BLU Vivo Air Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices and Performance

Overview of BLU Vivo Air

The BLU Vivo Air is a sleek and lightweight smartphone that made its debut in January 2015. With its standout design and form factor, it quickly caught the attention of technology enthusiasts looking for an affordable yet aesthetically pleasing device. Now, although discontinued, it offers a perspective on how smartphone design was evolving in the mid-2010s.

Design and Build

One of the most striking features of the BLU Vivo Air is its design. Measuring only 139.8 x 67.4 x 5.1 mm and weighing a mere 97 grams, it was acclaimed as one of the slimmest and lightest smartphones of its time. The device features a micro-SIM slot and is available in two color variants: Black and White/Gold. The body is reinforced with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offering increased durability despite its slim profile.

Display

The Vivo Air sports a 4.8-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, featuring a density of approximately 306 pixels per inch. The AMOLED technology provides vibrant colors and deep contrasts, offering an impressive visual experience for media consumption and general usage. This made the device a comfortable fit in the hand while providing enough screen real estate for effective smartphone usage.

Performance and Hardware

At its core, the BLU Vivo Air is powered by a Mediatek MT6592 chipset coupled with an octa-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. This setup, paired with a Mali-450MP4 GPU, was sufficient for handling everyday tasks and moderate gaming in 2015. However, the device is equipped with only 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage with no option for expansion via a microSD card, which might feel limiting, especially for modern usage standards.

Camera Capabilities

The Vivo Air features an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus, LED flash, panorama, and HDR capabilities. This camera setup allows users to shoot videos at 1080p@30fps. Despite the modest specification, it was competitive in its segment when released. The front-facing camera is 5 MP, aimed at offering an acceptable selfie and video calling experience.

Software and User Interface

Running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the BLU Vivo Air offered a straightforward and less bloated interface, providing ease of use and acceptable performance for entry-level users. However, as an older version of Android, it lacked some of the features and optimizations that later versions would bring to the table.

Network and Connectivity

The BLU Vivo Air supports GSM/HSPA network technologies, with bands supporting 2G (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G (HSDPA 850/1900/2100) connectivity. It offers maximum speeds of up to 21.1/5.76 Mbps. For local connectivity, the device includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, FM radio, and microUSB 2.0. Notably, it does not support NFC, which limits certain proximity-based functionalities available in other devices of its time.

Battery Life

The smartphone houses a non-removable Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery. According to the manufacturer, it is capable of up to 24 hours of talk time on 2G networks and up to 12 hours on 3G networks. In standby mode, it can last up to 750 hours on 2G and 675 hours on 3G, providing moderate endurance for day-to-day operations.

Audio and Additional Features

For audio, the BLU Vivo Air comes with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring versatility for personal audio preferences. In terms of sensors, the device includes an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and a compass, covering the essentials required for basic to moderate smartphone use.

Market Position and Concluding Remarks

Priced at approximately 190 EUR at launch, the BLU Vivo Air was marketed as a budget-friendly smartphone with premium design elements. While it may not compete with the high-end specs of flagship devices, its primary allure was its ultra-slim and lightweight construction paired with a bright AMOLED display. This combination made it a compelling choice for users prioritizing aesthetics and portability over cutting-edge performance.

In conclusion, while the BLU Vivo Air may no longer be at the forefront of technology, it serves as an interesting case study in smartphone design evolution, especially in the context of balancing cost with visual and physical appeal. Even now, it remains an example of how simplicity in design can resonate strongly with consumers, despite the rapid pace of technological advancements in the smartphone industry.