The BLU Tank: A Durable and Affordable Feature Phone
When it comes to cell phones, not everyone needs all the bells and whistles that come with modern smartphones. Some people just want a reliable device for making calls and sending text messages, without having to worry about the fragility of today's glass-screened devices. This is where the BLU Tank comes in.
Released in 2012 by the company BLU, the Tank is a feature phone that is known for its durability and simplicity. Let's take a closer look at this device and what it has to offer.
Design and Dimensions
With its rugged body and small size, the BLU Tank is designed to withstand everyday wear and tear. It measures 114 x 48 x 15 mm (4.49 x 1.89 x 0.59 in) and weighs a mere 92g, making it easy to carry around. The Tank also features a dual SIM card slot, making it convenient for those who use multiple numbers.
One unique feature of the Tank is its built-in flashlight, which can come in handy during emergencies or power outages. This added bonus is a testament to the Tank's reliability and practicality.
Display and Memory
The Tank boasts a 1.8 inch TFT display with 65K colors, providing a clear and vibrant viewing experience. It may not be as large or high-definition as most modern smartphones, but it definitely delivers when it comes to displaying texts and making calls.
In terms of memory, the Tank has 16MB of internal storage and a dedicated microSDHC slot for additional storage. It also has 32MB of RAM, allowing users to store up to 200 phonebook entries and keep track of their call records.
Camera and Sound
The BLU Tank may not have all the fancy camera features of modern smartphones, but it still has a VGA camera for capturing photos and videos. There is also a built-in FM antenna for those who love listening to music on the go.
The Tank also comes with a loudspeaker, although it does not have a 3.5mm jack for traditional headphones. But with its affordable price of just about 20 EUR, one can easily purchase earphones that have a miniUSB connection.
Battery Life and Other Features
One notable aspect of the BLU Tank is its impressive battery life. With a removable Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery, users can expect up to 1720 hours of standby time and up to 16 hours of talk time. This makes the Tank a perfect device for people who do not want to constantly worry about charging their phones.
Other features of the Tank include a simple SMS messaging system, downloadable games, and a range of multimedia capabilities such as MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV, MP4, H.264, and WMV player.
Network and Availability
The Tank operates on GSM technology and supports 2G bands in the frequencies of 850/900/1800 /1900. However, it does not have GPRS or EDGE capabilities, which can limit internet usage. A planned GPRS version was expected to be released in Q4 of 2012, but it never came to fruition.
The BLU Tank was released in Electric Blue, Red, Yellow, White, and All White color options, with later versions also including a Pink color. However, it is now discontinued, but some retailers may still have remaining stock.
In conclusion, the BLU Tank may not be the most advanced or modern device, but its durability, simplicity, and affordability make it a popular choice for many users. It's a perfect option for those who just need a basic phone for calls and texts, without all the complications and distractions of a smartphone.
