BLU Studio XL Unveiling Specs Prices Pros and Cons

Design and Build Quality

The BLU Studio XL boasts a modern and sleek design that was trendy at the time of its release in 2015. Its dimensions of 165.5 x 85.3 x 8.5 mm make it a sizable device, giving it a substantial presence in the hand. Weighing in at 177 g, it is relatively lightweight for its size, ensuring that it is comfortable to hold and carry. The device features a plastic body, which was common among smartphones in its price range during its time, but it is well-built and sturdy enough to withstand daily usage. The dual SIM support via Micro-SIM slots is a pragmatic addition, allowing for greater flexibility and convenience.

Display

The BLU Studio XL is equipped with a 6.0-inch IPS LCD display that offers decent color reproduction and viewing angles. With a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 184 ppi, the screen is adequate for everyday use, such as browsing the internet and viewing photos. However, compared to modern standards, the resolution may seem limited, particularly when it comes to media consumption like watching HD videos. At the time of its release, the display was considered fairly standard for budget-friendly devices, and it provides a sufficiently immersive experience for its intended audience.

Performance

Under the hood, the BLU Studio XL is powered by a Mediatek MT6582M chipset, a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, and a Mali-400MP2 GPU. Paired with 1GB of RAM, the device handles basic tasks and applications well. This hardware configuration enables smooth navigation through the Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system and supports essential functionality without significant lag. However, with only 8GB of internal storage, users will likely need to expand storage via the microSDXC card slot, especially if they plan to store a large amount of media or install numerous apps.

Camera

The camera setup on the BLU Studio XL includes an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash. For its time, the camera was adequate for capturing everyday moments, with video recording capabilities of up to 1080p at 30fps. The 2 MP front camera, though not designed for high-quality selfies, serves for video calls and basic snapshots. The overall camera performance is modest, and while it won't compete with high-end devices, it provides enough functionality for capturing basic photographs on-the-go.

Battery Life

One of the key selling points of the BLU Studio XL is its large 3000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery. The device boasts impressive battery life, offering up to 920 hours of standby time on 2G and up to 850 hours on 3G networks, along with a talk time of up to 36 hours on 2G and 20 hours on 3G. This long battery life ensures that users can rely on the device for prolonged periods without the need for frequent recharges, making it ideal for heavy phone users or those who are frequently on-the-go.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity options for the BLU Studio XL include support for HSPA networks, ensuring decent mobile internet speeds for browsing and streaming. It features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP support, and GPS. While NFC is absent, which is a limitation for users interested in mobile payments or fast data transfer, the inclusion of an FM radio is a nice bonus. The microUSB 2.0 provides standard charging and data transfer capabilities. Additionally, the device includes accelerometer and proximity sensors.

Price and Market Position

Upon its release, the BLU Studio XL was priced at roughly 110 EUR, positioning it as an affordable option in the smartphone market. It aimed at consumers seeking a large-screen device without breaking the bank. While it may not offer the high-end features or sleek materials found in more expensive phones, it delivers a comprehensive package for users who need essential smartphone functionality with some enhanced multimedia capabilities thanks to its large display and extended battery life.

Conclusion

In summary, the BLU Studio XL serves as a competent entry in the budget smartphone category of its time. With a substantial display, decent performance for daily tasks, and impressive battery longevity, it catered to users who valued these aspects over cutting-edge technology and high performance. Although its specification may appear basic compared to modern standards, at its price point, it delivered value and usability that appealed to a targeted audience seeking a reliable, large-screen smartphone without significant investment.