BLU

BLU Advance 5.5 HD: Pros and Cons

Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow)
Mediatek MT6580
Mali-400 MP1
1 GB / 8 GB
5.5 inch (720 x 1280 px)
8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus

BLU announced the launch of the Advance 5.5 HD smartphone in 2017. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.5 inch IPS display, Mediatek MT6580 SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The Advance 5.5 HD series was launched with Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. This phone features a high resolution 720 x 1280 px IPS display. The size of screen is 5.5 inch. This smartphone has a single camera on the back (8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus). Let's dive into what makes this device unique.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the BLU Advance 5.5 HD smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

BLU Advance 5.5 HD / 1

BLU Advance 5.5 HD specifications

BrandBLU
NameAdvance 5.5 HD
ModelA070U
Release date2017

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.63 oz
Dimensions6.1 x 3.11 x 0.37 inch
Colorsgold, gray
SIM typeMini SIM

The weight of BLU Advance 5.5 HD is about 6.63 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size.

BLU Advance 5.5 HD / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v6.0 (Marshmallow)
SoCMediatek MT6580
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7
GPUMali-400 MP1

The BLU Advance 5.5 HD comes with Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow) out of the box. The Android operating system uses the Linux kernel as its foundation. It includes a user interface, middleware, and many pre-installed applications. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Many mobile devices use ARM Mali GPUs. They are well known for their good performance and power efficiency.

BLU Advance 5.5 HD / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5.5 inch
Resolution720 x 1280 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 5.5 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 5.5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

BLU Advance 5.5 HD / 3

Memory, storage

RAM1 GB
Internal storage8 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. Most people think a smartphone needs at least 32 GB of storage. The Advance 5.5 HD has only 8 GB. You can expand the internal storage (8 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera5 MP

The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The Advance 5.5 HD comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS
NFCno
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 3G is obsolete now, because most phones can use 4G and 5G networks. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Advance 5.5 HD smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 2500 mAh

The Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, proximity
SpecialsDual SIM

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Advance 5.5 HD smartphone has an accelerometer. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this BLU phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • microSD slot
  • Dual SIM support

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • insufficient memory
  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 4G support
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no digital compass
  • no fingerprint reader
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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