BLU Studio 7.0 II - Unlocked Smartphone

I remember the days when first generation cellphones came out when people used to hold them like bricks to their head and then there were days when teeny tiny clam-shell cellphones came out which were small but had dismal battery life. Then very soon following that not too long ago when first generation touch screen tablets came out. Soon followed by a new breed of hybrids.. which were called Smartphones! these were actually Cellphones with touch screens which just kept on growing and becoming bigger and bigger in 'screen size' while getting thinner and lighter while at the same time getting smarter by adding more and more capabilities.

In that category of smartphones, In the year 2015 Blu's Studio 7.0 II is the biggest I've seen yet in the smartphones category to an extent it even has a new official name - Phablet! It's a phone as big as tablet hence called (P)hablet. History lessons aside, let me tell you, After playing around with this massive phone for past few days I find that 'BLU Studio 7.0 II' unlocked device is very capable smartphone which performs like most other manufacturers like Samsung or Apple. I wish most other major manufacturers gets bold ideas like BLU, for example inclusion of 'FM radio' and reducing overall weight then the next generation of smartphones will get better and better as years goes by.

Having said, The primary reason one would buy 'BLU' Brand versus any other 'Samsung' or 'Apple' device is PRICE. You cannot beat the price of this unlocked smartphone Period. The features and functionalities are similar if not better! when compared to Samsung or Apple and costs you way cheaper. The second reason is for someone looking to get the full functionality of both a tablet and a phone in an all-in-one package that is lightweight. This phone does offers features to users on a budget that they may not be able to otherwise afford not to mention the freedom to choose any cellphone carrier you wish which to me is a huge freedom.

Also, At this price point you have to keep your expectations low and you will be pleasantly awarded with total satisfaction!

PROS

• Very low price of ownership
• Excellent Battery life!
• Unlocked Smartphone, No contracts, accepts SIM from AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket, MetroPCS, Straight Talk (SPRINT does not work)
• 1.3 GHz Quad Core Processor with dedicated Mali 400 GPU 1 GB RAM
• Android 5.0 Lollipop (Latest Android Operating System)
• Expandable with Micro-SD card slot (up-to 64GB)
• Capable Apps can be moved to Micro-SD card to free up Internal storage
• FM Stereo RADIO with Recording capabilities
• Bluetooth, GPS, Accelerometer, GSM Quad Band 3G HSPA+ (850/1700/1900)
• Front facing camera for SKYPE or Google Hangouts
• Very little bloat-ware (Very less junk software pre-installed)
• Stereo Earphones included, Stereo standard headphone jack
• Uses good old full size SIM (I call this a plus because you can always buy an SIM Card Adapter Kit)
• YouTube works great!
• Netflix works great!
• Get all apps from Google Play store!
• Get all the apps from Amazon using Amazon Underground
• Lightweight design only 294 grams!
• Power adapter included and USB data/charge cable included.

CONS

• Included earphones are bad quality
• Need to be careful with a small screw for SD/SIM slot to keep it secure.
• Touch screen is slightly less responsive
• Screen same as Samsung Tab 3 7-inch '1024x600' 169ppi
• Poor quality photos from camera
• No LED flash available

Despite these above mentioned minor cons this smartphone is still very snappy due to the Faster Quad core processor (CPU) with Dedicated Mali 400 GPU along with 1GB of RAM. The 8 GB internal memory (5.62 GB available) did not hamper for playing games most as most can be moved to external SD card. This smartphone works well for most internet browsing activities using Chrome or opera browser or watching videos locally from SD card or online. Cellphone quality was decent (I attempted AT&T SIM card) and voice quality was just like any other cellphone.

So in the end, You might ask then for which type of audience this device is really aimed for? - In my humble opinion, if someone is already looking for the largest phone possible and doesn't want to spend a lot of money or get into lengthy contracts with cellphone providers who charges arms and legs every month to give you a teeny tiny name brand device which you need a magnifying glass to see the screen. Or a person who uses 7-inch form factor tablet a lot but rarely makes phone calls and want conveniences of a phone whenever needed then this device is perfect for them.

Overall, based on the few minor quibbles I am rating this with 4 ½ stars, But, since Amazon's rating system does not allow ½ stars so, for being fair I am rating this with Five stars. Recommended purchase!

Cheers! Thank you for reading my review

You can get one of these from Amazon by using the link Below:

BLU Studio 7.0 II -Unlocked Smartphone - US GSM - Grey