Blu Studio G

Blu Studio G
Under $ 100 smartphone is nothing new, but under $ 100 device really worth considering the relatively recent development. The BLU Studio G rings up to $ 99 (unlock), making it an attractive choice for thrifty shoppers. It is a competent, if incredibly basic, free choice that falls short of its intended target, the Motorola Moto E $ 89.00 on Amazon. Compromises thick, and it is unlikely to be worth $ 20 savings over the Moto E for all but the worst of the budget.

The Studio G $ 99.99 at Best Buy is a generic slab of soft-touch plastic, come to 5.63 by 2.88 by 0.39 inches (HWD) and 5.5 ounces. Feel relatively stable for such a device with low cost and without any gross Fortunately touch design. A strange choice: micro USB charging port is on the top side of the device, making it somewhat difficult to use while charging.

Motorola put a strong emphasis on the quality of the display for the Moto G $ 179.99 on Amazon and Moto E, and dividends paid to the overall experience. Blu went with great IP LCD panel, but suffers from some of the same quality issues that plague the larger Studio X Plus. The resolution of 854-by-480-pixel is enough, but noticeably grainier than 960-by-540-pixel display that Moto E. Colors, likewise, looked dull compared with the Moto E. And you will find undesirable, blocky banding on any picture with a gradient tint. It is still a very useful display, and better than you'd expect at this price, but it was not too up to the standard set by Motorola.

Studio G is unlocked for GSM (850/900/1800 / 1900MHz) and HSPA (850/1700 / 1900MHz) network. In the US, which means it will work with AT & T, T-Mobile, or MVNOs to use two GSM networks. I tested it using an AT & T SIM, which worked fine without any further setup. Call quality was moderate in my testing, though, with the harsh tone in the earpiece and muffled transmissions through the mic. Speakerphone volume is relatively weak, while the cancellation of noise is virtually nonexistent.

Without 4G LTE, you'll want to stay with 802.11b / g / n Wi-Fi for speedier data, but remember that the Studio G Lacking support 5GHz network. Rounding out the connectivity options are Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS.

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