GoSolo Verdict
The BLU Life 8 is a 2014 budget phone built around a mediacore octa-core chip and 1GB of RAM that struggles to keep up with real-world demands even for its era. At 150 EUR, it offered decent build for the price and a removable battery, but no 4G connectivity and only HSPA speeds make it feel dated within months of launch, and the 2000 mAh battery will disappoint anyone expecting a full day away from power.
Strengths · 4
- Lightweight and slim at 136g and 7.5mm, comfortable to hold and pocket
- Dual SIM support for users needing two carrier networks
- IPS LCD display avoids the ghosting of cheap TN panels
- Removable battery—a rarity even then, invaluable for travel and offline work
Trade-offs · 3
- No 4G LTE; HSPA speeds top out at 21 Mbps, already slow in 2014 and insufficient for video streaming
- 1GB of RAM paired with Android 4.2.2 means stuttering and app crashes under any real use
- 2000 mAh battery with real-world life closer to 12 hours on 3G, forcing daily charging