BLU promises to stop pumping out shitty phones five times a year, announces the Vivo XI+

There is perhaps no better analogy to describe BLU phones than, "You get what you pay for." While the company's phones are often great values on paper, updates are non-existent and security problems are not unheard of. BLU is now trying to change that, starting with the launch of its new Vivo XI+ flagship.Last week, BLU CEO Samuel Ohev-Zion released a statement expressing that the company's "obsession with frequently launching new devices" has become excessive. Moving forward, BLU promises to release fewer devices, with "guaranteed software updates & support" across the board.[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/BLU_Products/status/1031656139107127296[/EMBED_TWITTER]The first device to be released under this new policy is the 'VIVO XI+,' the eleventh generation of the company's flagship Vivo lineup. It's built from a solid metal body, and looks an awful lot like the iPhone X.The phone will ship with Android 8.1 Oreo, but BLU promises an update to 9.0 Pie will arrive before the end of Q1 2019. The company didn't mention how often security updates will roll out.[review-specs]Display: Curved 6.2-inch Incell Full HD+ 2246 x 1080, 19:9 aspect ratio, 402 ppi, Corning Gorilla Glass 3Processor: MediaTek Helio P60, 2.0GHz Octa-Core, 4 ARM Cortex-A73 up 2.0 GHz and 4 Arm Cortex-A53 up to 2.0GHzOS: Android 8.1 Oreo upgradable to Android 9.0 PieDual Rear Cameras: 16.0 megapixel, with LED Flash, Phase Detection Autofocus, HD 1080p@30fps video recording + 5.0 megapixelFront Cameras: 16.0 megapixel, LED Flash, HD 720p@30fps video recordingConnectivity: Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, GPS, Bluetooth v4.1, Hotspot, USB-Type CMemory: 6GB RAM, 128GB Internal Memory, MicroSD Slot (up to 128GB)Dimensions: 155 x 75.5 x 7.8 mm I 199gBattery: Non Removable Li-Polymer 3,050mAhSoftware: Android 8.1, Pie update coming before Q1 2019Network: (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, (4G HSPA+ 42Mbps) 850/900/1700/1900/2100MHz, (4G LTE Cat 7 Up to 300Mbps) FDD 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/28/66[/review-specs]The specifications are fairly impressive for the most part, given the $349.99 price point. The MediaTek Helio P60 isn't a fantastic processor, but the 6GB RAM and 128GB of expandable storage are definitely flagship-level.You can already buy the Vivo XI+ from Amazon, and the phone is $100 off ($279.99) for a limited time. Hopefully BLU will stick by its promise to deliver updates, because great budget phones are still hard to come by in the United States.Thanks: Jeffrey

PRESS RELEASE

MIAMI, Aug. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BLU Products, the market leader in unlocked devices in the United States, announced today the launch of the BLU VIVO XI+ [pronounced: Eleven Plus] its latest flagship smartphone. The launch is BLU's 11^th generation of the flagship Vivo Series, blending the latest technological advancements and fashion. The VIVO XI+ is built from a solid metal body utilizing an exquisite curved back design, while packing features and delivering awesome performance and true enjoyment in every aspect of user experience. The announcement accompanies an earlier statement from BLU which redefines its commitment and focus on purposeful new devices with higher levels of support as opposed to a previous strategy of regularly launching a myriad of devices. The previous statement from BLU can be seen here:

https://twitter.com/BLU_Products/status/1031656139107127296 The BLU VIVO XI+ with 128GB of internal memory and 6GB of RAM is now exclusively available at $349.99 on amazon.com. As part of BLU's promotion at launch, lucky customers who are first in line will be able to purchase the VIVO XI+ at a limited time offer of $100 off, while supplies last. Customers who wish to purchase the BLU VIVO XI+ can visit the following link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FWNFT8L Turning the heat up a notch – More Screen is what you need! At first glance, users will be blown away with the All-Screen Design incorporating a vivid 6.2-inch Full HD+ (2246 x 1080) display with in-cell technology elevating the visual experience to a new level with stunning graphics and life-like colors that seem to jump off the screen, all protected by curved Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The VIVO XI+'s ultra-slim bezel display has a whopping 82% screen-to-body ratio, providing a bigger canvas on your mobile phone while maintaining an ergonomically compact form factor. Processor – Blazing Fast Performance, AI Technology, Energy Efficiency The BLU VIVO XI+ is powered by the 64-bit MediaTek Helio P60 chipset with 2.0GHz Octa-core processor with four big core ARM Cortex-A73 and four power efficient ARM Cortex-A53 cores. Built using 12nm technology this chipset delivers incredible energy efficiency, longer battery life and is optimized for today's most demanding applications. The smartphone blazes through multiple apps simultaneously, quickly browse the web, or just enjoy the smooth rendering of graphics for just about any game, all while maximizing power efficiency. Coupled with 6GB RAM and 128GB expandable internal memory, the Vivo XI+ is built like a flagship device. Built-in 128GB MicroSD slot ensure ample amount of storage! Benchmarks on the BLU VIVO XI+ with MediaTek Helio P60 result in AnTuTu scores over 137,000, which is the highest in its category, blowing competitors away. Advanced Dual AI Cameras - Extraordinary Image Quality The BLU VIVO XI+ boasts a dual camera configuration powered by AI technology for enhanced smart imaging such as Smart Scene Recognition, and video processing. The Dual Camera System includes a 16MP main camera with F/2.0 aperture, 1/3 inch sensor with 5P lens paired with a 5MP sub camera to capture depth of field which results in optimal Portrait Mode blurred background similar to DSLR cameras. Fast focusing speed is also present with Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) with Laser Focus for twice the focus rate and accuracy. Sharpen up your selfie with the impressive A.I. 16MP front-facing camera, featuring advanced technologies, large 2.0 μm pixel, F/2.0 aperture, and 1/3 inch sensor with 5P lens. Using a unique 4-cell technology, you can capture 4 times the amount of light, which will lead to impeccable selfies in low light environments. Additional Camera Features Include: Real Time Portrait Mode Face Beautification Features Panorama Selfie to capture beautiful backgrounds Group Selfie Mode to make sure you don't miss anyone Slow Motion Video Recording Panorama Mode Face Beautification Software for Video and Picture Adjustable Depth Perception Quick Charge + Wireless technology (or Wireless Charger) The BLU VIVO XI+ comes with a 3,050mAh super battery with an Ultra-Fast 5V/2A fast charging capability that will charge your phone to 50% in just 30 minutes. Maximize battery life utilizing the Extreme Power Saving Mode which will assure you long usage time when almost out of battery to reach the finish line. A first for BLU smartphones, the Vivo XI+ is compatible with any Qi Wireless charging pad so you can easily get rid of cables! First Android with True Depth IR 3D Face Unlock The BLU VIVO XI+ is the first Android phone launched in North America with Real 3D Face ID with a built-in A.I. powered Infrared Face Recognition Sensor which supports live 3D Scanning, Infrared Detection, and Anti-Hack protection for a quick and safe way to unlock your device. Because of the IR Sensor, it can unlock in all kinds of conditions even in total darkness which provides convenience, extremely stable high rate of recognition, with no fear if there is a change in lighting environment. This is the most secure Face Recognition, to detect the real you. The Vivo XI+ will not unlock with your eyes closed (such as sleeping), photos, masks, or even wax sculptures. For added security, there is a convenient ultra-fast fingerprint sensor on the back. OS Upgrade The BLU Vivo XI+ will launch with Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box, however an upgrade to Android 9.0 Pie is already in the works, with an OTA release by the end of Q1 2019. So stay tuned! Other Key Features: DTS Audio Sound Enhancement Split Screen Multi-tasking Smart Gestures OTG Charging Supported Dual Sim Learn more: https://bluproducts.com/devices/vivo-xi-plus/ Full Specifications: Network: (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, (4G HSPA+ 42Mbps) 850/900/1700/1900/2100MHz, (4G LTE Cat 7 Up to 300Mbps) FDD 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/28/66 Display: Curved 6.2-inch Incell Full HD+ 2246 x 1080, 19:9 aspect ratio, 402 ppi, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 Processor: MediaTek Helio P60, 2.0GHz Octa-Core, 4 ARM Cortex-A73 up 2.0 GHz and 4 Arm Cortex-A53 up to 2.0GHz OS: Android 8.1 Oreo upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie Dual Rear Cameras: 16.0 megapixel, with LED Flash, Phase Detection Autofocus, HD 1080p@30fps video recording + 5.0 megapixel Front Cameras: 16.0 megapixel, LED Flash, HD 720p@30fps video recording Connectivity: Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, GPS, Bluetooth v4.1, Hotspot, USB-Type C Security: Encrypted Fingerprint Sensor, 3D Face Unlock Memory: 6GB RAM, 128GB Internal Memory, MicroSD Slot (up to 128GB) Dimensions: 155 x 75.5 x 7.8 mm I 199g Battery: Non Removable Li-Polymer 3,050mAh 5V/2A Quick Charger Dual SIM Available Color: Midnight Black, Chrome Silver About BLU Products BLU Products, is an American company is headquartered in Miami, FL which designs and manufacturers affordable, attractive and innovative mobile devices focusing on fulfilling the needs of the everyday person. BLU is a pioneer in the advancement of the no-contract revolution, giving consumers a choice between network providers. With distribution centers in both Miami and Hong Kong, BLU offers a vast portfolio of unlocked mobile phones to thousands of dealer agents, distributors, MVNO's, and retailers globally. With an emphasis on giving what today's mobile users need, and always launching new models, BLU successfully gives consumers what they are looking for in a mobile device at an affordable price without sacrificing fashion, design and quality. BLU continues growing at a rapid pace fueling passionate followers and fans throughout the world.