BLU Life Play (2013)
The manufacturer offers this phone with a 4.7 inch IPS display, a Mediatek MT6589 chipset, and 1 GB of RAM.
Discover its hidden sides, both good and bad!
Table of Contents
- BLU Life Play 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 Life Play smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.
BLU Life Play specifications
| Brand | BLU |
|---|---|
| Name | Life Play |
| Model | L100 |
| Release date | 2013 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 4.41 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.39 x 2.69 x 0.31 inch |
| Colors | black, white |
| SIM type | Micro SIM, Mini SIM |
The weight of the BLU Life Play 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.
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v4.2 (Jelly Bean) |
|---|---|
| SoC | Mediatek MT6589 |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX544 |
The BLU Life Play comes with Android OS v4.2 (Jelly Bean) out of the box. Google regularly releases new versions of Android. They have new features, improvements, and security updates. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Many consider PowerVR GPUs to highly compete with other leading mobile GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | IPS |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 4.7 inch |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 1 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 4 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
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 we use. If we use our smartphones for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32 GB may be sufficient for our needs. We can expand the internal storage of the Life Play (4 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | 2 MP |
This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The Life Play comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Compared to modern 4G and 5G networks, 3G networks are much slower. The Life Play supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. We can use Bluetooth to connect our Life Play smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Life Play 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 us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Ion 1800 mAh |
|---|
The Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. We can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by ourselves.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, proximity |
|---|---|
| Specials | Dual SIM |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Life Play 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 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.