BLU Grand 5.5 HD review
This is a phone for hobbyists or those with no choice, not a practical daily driver. Anyone actually shopping for a phone should look at even the cheapest current-generation Android device, which will be faster, more secure, and compatible with modern networks.
This review is written with AI assistance from BLU’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the BLU Grand 5.5 HD, and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
This is a 2016 budget phone that arrived already underpowered and has not aged well. The MT6580 chipset and 1GB RAM were weak even at launch, the display is low-density at 267 ppi, and there is no LTE—only 3G—which makes it unsuitable for modern networks in most regions today.
Design & build
At 188 grams and 9.6mm thick, the Grand 5.5 HD is lightweight and slim by today's standards, though not particularly thin by 2016 measures. The body materials are not specified, but the removable battery is a practical touch that few phones offer anymore. The dual micro-SIM slots add flexibility for regional users, though this is now standard even in budget ranges. Build quality for the price point was acceptable in 2016, but this is a phone that feels dated and plasticky by current expectations.
Display
The 5.5-inch IPS LCD with 720 x 1280 resolution sounds spacious on paper, but 267 ppi density means text and fine details look noticeably soft compared to phones from just a few years later. By 2016, mid-range phones were already pushing toward 1080p at this screen size, making this a compromise even for its era. The 68% screen-to-body ratio reflects the bezel-heavy design of the time. For reading, casual web browsing, and video, it works, but sharpness is not a strength.
Performance
The Mediatek MT6580 with a quad-core Cortex-A7 at 1.3 GHz and Mali-400MP2 GPU was a budget entry point in 2016 and has become painfully slow in the years since. Paired with just 1GB of RAM, this phone will struggle with modern Android demands: multitasking is sluggish, app switching will cause stutters, and anything graphically demanding (games, video editing) is off the table. Even casual use today—opening email, loading social media—will feel laggy. This chipset is nearly a decade old now.
Software
It shipped with Android 6.0 Marshmallow in July 2016, which was current then but immediately dated. Manufacturer support for BLU devices has historically been sparse, and this model is discontinued. Security patches have almost certainly ended, and upgrading to a modern version of Android is not a realistic option for hardware this weak. If this phone is still in someone's hands, it is running an old OS with known vulnerabilities.
Camera
The 8MP main camera with autofocus and LED flash captures basic photos in good light, and 1080p video recording is functional. The 5MP selfie camera is typical for the budget bracket of 2016. Neither sensor or processing will impress, and the Mali-400MP2 GPU limits what computational photography is possible. Image quality lags well behind even entry-level smartphones from 2020 onward.
Battery & charging
The 2500 mAh removable battery offers at most one full day of light use, possibly less with the inefficient hardware doing the work. The ability to swap batteries is genuinely useful if spares are available, but modern charging methods are more reliable than carrying extras. Charging speed is not specified, but microUSB at 5W or similar was standard for this class in 2016 and is slow by today's conventions. Battery life relative to capacity was better a decade ago; modern phones deliver far more endurance from similar or smaller batteries.
Value & verdict-context
This phone has been discontinued for years and is only relevant if it is a hand-me-down or a curiosity. As a used purchase, it might cost very little, but its age, lack of LTE, weak processor, and small RAM make it unsuitable for actual daily use in 2024 and beyond. The removable battery and microSD slot are collector's items now rather than practical advantages. Modern budget phones at even half the original price outperform it decisively in every meaningful way. Do not buy this as a primary phone unless you have no other option and only need it for calling and basic 2G/3G texting.
Verdict
This is a phone for hobbyists or those with no choice, not a practical daily driver. Anyone actually shopping for a phone should look at even the cheapest current-generation Android device, which will be faster, more secure, and compatible with modern networks.
- Removable battery and microSD expansion still present
- 5.5-inch display was a reasonable size for budget phones in 2016
- Dual SIM support for multiple networks or carriers
- 3.5mm jack and FM radio for those who need them
- No 4G/LTE support; stuck on 3G HSPA in a market that has largely phased it out
- Only 1GB RAM and a quad-core 1.3 GHz MT6580 struggle with even basic tasks by modern standards
- 720p display at 267 ppi is noticeably soft for a 5.5-inch screen, making text and images less sharp than contemporary rivals
BLU Grand 5.5 HD Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2016, July. Released 2016, July |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~68.0% screen-to-body ratio), IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) |
| RAM & storage | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main camera | 8 MP, AF |
| Selfie camera | 5 MP |
| Battery | 2500 mAh |
| Software | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Dimensions | 155.2 x 79 x 9.6 mm (6.11 x 3.11 x 0.38 in) |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Network | GSM / HSPA |
| NFC | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
BLU Grand 5.5 HD FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the Grand 5.5 HD support 5G?
No. The Grand 5.5 HD tops out at GSM / HSPA, without 5G.
What chipset does the Grand 5.5 HD use?
The Grand 5.5 HD runs on the Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm).
What display does the Grand 5.5 HD have?
A 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~68.0% screen-to-body ratio) IPS LCD, 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density).
How big is the Grand 5.5 HD battery?
The Grand 5.5 HD has a 2500 mAh battery.
Does the Grand 5.5 HD have NFC?
No, the Grand 5.5 HD does not list NFC support.
Does the Grand 5.5 HD support a microSD card?
Yes, the Grand 5.5 HD supports expandable storage (microSDXC).
Does the Grand 5.5 HD have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Grand 5.5 HD has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Alternatives to consider
If the Grand 5.5 HD isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
R1 HD
Studio G HD LTE
Studio G Plus HD
Energy Diamond Mini
Z4
