BLU G61 Review: Budget Smartphone with Long Battery Life

BLU G61 (2021)

Product Overview: The BLU G61 is an entry – level 4G Android smartphone released on February 9, 2021, belonging to BLU’s G – series. It is designed for budget users who prioritize a large battery and basic daily functionality, equipped with a 6.5 – inch HD+ IPS LCD, Unisoc SC9863A chipset, 3GB RAM, 64GB internal storage, 13MP + 0.3MP dual – rear cameras, an 8MP front camera, and a 5000mAh non – removable battery. It runs on Android 10, has a rear – mounted fingerprint sensor, and supports dual – SIM, while lacking NFC, 5G, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Core Specifications

Component	Details
Model Name	BLU G61 (Model number: G0450WW)
Display	6.5 – inch IPS LCD, 720×1600 pixels (20:9), ~270 ppi, ~81.8% screen – to – body ratio, 16.7M colors
Processor & GPU	Unisoc SC9863A (28nm, octa – core: 4×1.6 GHz Cortex – A55 + 4×1.2 GHz Cortex – A55), PowerVR GE8322 GPU
Memory & Storage	3GB RAM; 64GB eMMC 5.1 internal storage; microSDXC expandable up to 128GB (shared SIM slot); no virtual RAM expansion
Rear Cameras	– 13MP main (wide): f/2.0, LED flash, 1080p@30fps video- 0.3MP depth sensor: f/2.4; features: Panorama, HDR
Front Camera	8MP, f/2.0, 720p@30fps video
Battery & Charging	5000mAh non – removable Li – Polymer; 10W USB – C charging (no fast charging); no wireless charging
Design & Build	164.6×75.8×9.3 mm, 196g; plastic frame and back; colors: Black, Blue, Green, Red; rear – mounted fingerprint sensor
Connectivity	4G LTE, Wi – Fi 802.11 b/g/n (Wi – Fi 4), Bluetooth 4.1, GPS/A – GPS, FM radio, USB – C 2.0, dual – SIM (Nano – SIM, dual stand – by); no NFC, 5G, Wi – Fi 5
Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity sensor, rear – mounted fingerprint sensor
Audio	Loudspeaker; no 3.5mm headphone jack

Key Feature Breakdown

1. Display & Performance

The 6.5 – inch HD+ display offers a large viewing area for daily browsing and video playback. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset and 3GB RAM can handle basic tasks such as social media, messaging, and light web browsing, but may face lags when running multiple heavy apps. The 64GB internal storage can store essential apps and files, and the microSDXC slot enables additional storage expansion.

2. Camera Capabilities

The 13MP main rear camera can take acceptable – quality photos in daylight, and the 0.3MP depth sensor supports basic portrait photography with a bokeh effect. The 8MP front camera is suitable for taking simple selfies and recording 720p videos. However, the camera system lacks advanced features like OIS and PDAF, and the video recording quality is limited to 1080p@30fps for the rear and 720p@30fps for the front.

3. Battery & Design

The 5000mAh battery can easily support a full day of moderate usage. The 10W charging speed is relatively slow, taking a long time to fully charge the battery. The plastic build keeps the phone lightweight, and the rear – mounted fingerprint sensor provides a convenient and secure unlocking method.

4. Software & Connectivity

Running Android 10, the phone has a clean user interface but will not receive major OS updates. It supports dual – SIM standby, which is convenient for users who need to use two phone numbers. Basic connectivity options like Wi – Fi 4, Bluetooth 4.1, and GPS meet daily needs, while the absence of NFC and 5G limits its functionality for mobile payments and future – proofing.

Market Position & Limitations

Market Position

Budget – Friendly Daily Driver: It competes with devices like the Motorola Moto E7i and Nokia C20 Plus, priced at around $120 – $130 at launch. It is ideal for users who need a reliable phone for basic tasks without spending much money.
Long – Lasting Battery Appeal: The 5000mAh battery is a key selling point, attracting users who value long battery life over high – end features.

Limitations

Outdated Software: Launched with Android 10 and no major OS updates, leading to potential security and feature – related issues over time.

No 5G & NFC: Lacks 5G connectivity, which may become a disadvantage as 5G networks become more prevalent, and the absence of NFC means no mobile payment support.

Basic Camera Performance: The camera system is basic, with no OIS or PDAF, resulting in subpar low – light performance and motion capture.

Slow Charging: 10W charging is slower than many competing budget phones that offer faster charging speeds.