BLU Dash JR: Pros and Cons
BLU announced the launch of the Dash JR smartphone in 2013. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 3.5 inch TFT display, Spreadtrum SC6820 SoC, and 256 MB of RAM. It comes with Android OS v2.3 (Gingerbread) out of the box, and a Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery. The 3.5 inch phone comes with a TFT display (320 x 480 px). This smartphone has a single camera on the back (2 MP, 1600 x 1200 px). Is this phone a good value for its price? My review aims to answer that question by the end.
Table of Contents
- BLU Dash JR 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 Dash JR 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 Dash JR specifications
| Brand | BLU |
|---|---|
| Name | Dash JR |
| Model | D140 |
| Release date | 2013 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 3.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.59 x 2.44 x 0.47 inch |
| Colors | black, blue, pink, silver, white, yellow |
| SIM type | Mini SIM |
The weight of BLU Dash JR is about 3.7 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size.
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v2.3 (Gingerbread) |
|---|---|
| SoC | Spreadtrum SC6820 |
| CPU | 1 GHz Cortex-A5 |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP1 |
The BLU Dash JR comes with Android OS v2.3 (Gingerbread) 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 Spreadtrum SC6820 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 |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 3.5 inch |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
The 3.5 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 | 256 MB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 512 MB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
256 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 Dash JR has only 512 MB. You can expand the internal storage (512 MB) with a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 2 MP, 1600 x 1200 px |
|---|---|
| Flash | no |
| Selfie camera | no |
The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The Dash JR comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | v2.1 |
| GPS | A-GPS |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | yes |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
This phone like all modern smartphones, is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Dash JR smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS. 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 1000 mAh |
|---|
The Li-Ion 1000 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 |
|---|---|
| Specials | Dual SIM |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Dash JR 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
- lack of autofocus
- 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.
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.