Miami – Unlocked-smartphone supplier BLU Products launched what it called the thinnest smartphone available in North and South America at 5.15mm (0.2 inches).
The Vivo Air, made of a solid block of aluminum magnesium alloy, is also promoted as the lightest smartphone available in the region at less than 100 grams (3.53 ounces).
The unlocked Android 4.4 KitKat phone, available through Amazon at $199, lacks 4G LTE but incorporates HSPA+21Mbps technology. It operates on U.S. 850/1900MHz and foreign 2100MHz bands in HSPA+ mode, allowing for high-speed use in the U.S. with service from AT&T, Cricket Wireless, Tracfone, Straight Talk, Net10, H20 Wireless, 420 Wireless, Black Wireless, Consumer Cellular, Pure, Red Pocket, Telcel America, T-Mobile, Lyca, Speed talk, Go Smart, Simple Mobile, Solavei, Ultra Mobile, and Walmart Family Mobile, BLU said.
It also operates in 2G and 2.5G mode in the 850/900/1,800/1,900MHz bands.
Although it lacks LTE, it features 1.7GHz Cortex-A7 octa-core processor, 1 GB RAM, 16GB storage, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and back for improved damage resistance.
Other key features include 4.8-inch Super AMOLED 1,280 by 720 display with 306ppi, and 8-megapixel main camera with 1080p/30fps video capture, autofocus, and 2.4mm aperture. The 5-megapixel front camera features wide-angle 88-degree lens.
It also comes with day-long 2,100mAh battery, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi b/g/n/, hotspot capability, micro-USB, and FM radio.
The phone is available in white/gold and black.
BLU Products, founded in 2009, provides unlocked mobile phones to dealer agents, MVNOs, and large retailers throughout the U.S. and Latin America.
