BLU Products just announced the new BLU R1 PLUS unlocked Android smartphone, which is the bigger and better version of the R1 HD that made headlines when it sold for $50 at Amazon. But the new PLUS model will not be that cheap, but does improve the display, camera, battery, memory, design and connectivity.
The R1 Plus has a bigger 5.5-inch HD Curved Glass display with On-Cell Touch Panel which will provide vivid graphics and life-like colors from your smartphone. Gorilla Glass 3 will give your smartphone an extra layer of protection against scratches, cracks, and breakage.
Featuring a new and improved 13-megapixel sensor as the main camera along with 5-megapixel front selfie camera with LED Flash, the R1 PLUS offers the fully optimized camera experience. With built in f2.2 aperture and 5P Lens all the images are life like on the vivid display. In addition, the Selfie Camera includes wide-angle feature with a build in front-facing LED Flash, perfect for capturing night time or low-light selfie experiences.
The R1 PLUS has longer battery life thanks to it 4,000 mAh battery that is 60% larger than the R1 HD with power that lasts for more than one day’s use on a single charge. With up to 30 days of stand by time, the PLUS will make sure you never run out of battery throughout a day. Included in the box, you will find fast charging capability with the 5V/2A charger included.
Powered by a new and improved 64-Bit MediaTek 6737 1.3GHz quad-core processor and Mali-T720 GPU. With a 30% faster GPU, this will not only ensure great performance, but will enhance battery efficiency.
Internal memory is doubled from 16GB to 32GB of storage, and RAM beefed up from 2GB to a 3GB RAM which should improve performance for heavy multitask users and gaming. Expandable Micro SD card slot of up to 64GB is also available.
The BLU R1 PLUS enhanced the aesthetic value over the R1 HD with focus on the metal housing that grace the battery cover; powder coated with state of the art paint particle that ensure great hand held feel as well as impeccable finish and finished off with a premium polished chamfered décor stripe. The use a gorgeous curved glass touch panel emphasize the use of the highest-grade material possible; paired with on cell display for an onyx like pitch black front display second to none.
T-Mobile users will have Band 12 enabled out of the box with VoLTE and HD Voice support for additional coverage across the US and better quality call performance. R1 PLUS users will have full LTE support across GSM networks nationwide including T-Mobile, AT&T, Metro PCS, Straight Talk, Simple Mobile, and the rest of those MVNOs out there.
In addition to all the improvements, the R1 PLUS also adds a Gyroscope sensor, for all the Pokémon Go enthusiasts as well as support for many VR headsets. R1 PLUS will be shipping with Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box, with a planned upgrade to 7.0, and includes DUAL-SIM support.
Price and Availability
The BLU R1 PLUS is available at both Amazon.com and BestBuy.com in Gun Metal Grey, at $159.99 unlocked.
R1 PLUS Features
- Network: (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, (4G HSPA+ 42Mbps) 850/1700/1900/2100 MHz, (4G LTE Up to 150Mbps) 2/4/7/12/17.
- Display: 5.5-inch HD 720 x 1280, 267 ppi
- Processor: MediaTek 6737, 1.3 GHz Quad-Core with Mali-T720 graphics GPU
- OS: Android Marshmallow 6.0
- Camera:
- Rear – 13.0 megapixel, with LED Flash, 5P Lens (1.12mm pixel size, 1/3 inch sensor, 2.2mm aperture)
HD 1080p@30fps video recording - Front – 5.0 megapixel, with LED Flash, 84° Wide Angle
- Rear – 13.0 megapixel, with LED Flash, 5P Lens (1.12mm pixel size, 1/3 inch sensor, 2.2mm aperture)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi b/g/n, GPS, Bluetooth v4.0, Hotspot, FM Radio, Volte and HD Voice support (T-Mobile users only)
- Memory: 3GB RAM, 32GB Internal Memory
- Dimensions: 153 x 76.6 x 10.5 mm
- Battery: Non-Removable Li-Polymer 4000 mAh
- Available Colors: Gun Metal Grey
