BLU Vivo 5 Review

Introduction

By nature, phones under the $200 price point are expected to cut corners not only with the hardware on the inside, but especially in how they’re designed on the outside. Miami-based BLU has been trying dearly to change this perception with its line of affordable smartphones, boasting slick aesthetics that were once isolated to devices in the high end. The BLU Vivo 5, in particular, serves as a testament since it’s the first in the company’s history to feature a full metal body. But as we’ve seen already, there’s a lot of competition even in the sub-$200 segment. Let's see how well the Vivo 5 stands its ground.

The package contains:

• BLU Vivo 5
• Wall Charger
• USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable
• Stereo headphones
• Silicone case
• Screen protector
• User guide

Design

Premium construction without the premium cost.

To be frank, the BLU Vivo 5 reminds us of theiPhone 5 with its metal body, chamfered edges, and mostly flat surfaces. While it’s not an original design per se, it’s remarkable to know that BLU is able to achieve such a premium build for a phone that’s priced affordably. Best of all, there’s no hollowness, no cheap feel or flimsiness with its construction. BLU definitely establishes a new benchmark with this one, so we have high expectations going forward!

Although it’s still a rare find amongst smartphones, the USB Type-C port on the Vivo 5 is a welcome addition for its convenience of being reversible. Indeed, its presence is a surprising gesture for a phone of this caliber. There's no fingerprint scanner, on the other hand, but we weren't expecting to find one on a sub-$200 phone
.