users who prioritize battery longevity and need a device that can last through extensive daily usage without frequent recharging.

Network and Connectivity

The BLU Studio Selfie 2 supports GSM and HSPA technology. It utilizes dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) capability, allowing users the flexibility of managing two phone numbers on a single device. As for connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless communication, whereas GPS offers basic location services. The device also comes with a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging, but it lacks NFC support, which is notable considering its use in mobile payments and file sharing for other smartphones.

Additional Features

This budget handset is equipped with basic sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, contributing to functions such as auto-rotation and automated call management during phone calls. The device supports a 3.5 mm audio jack, ensuring compatibility with most wired headphones and earphones, which is a plus for music lovers or those who prefer traditional wired audio solutions.

Conclusion

Overall, the BLU Studio Selfie 2 is a phone that shines in offering significant value for its low cost. While it might lack the high-end features and specifications found in modern flagship devices, it performs adequately for its intended target market of budget-conscious consumers. For users prioritizing basic functionality, a good battery life, and decent camera quality for selfies, the BLU Studio Selfie 2 remains a viable option despite its discontinuation. Its expandable storage option, dual SIM capability, and simplicity provide an added edge in its category.