Top Budget Smartphones: BLU Vivo Go, One & One Plus Review

BLU Vivo Go, Vivo One, Vivo One Plus (2019) – Budget-Friendly Prepaid Smartphones with Basic Daily Functionality

Definition

The BLU Vivo Go, BLU Vivo One, and BLU Vivo One Plus (2019) are entry-level Android smartphones released by BLU Products between 2018 and 2019, targeting budget-conscious users in the US prepaid market. These devices prioritize affordability, dual-SIM support, expandable storage, and essential camera features for daily communication, casual photography, and basic media consumption.

BLU Vivo Go (2018, December)

Core Identity & Release Context

Launch: December 2018, US prepaid market; model: V0390WW.
Key Differentiators: Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) for optimized performance on low-end hardware; 8MP+VGA dual rear cameras; 5MP front camera with flash; dual Nano-SIM support.
Market Role: Entry-level option for first-time smartphone users or secondary devices, competing with Nokia 1 and Alcatel 1X.
Legacy: Showcased BLU’s focus on providing basic smartphone features at ultra-low prices, leveraging Go edition software for better performance on limited hardware.

Full Technical Specifications

Aspect	Details
Design & Display	6.0-inch HD+ IPS LCD (720×1440 pixels, 18:9, ~268 ppi); plastic frame + plastic back; dimensions: 156.7×75.2×8.4 mm; weight: 155g; color: Black; rear-mounted fingerprint scanner; microUSB 2.0, 3.5mm headphone jack, dual Nano-SIM + microSD (up to 64GB).
Performance & Software	MediaTek MT6739 (28nm, quad-core 1.5GHz Cortex-A53, PowerVR GE8100 GPU); 1GB RAM, 16GB eMMC 5.1 storage; Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition).
Camera System	Rear: 8MP main (f/2.2)+VGA depth; LED flash; 1080p@30fps video. Front: 5MP (f/2.2) with flash; 1080p@30fps video.
Connectivity & Battery	2G/3G/4G LTE; Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, FM radio, GPS; 2600mAh non-removable Li-Po battery; 5W charging.

BLU Vivo One (2018, February)

Core Identity & Release Context

Launch: February 2018, US prepaid market.
Key Differentiators: 5.5-inch HD+ display; 12MP single rear camera; 8MP front camera; 2GB RAM for better multitasking than entry-level peers.
Market Role: Mid-range budget device competing with ZTE Blade A5 and Alcatel 3V, offering balanced performance for daily use.
Legacy: Established BLU’s Vivo series as a reliable option for prepaid users, combining decent specs with affordable pricing.

Full Technical Specifications

Aspect	Details
Design & Display	5.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD (720×1440 pixels, 18:9, ~293 ppi); plastic frame + aluminum back; dimensions: 148.4×70.2×9.8 mm; weight: 162g; colors: Black, Gold, Silver; rear-mounted fingerprint scanner; microUSB 2.0, 3.5mm headphone jack, dual Nano-SIM + microSD (up to 64GB).
Performance & Software	MediaTek MT6739 (28nm, quad-core 1.3GHz Cortex-A53, PowerVR GE8100 GPU); 2GB RAM, 16GB eMMC 5.1 storage; Android 7.1.1 Nougat.
Camera System	Rear: 12MP main (f/2.2, PDAF); LED flash; 1080p@30fps video. Front: 8MP (f/2.2); 1080p@30fps video.
Connectivity & Battery	2G/3G/4G LTE; Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, FM radio, GPS; 3000mAh non-removable Li-Po battery; 5W charging.

BLU Vivo One Plus (2019, January)

Core Identity & Release Context

Launch: January 2019, US prepaid market; model: VP370WW.
Key Differentiators: 6.2-inch HD+ display; 13MP+2MP dual rear cameras; Android 8.1 Oreo; slimmer design (8.3mm) than Vivo One.
Market Role: Upgraded variant of Vivo One, competing with Nokia 2.2 and Motorola E6, offering better display and camera specs in the budget segment.
Legacy: Continued BLU’s Vivo series legacy, providing enhanced features at a slightly higher price point for users seeking better display and camera performance.

Full Technical Specifications

Aspect	Details
Design & Display	6.2-inch HD+ IPS LCD (720×1500 pixels, 18:9, ~271 ppi); plastic frame + plastic back; dimensions: 156.7×75.2×8.3 mm; weight: 178g; color: Silver; rear-mounted fingerprint scanner; microUSB 2.0, 3.5mm headphone jack, dual Nano-SIM + microSD (up to 64GB).
Performance & Software	MediaTek MT6739 (28nm, quad-core 1.5GHz Cortex-A53, PowerVR GE8100 GPU); 2GB RAM, 16GB eMMC 5.1 storage; Android 8.1 Oreo.
Camera System	Rear: 13MP main (f/2.2)+2MP depth sensor; LED flash; 1080p@30fps video. Front: 8MP (f/2.2); 1080p@30fps video.
Connectivity & Battery	2G/3G/4G LTE; Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, FM radio, GPS; 3000mAh non-removable Li-Po battery; 5W charging.

Comparison Summary

Feature	Vivo Go (2018)	Vivo One (2018)	Vivo One Plus (2019)
Display	6.0-inch HD+	5.5-inch HD+	6.2-inch HD+
Processor	MT6739 (1.5GHz)	MT6739 (1.3GHz)	MT6739 (1.5GHz)
RAM/Storage	1GB/16GB	2GB/16GB	2GB/16GB
Rear Camera	8MP+VGA dual	12MP single	13MP+2MP dual
Front Camera	5MP	8MP	8MP
Battery	2600mAh	3000mAh	3000mAh
OS	Android 9.0 (Go)	Android 7.1.1	Android 8.1
Release	Dec 2018	Feb 2018	Jan 2019

Market Reception & Limitations

Reception

Affordability: All three devices were praised for their ultra-low prices, making them accessible to budget users and first-time smartphone owners.
Basic Functionality: Dual-SIM support, expandable storage, and rear fingerprint scanners were valued for practicality in the prepaid market.
Camera Improvements: Vivo One Plus (2019)’s dual rear cameras and larger display were highlights for casual photography and media consumption.