BLU Touch Book 70 Plus Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of BLU Touch Book 7.0 Plus

The BLU Touch Book 7.0 Plus is an Android tablet that was released back in October 2012. Although it's been discontinued, at its launch, it served as a budget-friendly option for users seeking basic functionality in a tablet form factor. This device integrates both smartphone and tablet functionalities, allowing for communication and multimedia consumption on a larger screen.

Design and Build

Measuring at 197 x 120 x 13 mm and weighing 388 grams, the BLU Touch Book 7.0 Plus features a sturdy yet simple design. The mini-SIM slot allows it to perform tasks typically reserved for smartphones. Users appreciated its portability, though the design was more functional than aesthetically compelling with a basic black finish.

Display

The tablet is equipped with a 7.0-inch TFT display, offering a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. While the screen-to-body ratio is approximately 59%, the pixel density is relatively low at around 133 ppi. As a result, image clarity and sharpness are not as striking as contemporary devices. However, for basic browsing and video playback, it proved adequate at its price point.

Performance and Hardware

Running on the Qualcomm MSM7227A Snapdragon S1 chipset with a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A5 CPU, the performance of the BLU Touch Book 7.0 Plus is modest. The device's Adreno 200 GPU handles graphics, suitable for basic applications and games. Unfortunately, its 512MB RAM limits multitasking capabilities, but this was aligned with the expectations for entry-level devices at the time.

Storage

Internal storage is limited to 512MB, a common restriction in lower-cost devices of the era. However, the presence of a microSDHC slot allows users to expand storage, accommodating more applications and media files, which somewhat mitigates the limited onboard storage.

Camera Features

The main camera on the BLU Touch Book 7.0 Plus offers a single 3.15 MP lens. It supports video recording at 480p@30fps, providing basic photography and videography functionalities. The selfie camera is a VGA lens, likely to serve just fundamental video call purposes rather than high-quality image captures.

Battery Life

One of the highlights of the Touch Book 7.0 Plus is its battery - a non-removable Li-Ion 3500 mAh battery. Standby time is substantial, offering up to 1100 hours on 2G networks and up to 1000 hours on 3G. Talk time is also commendable, with up to 35 hours on 2G and 25 hours on 3G. This significant battery life was particularly appealing for users requiring extended usage without frequent recharging.

Operating System

The device runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, which at the time provided users with a user-friendly interface and access to a wide array of applications via the Google Play Store. It offered improved accessibility compared to earlier versions and included features like customizable home screens, a new lock screen interface, and enhanced communication and browsing capabilities.

Connectivity and Communication

The BLU Touch Book 7.0 Plus is equipped with GSM and HSPA connectivity technologies, supporting 2G and 3G bands. Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, and a microUSB port ensure that users can maintain connectivity in various situations. However, the lack of NFC and limited Bluetooth capacity may restrict the more modern connectivity features available in newer devices.

Multimedia and Other Features

The tablet offers a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, facilitating an enjoyable audio experience for either music or voice calls. Stereo FM radio provides a traditional form of media consumption. Sensors included are accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass—features that enhance the device’s usability for navigation and interactive applications.

Price and Market Segment

At approximately 70 EUR, the BLU Touch Book 7.0 Plus was positioned as an affordable alternative to higher-end tablets, appealing to budget-conscious consumers or those seeking a secondary device. Its cost-effective pricing made it accessible for a broader audience, particularly in markets where high-end technology products are not as prevalent.

Conclusion

While the BLU Touch Book 7.0 Plus may not stand out with cutting-edge technology or premium features, it successfully catered to its target market’s needs by delivering essential tablet functionalities at an affordable price. Despite being discontinued, it remains a notable device in the history of budget tablets, showcasing the potential for technology accessibility in cost-effective designs.