Blu Studio X8 HD (2019) Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Blu Studio X8 HD (2019) is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers decent features and functionality. It was released in February 2019 and comes with a compact design and a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display. Powered by the MediaTek MT6580 chipset and a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, it provides satisfactory performance for everyday tasks. The device runs on Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) and has 8GB of internal storage, expandable via microSDXC. The Studio X8 HD (2019) is equipped with an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera, allowing for decent photography. Its 2000 mAh battery provides average battery life, and it supports dual SIM functionality. Overall, the Blu Studio X8 HD (2019) is a suitable choice for users on a tight budget who need a basic smartphone.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the Blu Studio X8 HD (2019) features a compact and lightweight build. It measures 145.5 x 74.5 x 9.8 mm and weighs 143g, making it comfortable to hold and easy to carry. The device has a plastic body with a matte finish, which provides a good grip and minimizes fingerprints. It is available in black and white color options, offering a simple and understated look. The placement of buttons and ports is convenient, with the power button and volume rocker located on the right side. Overall, while the design may not be groundbreaking, it is functional and suitable for its price range.

Display

The Blu Studio X8 HD (2019) features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. While the pixel density of approximately 294 ppi is not the highest, the display offers decent clarity and sharpness for everyday use. Colors are vibrant, and viewing angles are satisfactory. However, outdoor visibility may be affected by glare and reflections due to the lack of an advanced display technology like AMOLED. Nevertheless, considering the device's budget-friendly price point, the display quality is acceptable.

Performance

Powered by the MediaTek MT6580 chipset and a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, the Blu Studio X8 HD (2019) delivers satisfactory performance for everyday tasks. It handles basic applications, web browsing, and social media with ease. However, it may struggle with more demanding tasks and heavy multitasking. With 1GB of RAM, the device provides limited multitasking capabilities, and users may experience occasional lag or slowdowns when running multiple apps simultaneously. Gaming performance is also modest, with the Mali-400MP2 GPU handling casual games but struggling with more graphically intensive titles. Overall, the Studio X8 HD (2019) is best suited for light to moderate smartphone usage.

Software and User Interface

The Blu Studio X8 HD (2019) runs on Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition), which is a lightweight version of the operating system designed for entry-level devices. The Go edition optimizes the software to run smoothly on lower-end hardware, ensuring a decent user experience. It comes with pre-installed Go apps, such as Google Go, Gmail Go, and Maps Go, which are optimized for better performance and reduced storage usage. While the device may not receive the latest Android updates, the software is stable and provides access to essential apps and features.

Camera

The Blu Studio X8 HD (2019) is equipped with an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. The rear camera produces decent quality photos with good color reproduction and sufficient detail in well-lit conditions. However, in low-light situations, image quality may suffer, and noise can be noticeable. The camera app offers basic features such as HDR, panorama, and various shooting modes. The front camera is suitable for capturing selfies and video calls, but the image quality may not be as impressive as higher-end smartphones. Overall, the camera performance of the Studio X8 HD (2019) is satisfactory for its price range.

Battery Life

The Blu Studio X8 HD (2019) is powered by a 2000 mAh Li-Ion battery, which provides average battery life. With moderate usage, including web browsing, social media, and occasional calls, the device can last through a full day. However, heavy usage, such as gaming or continuous video playback, may require more frequent charging. The device does not support fast charging and charges through the microUSB 2.0 port. Overall, while the battery life may not be outstanding, it is sufficient for basic smartphone usage.

Connectivity and Networking

The Blu Studio X8 HD (2019) offers standard connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP. It supports GPS for navigation and FM radio for entertainment. The device has a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. It also supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to use two SIM cards simultaneously. However, it is important to note that the device does not support NFC, which may limit certain contactless payment options.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Blu Studio X8 HD (2019) to other devices in its price range, it holds up reasonably well. Its compact design, decent display, and satisfactory performance make it a suitable choice for users on a tight budget. However, it is important to note that there are other smartphones with similar specifications available at similar or slightly higher prices. Users may consider alternatives such as the Moto E5 Play or the Nokia 2.2, which offer similar features but may provide better overall performance and software support.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Blu Studio X8 HD (2019) is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers decent features and performance for its price range. It has a compact design, satisfactory display, and adequate camera capabilities. However, it is important to consider its limitations, such as limited RAM for multitasking and average battery life. Users on a tight budget who prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionality will find the Blu Studio X8 HD (2019) to be a suitable choice. However, if higher performance and software support are priorities, there are other options available in the market that may better meet those needs.