BLU

BLU Life 8 XL: Pros and Cons

Android OS v4.4.2 (KitKat)
Mediatek MT6592M
Mali-450
1 GB / 8 GB
5.5 inch (720 x 1280 px)
8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus

BLU announced the launch of the Life 8 XL smartphone in 2015. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.5 inch IPS display, Mediatek MT6592M SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The Life 8 XL comes with Android OS v4.4.2 (KitKat) pre-installed. The IPS display of this phone has wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction and better contrast and black levels. This phone has only one rear-camera (8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Let's see what makes this device stand out.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the BLU Life 8 XL 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 Life 8 XL / 1

BLU Life 8 XL specifications

BrandBLU
NameLife 8 XL
ModelL290L
Release date2015

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.26 oz
Dimensions6.1 x 2.94 x 0.3 inch
Colorsblack, orange, pink, white, yellow
SIM typeMicro SIM

The weight of the BLU Life 8 XL is still considered to be lightweight and portable. A micro SIM is larger than the current standard Nano SIM card but smaller than the older SIM card size.

BLU Life 8 XL / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v4.4.2 (KitKat)
SoCMediatek MT6592M
CPUOcta-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7
GPUMali-450

The BLU Life 8 XL comes with Android OS v4.4.2 (KitKat) out of the box. Google regularly releases new versions of Android. They have new features, improvements, and security updates. This octa-core CPU consists: Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7. Many people consider ARM Mali GPUs a good option for mobile devices.

BLU Life 8 XL / 2

Display type, size, resolution

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

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 5.5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

BLU Life 8 XL / 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. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the Life 8 XL (8 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

BLU Life 8 XL / 4

Cameras, flash

Main camera8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera2 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The Life 8 XL 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
GPSA-GPS
NFCno
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Compared to modern 4G and 5G networks, 3G networks are much slower. The Life 8 XL supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Life 8 XL smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Life 8 XL has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. 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 2920 mAh

The Li-Ion 2920 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 Life 8 XL 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
Add BLU Life 8 XL to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

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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