BLU Advance A4: Pros and Cons
BLU announced the launch of the Advance A4 smartphone in 2017. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 4 inch TFT display, Mediatek MT6570 SoC, and 512 MB of RAM. The Advance A4 series was launched with Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. The 4 inch phone comes with a TFT display (480 x 800 px). This smartphone has a single camera on the back (5 MP, 2592 x 1944 px, autofocus). Does this phone justify its price tag? I hope to provide clarity by the conclusion of my review.
Table of Contents
- BLU Advance A4 specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the BLU Advance A4 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 A4 specifications
Brand | BLU |
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Name | Advance A4 |
Model | ADVA4 |
Release date | 2017 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
Dimensions | 5.1 x 2.7 x 0.5 inch |
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Colors | black, blue, white |
SIM type | Micro SIM |
A micro SIM is a smaller version of the standard SIM card used in mobile devices.
System, chipset, performance
OS version | Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow) |
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SoC | Mediatek MT6570 |
CPU | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
GPU | Mali-400 MP1 |
The BLU Advance A4 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 Mediatek MT6570 CPU can be fast enough for basic phone operations. Many mobile devices use ARM Mali GPUs. They are well known for their good performance and power efficiency.
Display type, size, resolution
Display type | TFT |
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Screen size | 4 inch |
Resolution | 480 x 800 px |
Multitouch support | yes |
The 4 inch phone comes with TFT display. A thin-film transistor (TFT) features a thin-film transistor for each individual pixel. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.
Memory, storage
RAM | 512 MB |
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Internal storage | 8 GB |
Memory card slot | microSD |
512 MB 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 A4 has only 8 GB. You can expand the internal storage (8 GB) with a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
Main camera | 5 MP, 2592 x 1944 px, autofocus |
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Flash | LED |
Selfie camera | 2 MP |
The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The Advance A4 comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.
Connectivity, network, wireless
GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
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Network coverage | 2G / 3G |
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
Bluetooth | v4.0, A2DP |
GPS | A-GPS |
NFC | no |
FM radio | yes |
USB | microUSB 2.0 |
Headphone | 3.5 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 A4 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
Type | Li-Ion 1350 mAh |
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The Li-Ion 1350 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
Sensors | accelerometer |
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Specials | Dual SIM |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Advance A4 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
- TFT display
- 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
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.