BLU G94 Review: Affordable Entry-Level Smartphone

BLU G94 (2023)

Definition: The BLU G94 is an entry – level to mid – range unlocked Android smartphone released in 2023 by BLU Products, a US – based mobile device manufacturer. It is designed for budget – conscious users who want essential smartphone functions, a large display, and decent battery life without breaking the bank, featuring a 6.5 – inch HD+ display, Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset, dual rear cameras, and a 5000 mAh battery.

Core Technical Specifications

Component	Details
Display	6.5 – inch HD+ (1600×720) IPS LCD, 20:9 aspect ratio, 270 PPI, 60 Hz refresh rate, waterdrop notch for front camera, scratch – resistant glass
Processor & Chipset	Unisoc SC9863A1 (28 nm), octa – core (4×1.6 GHz Cortex – A55+4×1.2 GHz Cortex – A55), PowerVR GE8322 GPU
Memory & Storage	4 GB LPDDR4X RAM; 64/128 GB eMMC 5.1 storage; microSD slot (up to 1 TB, hybrid SIM)
Camera System	Rear: 13 MP main (f/2.0, PDAF)+2 MP depth sensor; 1080p 30 fps video recordingFront: 8 MP (f/2.0); 1080p 30 fps video recording
Battery & Charging	5000 mAh non – removable Li – Po; 10W wired charging via USB – C; no wireless charging; up to 2 days of moderate usage
Connectivity	4G LTE, Wi – Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, USB – C 2.0, 3.5 mm headphone jack, FM radio, dual SIM (nano – SIM, dual standby)
OS & UI	Launched with Android 12 (Go Edition); BLU’s custom light UI with minimal bloatware
Design & Durability	Plastic back and frame; dimensions: 164.5×76.5×9.2 mm; weight: 195 g; colors: Black, Blue, Green; no IP rating for water/dust resistance
Unique Features	Side – mounted fingerprint sensor, face unlock, 3.5 mm headphone jack, dual SIM support, large 5000 mAh battery

Key Selling Points & Advantages

Large Display for Media: The 6.5 – inch HD+ IPS LCD with a 20:9 aspect ratio offers an immersive viewing experience for streaming videos and browsing the web, which is a highlight for an entry – level phone.
Long – Lasting Battery: The 5000 mAh battery can easily power the device through a full day of regular use, and even up to two days with light usage, reducing the need for frequent charging.
Budget – Friendly Pricing: It is priced affordably (around $99 – $129 at launch), making it an attractive option for first – time smartphone buyers, secondary phone users, or those on a tight budget.
Essential Camera Setup: The 13 MP main rear camera with PDAF can capture clear photos in good lighting, and the 2 MP depth sensor enables basic portrait mode effects for creative shots.
Practical Connectivity: It retains the 3.5 mm headphone jack and supports dual SIM cards, which are convenient features for users who want to use wired audio devices or separate personal and work numbers.

Limitations & Criticisms

Entry – Level Performance: The Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset struggles with intensive tasks like heavy gaming, multitasking with multiple apps, and running high – end apps, resulting in occasional lags.
Low – Resolution Display: The 720p HD+ resolution looks less sharp compared to the FHD+ displays that are common in many mid – range phones, especially when viewing text and images up close.
Basic Camera Performance: The rear cameras perform poorly in low – light conditions, producing grainy photos, and the front 8 MP camera takes average – quality selfies.
Slow Charging: The 10W wired charging is slow. It takes several hours to fully charge the 5000 mAh battery, and there is no fast or wireless charging option.
Limited Software Support: As an entry – level phone, it may only receive a few security updates and is unlikely to get major Android OS upgrades beyond its initial Android 12 (Go Edition).

Release & Market Performance

Launch & Pricing: Released in 2023, with an initial price range of approximately $99 – $129, depending on the storage configuration (64 GB/128 GB).
Sales & Reception: It has achieved steady sales in the US unlocked budget phone market, where it is popular among users who want a low – cost device for basic communication, social media, and media consumption. It has been praised for its large battery and low price, while being criticized for its underwhelming performance and camera quality.
Discontinuation: It was phased out in 2024 and replaced by the BLU G95, which comes with a slightly better chipset and improved camera system.

Legacy

The BLU G94 is a typical budget – friendly device that meets the basic needs of entry – level users. It emphasizes practical features such as a large display, long – lasting battery, and essential connectivity options. It has consolidated BLU’s position in the US budget smartphone market, showing that affordable devices can still offer a satisfying user experience for those who do not require high – end performance.