Display:240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density)
Camera:VGA
Battery:
Released:Released 2010, September
The BLU Flash: A Feature Phone from 2010 That Still Packs a Punch
From budget smartphones to high-end devices, there are countless options on the market today. But sometimes, it's nice to take a step back and appreciate the simplicity and functionality of a feature phone. And one such device that deserves recognition is the BLU Flash.
Released by BLU in September of 2010, the Flash may be over 10 years old, but it was definitely ahead of its time. Let's take a closer look at this unassuming device and see what made it a fan favorite.
Design and Build
The BLU Flash may not have the sleek and shiny appearance of modern smartphones, but it has a sturdy build that can withstand the test of time. Measuring at just 13.5mm in thickness and weighing 82g, it's easy to hold and carry around. The mini-SIM slot, along with the microSDHC slot for expandable storage, can be found on the side of the device.
Display
With a 2.0 inch TFT screen and a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, the Flash's display may not be anything revolutionary, but it gets the job done. It's also equipped with 256K colors, providing decent color reproduction for its time. However, with only a 24.7% screen-to-body ratio, the display may feel a bit small compared to today's standards.
Memory and Camera
Despite its age, the BLU Flash still offers some impressive memory and camera features. It comes with a 70MB internal storage and a microSDHC slot for up to 32GB of additional storage. Its main camera is a VGA shooter, which may not sound like much now, but back then, it was enough to capture decent photos and even record videos at 320p.
As for the selfie camera, its quality may not be something to brag about, but it's still a nice added feature for those looking to take self-portraits or video calls.
Connectivity and Features
The Flash may not have Wi-Fi or GPS capabilities, but it can still offer basic connectivity through GSM and UMTS networks. It's also equipped with Bluetooth 2.0 for file sharing and a stereo FM radio for entertainment. And while it may not have sensors like most smartphones do now, it makes up for it with its Java compatibility and downloadable games.
Additionally, the Flash also includes features like SMS, MMS, Email, and IM for messaging, as well as a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for simple internet browsing.
Battery Life
One major advantage of feature phones is their longer battery life, and the BLU Flash is no exception. It comes with a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery that can last up to 600 hours on standby and up to 13 hours and 45 minutes of talk time for 2G networks. For 3G networks, it can last up to 583 hours on standby and up to 4 hours and 30 minutes of talk time.
In Conclusion
While the BLU Flash may have been discontinued, it's still worth mentioning and appreciating for its time. Priced at around 40 EUR, it provided users with the basics of a phone without breaking the bank. With its compact design, decent features, and long-lasting battery life, it's a device that will continue to be remembered and loved by those who owned it.