BLU G5 review
Only consider this if you absolutely need dual SIM, a removable battery, and FM radio in a used market, and you can live with noticeable lag and unpatched software. For anyone else, even a mid-range phone from 2021 onwards is a far better choice.
This review is written with AI assistance from BLU’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the BLU G5, 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
The BLU G5 is a 2019 budget phone that feels dated now: a 720p display, 2GB RAM, and Cortex-A55 chipset that barely handles modern apps. It's not worth buying used unless you need a second SIM phone with FM radio on a shoestring budget, but there are better-aged alternatives even in this price tier.
Design & build
At 187g and 10.4mm thick, the G5 feels solid and manages the heft well. The form factor is reasonable for a 5.5-inch phone and the dual-SIM layout is practical for users juggling work and personal numbers. The removable battery is the real standout here—not a gimmick, but a genuine advantage in parts of the world where phone servicing infrastructure is patchy and swapping a worn battery beats a trip to a service centre. The materials feel plastic throughout, which is fine at this price point, but the phone looks and feels generic by design.
Display
The 720 x 1440 IPS LCD is the phone's most immediate weakness. At 293 ppi on a 5.5-inch screen, text, icons, and photos all look soft and pixelated compared to what most people are used to in 2024. This wasn't premium even in 2019—budget phones were hitting 1080p by then—and it shows its age badly now. The 18:9 ratio does make the screen taller and narrower, which helps with one-handed use, but it doesn't offset the resolution shortfall. Colour reproduction is likely adequate, but you won't mistake this for sharp.
Performance
A 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 with 2GB RAM is underpowered today. These cores were designed for efficiency on basic workloads, not responsiveness, and the clock speed confirms this was always an entry-level choice. Apps will install and open, but scrolling through Twitter, switching between browsers, and running even casual games will expose stuttering and lag. The 32GB storage fills fast, and the 2GB RAM means aggressive background app killing. This is a phone that checks boxes on a spec sheet but fails in real use.
Software
Android 9.0 (Pie) launched in 2018, and this phone already shipped dated. By now, it is completely out of support: no security patches for years, no major OS updates since launch. BLU's track record on timely updates is poor, and older budget brands often abandon their product lines fast. Running an unpatched 2019 Android build on 2024 networks carries genuine security risk, especially if you use banking apps or handle sensitive data.
Camera
The 13MP main sensor with basic autofocus is serviceable in good light, and the 1080p video capture at 30fps is standard for budget phones of that era. The 8MP selfie is typical. However, without optical image stabilization, computational aids, or modern processing, shots in dim conditions fall apart fast. There's no ultra-wide, no macro, no fancy modes—just a straight sensor. This is functional but uninspiring, and the lack of software smarts makes it feel even more basic than the raw megapixel count suggests.
Battery & charging
A 3000 mAh battery was already tight for a 5.5-inch phone in 2019, and by modern standards it is genuinely small. You are looking at a day of heavy use if you are lucky, less if the display is on constantly. The removable battery is a practical plus if you have a spare, but the phone lacks the specs to confirm charging speed—no mention of wattage suggests it was probably slow. LTE Cat4 and older Wi-Fi standards also mean the phone burns power less efficiently than newer hardware.
Value & verdict
The BLU G5 is a 2019 budget phone that has aged poorly. If you can find it used for near nothing and you specifically need dual SIM, a removable battery, and FM radio—and you accept laggy performance—it has a narrow purpose. But for most people, even a year or two newer budget phone offers significantly better speed, battery longevity, and software support. The small display, weak processor, and ancient OS are not just outdated; they are an active drain on daily usability. This is a phone to avoid unless very specific needs override the obvious shortcomings.
Verdict
Only consider this if you absolutely need dual SIM, a removable battery, and FM radio in a used market, and you can live with noticeable lag and unpatched software. For anyone else, even a mid-range phone from 2021 onwards is a far better choice.
- Dual SIM and microSD expansion for users needing multiple numbers and storage
- Removable battery—genuinely rare now and useful in markets with spotty charging infrastructure
- FM radio built in, a practical feature in regions where it still matters
- 2GB RAM and 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 struggle with any moderately demanding app or game by 2024 standards
- 720p display is low-res for a 5.5-inch screen, making text and images soft
- LTE capped at Category 4, which is slow by modern standards and drains battery faster
BLU G5 Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2019, July. Released 2019, July |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~72.5% screen-to-body ratio), IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Processor clock: 1.60 GHz |
| RAM & storage | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Main camera | 13 MP, AF |
| Selfie camera | 8 MP |
| Battery | 3000 mAh |
| Software | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Dimensions | 150.5 x 71.5 x 10.4 mm (5.93 x 2.81 x 0.41 in) |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| NFC | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
BLU G5 FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the G5 support 5G?
No. The G5 tops out at GSM / HSPA / LTE, without 5G.
What chipset does the G5 use?
The G5 runs on the Processor clock: 1.60 GHz.
What display does the G5 have?
A 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~72.5% screen-to-body ratio) IPS LCD, 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density).
How big is the G5 battery?
The G5 has a 3000 mAh battery.
Does the G5 have NFC?
No, the G5 does not list NFC support.
Does the G5 support a microSD card?
Yes, the G5 supports expandable storage (microSDXC).
Alternatives to consider
If the G5 isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
G5 Plus
G9 Pro
Vivo X5
Studio Mini
J2
