BLU Tank 45 Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The BLU Tank 4.5 features a practical design with dimensions of 134 x 68.9 x 9.7 mm, making it comfortable to hold despite its sturdy build. Weighing in at 136 grams, the device is solid yet not overly heavy. It incorporates a dual SIM slot, supporting Mini-SIM cards in a dual stand-by capacity, which is a convenient feature for users managing multiple lines. The device is available in two color options: black and white, catering to different aesthetic preferences.

Display Characteristics

The smartphone is equipped with a 4.5-inch IPS LCD screen, offering a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels. This equates to an approximate pixel density of 245 ppi, ensuring a decent viewing experience for its time. Although not the most advanced display by today's standards, the screen was quite satisfactory when it was released in 2013. It features scratch-resistant glass, providing a basic level of protection against everyday wear and tear.

Performance and Hardware

At the heart of the BLU Tank 4.5 lies the Mediatek MT6577 chipset, built on a 40 nm process. The device is powered by a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a PowerVR SGX531u GPU. Although the hardware is modest, it was capable of handling basic tasks and apps when launched. The device offers 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSDHC card slot, making it feasible for storing additional apps and media.

Camera Features

The BLU Tank 4.5 sports a 5 MP autofocus main camera, complemented by an LED flash. This setup allows the user to capture basic images and videos with 480p resolution at 30fps. On the front, a VGA camera is available for basic selfies and video calls. While the photography capabilities are quite rudimentary, they meet the expectations for entry-level devices of that era.

Battery and Power Management

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1760 mAh battery. This capacity provides extended standby times of up to 720 hours on 2G networks and up to 680 hours on 3G networks. For talk time, the battery can last up to 22 hours on 2G and up to 15 hours on 3G, making it a reliable option for users requiring longevity throughout their day.

Software and Interface

Operating on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the BLU Tank 4.5 offers a user-friendly interface without overwhelming users with too many features. Android 4.1 introduced Google Now and improved notifications, along with a smoother and more responsive UI thanks to Project Butter. For its time, the operating system provided a satisfactory user experience.

Network and Connectivity

Connectivity options in the BLU Tank 4.5 include support for GSM and HSPA technologies. With 2G bands covering GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and 3G bands including HSDPA 850/1900, the device offers coverage for most regions. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and functions as a hotspot. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP is available for pairing with wireless accessories.

Audio and Additional Features

The device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for versatile audio options. Users can enjoy stereo FM radio, enhancing the entertainment offerings of the smartphone. Although it lacks advanced sensors such as fingerprint scanners or NFC, its simplicity is aligned with the market expectations for its category and time.

Price and Market Position

At the time of its release, the BLU Tank 4.5 was priced at approximately 200 EUR, positioning it in the market as an affordable entry-level smartphone. Its budget-friendly nature made it accessible to a wide audience, including users looking for basic functionality without the premium features of higher-end models.