Review BLU VIVO XI +

These days we have had the opportunity to thoroughly test a device from a well-known brand. A little over a year ago we were lucky enough to exclusively attend the official presentation in Spain of the BLU Smartphones company. An event held in Valencia at the Mestalla stadium, a team of which BLU is the official sponsor.

On this occasion we have been able to analyze the brand new BLU Vivo XI +, a smartphone that has impressed us from the first moment. And of which we will tell you everything in detail below. There are still firms that have a lot to say in the smartphone market and BLU is working to get a place for itself.

BLU Vivo XI +, a "top" design

In the last months we have been able to test various mobile devices from various manufacturers. We've put all-terrain smartphones to the test, and we've seen the latest smartphones hold their own. Y the results have been very diverse.

The BLU Vivo XI + arrives to hit the table and turns all his cards face up. We have been talking about what the mid-range is less and less average. And that little by little, thanks to some of the latest releases, it is dangerously close to the most exclusive range. East Vivo XI + is a clear example of everything that an accessible smartphone can offer us without having to invest an indecent amount in its acquisition. And we are going to show you point by point everything it is capable of offering us. Are you staying

Exclusive design, style, elegance ... and a lot of power

When we receive a different smartphone this is noticeable from the first moment. First impressions are important. And by taking the device out of the box we can soon know that we are not facing one more device. The weight seems adequate, and the touch is pleasant and attractive.

Observe good finishes and lines taken care of in detail it is always appreciated. And if this is combined with more than worthy performance, the product has all the blessings to be able to succeed. Metal and glitter are back, or maybe they never went out of style, and in VIVO XI + they look great.

One of the things that makes this device stand out is that in addition to being attractive and eye-catching, it offers much more. It has a state-of-the-art processor such as the MediaTek Helio P60, a dual camera capable of surprising the most painted. And to top one RAM memory and storage capacity that until recently weren't within reach.

BLU VIVO XI + box contents

It is time to open the box and see what we can find inside. But before opening it, we observe a very peculiar box, something really new and that gives us a point of exclusivity. And is that a box with a pictorial work of art by Michelangelo it is quite a declaration of intentions. A very successful detail, one more, that we liked.

As always, in the foreground the device itself, but we also find some more things than expected. Of course, we have a charger and data cable, with format USB Type C, and with a metallic appearance in tune with the same terminal. And a quick-use guide. So far everything normal, but not everything.

BLU's friends deign to include it in the box a screen protector which is always appreciated when we launch the phone. Although it must be said that it is not a tempered glass, it already has another protector in place, with which we would have two free screen protectors. With this they are already capable of surpassing many other firms.

Surprises and extras in the box of the VIVO XI +

But the thing does not end here. We also found more protection elements for our phone. It is not one but two silicone sleeves. One is transparent, and the other is overprinted with the pictorial work of Michelangelo that we find in the box. A detail that we have loved, and that in addition to protecting our phone, gives it a very distinguished and different touch.

And to put the icing on the cake, another extra that has finished conquering us. The firm Blu, usually includes with its terminals some headphones, and the VIVO XI + was not going to be less. We also find some headphones too with metallic color finishes that match the look of the smartphone. And they include some knobs for the volume and microphone control.

Without a doubt one of the most complete unboxing of the latest reviews. And where we have undoubtedly found more unexpected elements. Something that if we compare with other firms does nothing more than show that the excuse of lowering costs is just that, an excuse.

We see the BLU VIVO XI + part by part

To analyze the physical appearance of a device well, we like to analyze it from all possible points of view. Starting with the front part of this beautiful smartphone we already find news and features that make it stand out from the vast majority. And it is that we have a huge screen that offers a diagonal of 6,2 inches.

The 5 inches seem like a thing of the past and each time they are further away. In this case, we even leave 6 inches behind. The good thing is that this is achieved without making the VIVO XI + an oversized device. By pressing the frames as much as possible, from notch, and from a screen with curved finishes with practically no visors, we find a 82% front panel occupancy.

At the top, within the famous "eyebrow" we find the proximity sensors. And also the front photo camera. A camera that offers neither more nor less than 16 Megapixels. That in addition to offering remarkable performance Serves for 3D True Face ID face detection works as it should and which we will talk about in more detail.

At Right side we found a elongated button for volume control. That using the camera will also serve as a trigger. And just below the power button  I blocking. It seems that everything is where it needs to be.

The left side is the place for the slot. In it we can enter up to two SIM cards and a Micro SD to expand memory up to 128MB more.

Top is completely smooth. And this is mainly due by eliminating the 3.5mm mini jack port for headphones. Another firm that takes the step of dispensing with the most classic audio input. We will have to use the USB Type C input to be able to connect headphones, that yes with the help of an adapter, which as a minor evil is included among the accessories in the box.

At the bottom we find the charging port, and we like to see how we evolve towards a connector type C more modern and versatile. At its ends we see how the holes have been made on the metal frame itself for a single speaker which is on the right hand side. And to its left, with a very symmetrical aesthetic solution, is located the microphone.

If we look the back of the BLU VIVO XI + the first thing that stands out is the brilliance of metal alloy materials What can we find. A shine that looks great on the device, and a pleasant touch that without the case seems like it could slip from your hands. As we know, a negative point of glossy surfaces is that immediately the footprints will be noticed.

In the upper right corner we find dual photo camera which inevitably reminds us a lot of the iPhone X. A camera that positions your lenses vertically, and just below is the LED flash. And they offer a resolution of 16 + 5 Megapixels.

By more centered the fingerprint reader is located, built with the same metallic material as the back. A fingerprint reader that respond quickly and correctly, and that it is capable of registering our fingerprint in less time than usual. Its location is the one that is most comfortable and ergonomic, in our opinion, it is in its place.

Screen or super screen?

The screen is one of the things that most impresses with the naked eye when you look at the VIVO XI +. Few terminals within the Android mid-range can boast of having a panel that far exceeds 6 inches. With a diagonal of 6,2 inches It is at the top of the smartphones with the largest screen in the range.

And getting a screen of this size in a device with such small dimensions has only one formula. Make the most of the front panel until you do virtually non-existent side visors. Narrow the lower edge to the minimum. And make use of a notch so that the screen reaches the upper end. We talk about a front panel occupancy exceeding 80%.

As for the display, the VIVO XI + offers a 1080 X 2246 resolution, FULL HD + with aspect ratio 18: 5: 9. A screen IPS LCD with a very high density of 402 Pixels per inch. It also has curved ends at its ends so that the insertion in the frame is smoother. And as for its resistance and protection, we have Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

As we see, we are facing a large screen, with good resolution and resistant, what more reasons do you need? By clicking here you can now buy the BLU VIVO XI +.

Power and innovation at its best

The BLU VIVO XI + continues to add at each point we analyze. And if we look inside, this section will not be an exception either. We are very pleased to see that a smartphone that does not reach 300 euros in the market is capable of having the latest technology generation capable of competing from you to you with any top smartphone of any firm.

Until very recently, having a smartphone that offered 4 GB of RAM memory was reserved for a lucky few. Users who could afford the prices at which the most exclusive phones are found. Fortunately this has changed a lot, and the features that we find, for example in the VIVO XI + are at the highest level.

The BLU VIVO XI + arrives in two versions, both powerful and well vitaminized. We can find a combination of 4 GB of RAM with 64 GB of storage. Or an even more powerful one with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory. As we say, figures that not long ago seemed unattainable for smartphones that are in a mid-range increasingly closer to the high-end.

To make this equipment work wonderfully, we have the MediaTek Helio P60. A processor Octa-core with configuration 4 x 2.00 GHz ARM Cortex A73 + 4 x 2.00 GHz Cortex A53. A chip that has been widely contrasted and trusted by firms such as Oppo, with the new F9 and F9 Pro, or Nokia with its X5 model, among others.

Regarding the appearance of the graphics, we find the ARM Mali G72 MP3 700MHz GPU. A card that has demonstrated the ability to get the most out of a screen that is also responsive. Without a doubt a perfect complement to put the icing on a very tall team.

Photography another great protagonist

We keep looking section by section in everything that the BLU VIVO XI + has to offer, and we come to the photography section. We already told you at the beginning that this device is equipped with a dual rear camera. Lenses that are positioned vertically aligned just above the LED flash creating a very aesthetic line of three.

We talk about joint resolutions 16 Mpx + 5 Mpx, respectively. A combination capable of offering photos that surprise for their quality and colors. The PDAF laser focusing technology makes the definition of each capture reach a really good level of resolution.

We have performed numerous photography tests to see first-hand how the VIVO XI + camera behaves in each situation. In this photo we check a high level of detail, and how the shapes and the different shades of color differ

In a night shot with lights It is, as a general rule, where the sensors suffer the most to be able to focus clearly on a scene. Here we see how still taking the picture while walking, the camera is able to focus quickly while achieving overall very decent result.

In the following photograph we can see that the depth we get is really amazing. We see perfectly the horizon line in the sea and how it differs from the sky showing a wide color gamut.

The evening light, which obscures the colors, has also not been an obstacle to obtaining a good definition of shapes even in the most distant objects.

El portrait mode It has been one of the most successful effects since Apple surprised all users with this type of capture. We have been able to test several smartphones that offered this effect with very different results. In the capture taken with the VIVO XI + it is observed a very soft blur which highlights the main object for incredible results.

Another of the ways that have surprised us is the backlight mode. When most of the cameras only manage to take out silhouettes without color. In a photo taken with the sun in front of you, the BLU VIVO XI + camera is capable of surprising us again.

The selfie camera is not filling

If we look at the front camera we see how BLU has taken the photography section very seriously in the VIVO XI +. We found a camera with 16 Mpx, the same resolution as one of the rear cameras. More quality for photos than many smartphones are capable of offering in their main cameras.

In addition, this front camera is equipped with technology so that our selfies stand out from the rest. For more “complicated” lighting scenes, the front camera features 4-cell technology. This makes possible a combination of 4 pixels in one sensor unit, multiplying by 4 the amount of light that it is capable of capturing.

And if it seemed little, we also have a group selfie mode. Forget about photos in which the ends appear deformed. With a wide angle of 120º and the quality of the lens the results obtained with the front camera will not leave you indifferent.

We have left the photo without cropping so that we can see that At its ends we do not find deformations. 

Multi-optional camera app

For the photography experience to be completely perfect, it is essential to have a good application. And the BLU guys have also taken this into account. We find diversity of shooting modes in addition to the conventional one. Among them, the beauty mode, backlighting, panoramic and even a curious way "Facemoji" that turns us into funny emoticons that are animated with our gestures.

Also, directly, we can create videos in Time lapse, slow motion, or even convert our recording into a GIF. Bring your photos to life with the "LivePhoto" mode, or why not, use the camera to scan documents.

The possibilities are enormous, and the best part is that using them is super intuitive. At a glance we can choose the mode on the camera's own screen and shoot directly. Has the BLU VIVO XI + already captivated you? Click here and buy it directly on the official website.

Battery that is «estiiiiiira»

As we spoke before, one of the changes that all smartphones are experiencing globally, of all firms and ranges is the battery. A change that does not mean, almost in no case, a technological evolution. Rather, taking into account a literal aspect, it is an extension of them.

Due to the higher consumption generated by increasingly large screens. All manufacturers have chosen to provide the higher capacity batteries. A wise decision, but in many cases insufficient. Since this increase in battery is not valid without more. For a larger battery to also mean greater autonomy, there are other factors of vital importance.

In the BLU VIVO XI + we find a 3.050 mAh battery. A capacity in line with what terminals in the same range offer. But we have been able to see first-hand, making daily use how this battery manages to stretch wonderfully. Using the  VIVO XI + intensely, its autonomy has given us more than a day and a half without problems.

Energy efficiency capable of delivering these results is not achieved by chance. It shows that there is a great work in the field of optimization of all the elements that make up the device with the operating system used.

The BLU is an example that not only the battery charge is important. In this way we can still have devices with such a light weight. And especially with a thinness with make it more comfortable, elegant and stylish.

Fast charging and wireless charging, in case you want it all

In a day to day in which everything goes at breakneck speed, time is money. In order for us to keep up with our pace, the VIVO XI + won't need 1/4 of your day to charge the battery. Thanks to fast charging technology we can have a 100% charge in less than 2 and a half hours.

And so that no small detail is missing, the latest BLU model, it also supports wireless charging. You can charge your phone without cables in between. Any charger that has the Qi wireless charging mode can charge the BLU VIVO XI + battery. Little to add in this regard, only that we must know that the wireless charger is not included in the box.

Is there a more secure key than your own face?

In the security section we have found another highlight of the VIVO XI +. As we saw in the physical description of the device, on its back it has a fingerprint reader. It is located on the front rear. As we always say the best place to place it because it is comfortable and the index one arrives there naturally.

A fingerprint reader that in addition to being aesthetically well integrated into the back of the phone, due to the materials and colors it presents. Also responds quickly and efficiently thanks to its advanced security technology.

But what really levels up in the field of security is the facial recognition technology that it offers us. Thanks to the call 3D True Depth Face ID, our own face will be the access code to our telephone. An infallible system that we have been able to put to the test.

We have already told you on occasion how ridiculous some face detection systems were. And as in other terminals that we have been able to test, we were able to unlock the device even with 4 different faces without problems. This is something that will not happen to you with the VIVO XI +.

The technology that this BLU has is not there to fill. And we discover it soon when we see the steps that we will have to take to register a face. The system doesn't just take a head-on photo, as we have seen in other cases. We will have to move our face so that perform a "mapping" of the face and that the unlocking is fully effective.

Sound and software

From the sound section we can add little that is striking or extraordinary. The VIVO XI + has a single speaker that sits on the bottom of the device. It perfectly fulfills its mission and delivers clean sound at an acceptable volume level. Although perhaps its location is not the most ideal.

Regarding the software, in addition to has the latest version of Android, we count with a customization layer. BLU adds its own brushstroke to Android that changes little or no access to settings and configuration. It does not go beyond a purely physical layer, which adds some applications of its own that will be useful to us, such as Next Radio, for example.

BLU VIVO XI + technical specifications sheet

Can you have a top of the range for less than 300 euros?

Considering the benefits offered by the BLU VIVO XI + resoundingly yes. We have seen how we have a 16 Mpx + 5 Mpx dual camera that offers very satisfactory results. RAM and storage to spare. A design, construction materials and finishes worthy of the most "top" brands.

If we look at the operating system and the optimization of all its components, it also gets very good marks. His 3.050 mAh battery it stretches even more than batteries with much higher capacity. In short, it seems that BLU is going to make noise in the mid-range. The secret is easy, offer the latest technology in a beautiful terminal at a very reasonable price.

BLU officially arrived a little over a year ago in Spain after a long experience in the American continent. After years of consolidation in the US market, the devices had their landing sounded through football. And lThe devices that we were able to see and try left a good taste in our mouths among the many users.

Now with the new VIVO XI + an important evolution is observed and a shift to the top. In order to stand out among hundreds of smartphones of the same range, we get a device capable of looking face to face with any other of the current market. And this is noticeable in the design, in the benefits and as a whole in that the product has grown in quality on all four sides.

If we compare a BLU model from a year ago, the BLU R2, it is observed that although they maintain similar lines, the change is obvious. Used materials and new additions such as the dual camera keep BLU at the forefront.

The pros and cons of the BLU VIVO XI +

Pros

The design of the device It is the first thing that catches your eye, and it does so by looking exceptionally pretty.

La camera we have been very pleasantly surprised. The results are good in all the situations in which we have tested it.

Unlocking by facial recognition It really works, and it's safe just the way it should.

La RAM and storage capacity they make a very powerful tandem.

Cons

La metallic surface shiny it is a real magnet for footprints and gets dirty right away. Something that with any of the protective covers placed is solved.

We love fast charging and wireless charging support but the wireless charger is not built into the box with the other accessories.

Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection is a bit outdated taking into account that this protection is for version 6.

Editor's opinion