the new BLU STUDIO 5.0 LTE Smartphone (yes. yet another handset) may not be a top spec device, but you can’t really argue with the asking price of just $249, especially when it is unlocked and contract-free, plus LTE to boot. the STUDIO 5.0 LTE is the first LTE phone from the budget handset maker and though budget, it is no slouch in the spec department. fronting the device is a 5.0-inch qHD IPS display and at its heart, is a 1.4GHz Qualcomm 8926 Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor with Adreno 305 GPU and 1GB of system RAM. before we touch on what it has to offer (i.e. more specs), it is worthy to note its network coverage, which includes GSM/GPRS/EDGE running on 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, 4G HSPA+ 42Mbps covering 850/1700/1900/2100 bands, and 4G LTE fills the gap of 1700 and 2600.
the device will run on Android 4.2.2 Jellybean with promised of 4.3 KitKat, though no timeline was provided. there is 4GB of internal memory and as always, expandable up to 64GB via microSD expansion slot. main imaging is taken care by an 8MP 1/3.2-inch image sensor camera with AF and LED Flash, offering 1080p videoing at 30 fps, while the front sports a modest 1.6MP item. you will also find a 2,000 mAh lithium-ion battery, along with built-in WiFi covering all existing wireless standards including ac, Bluetooth 4.0 technology, GPS, built-in FM radio, plus the usual suite of sensors. it has a 9mm thin profile which may not be thinnest of thin for a 5-inch class device, but it touts a pretty (and a little 5c-ish) design that by now, is synonymous with BLU.
the BLU STUDIO 5.0 LTE will run on 4G HSPA+ and 4G LTE exclusively on T-Mobile/MetroPCS network in the U.S. expect it to ship towards end of May, it will also be available unlocked through Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and dealer stores across the U.S. and did we mention that it will come in a choice of uber rad colors? nice.
