Two new Android devices from Miami-based phone-maker Blu Products offer something that you don't find in other models: batteries that last up to three days on a single charge. Announced Thursday and available immediately through Blu's website, the Studio Energy 2 and Energy X pack in 5,000mAh and 4,000mAh batteries, respectively.
Blu is one device vendor trying to make quiet inroads through direct-to-consumer sales from its own website and Amazon. Like many others in this space, including Alcatel and ZTE, the unlocked GSM smartphones -- which work on AT&T and T-Mobile networks -- typically offer a set of promising features for a price that undercuts premium phones sold through carriers. Blu is one of the few US-based companies to take this path.
The more feature-loaded of the two, the aluminum Studio Energy 2 runs Android 5.0 Lollipop and features a 5-inch display with a 1,280x720-pixel resolution. The rear holds an 8-megapixel camera capable of recording high-definition video in 1,080p, while the front offers up a 5-megapixel shooter for selfies and video chat.
Inside, you'll find a quad-core 1.3GHz MediaTek processor with 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. There is, of course, that 5,000mAh battery, which Blu says could yield up to 30 days stand-by or three days of usage on a single charge. Typically, batteries take up the most space; in this case, it's squeezed into a chassis that measures 0.4-inch thick. The phone includes a microSD expansion card slot for additional storage as well as support for two SIM cards.
On the other hand, the Studio Energy X dials things down a smidge, but still packs a punch in the battery department. Running Android 5.1 Lollipop, it, too, comes with the 5-inch display, 8-megapixel rear camera, microSD slot and dual-SIM capability.
However, the Energy X has half the Energy 2's storage -- 8GB instead of 16GB -- and only 1GB RAM. Its battery, which is rated at 4,000mAh, is still a higher capacity than most Android phones and should last for a good, long time.
You can buy the Blu Studio Energy 2 from Amazon for $179 in Midnight Gray or Ceramic White with Rose Gold. The Energy X retails for $109 with Midnight Gray and Luxury Gold options.
Discuss: Blu debuts two new Android phones with monster batteries
Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.