blu f5 review 2025: powerful 5g phone with a few flaws

blu f5 review 2025: discover this budget 5g beast’s impressive speed, stunning display & camera, but a few trade-offs you should know.

BLU F5 Review 2025: Is This Budget 5G Phone Still Worth It? 📱⚡

If you’ve been hunting for a budget-friendly smartphone with 5G support in 2025, chances are you’ve come across the BLU F5. It’s a phone that originally made waves in late 2024, offering features like a dual 50MP camera setup, a 90Hz display, and MediaTek’s Dimensity 6100+ processor — all packed into a phone priced far below flagship devices. But here’s the real question: is it still worth buying today, in mid-2025 and beyond? 🤔

In this BLU F5 review 2025, we’ll dive deep into every corner of this phone — from its performance, display, and battery life to where it shines and where it falls short. And yes, whether it makes sense to pick one up now or skip it for something newer. Let’s jump right in.

📦 Quick Overview: What Is the BLU F5?

BLU Products has long been a brand focused on value-packed phones for the US market, and the F5 is no exception. Launched in September 2024, it was one of the most affordable 5G smartphones with a clean Android 14 experience, a surprisingly good display, and a large 5000mAh battery.

Key specs at a glance:

• 📱 6.6” HD+ Infinity Display (720 x 1600)

• 🔄 90Hz refresh rate

• ⚡ MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor

• 💾 128GB storage + up to 12GB RAM (with 8GB virtual RAM)

• 📸 Dual 50MP main cameras + 8MP selfie

• 🔋 5000mAh battery (3-day battery claim)

• 🔐 Side-mounted fingerprint + face unlock

• 📶 5G connectivity

• 🖥️ Android 14 out of the box

✨ Design & Build Quality: Surprisingly Classy for the Price

One thing you’ll notice immediately is how the BLU F5 punches above its weight in design. It doesn’t feel like a $150-$180 phone. The smooth matte finish, slightly curved edges, and a choice of Green or Grey colors give it a sophisticated look. ✨

At 203g and 8.94mm thick, it feels substantial but not overly bulky. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles up as a power button, and it’s quick and accurate — a nice bonus at this price point.

Pros 👍

• Classy, premium-like finish

• Solid build quality for the price

• Comfortable to hold despite its size

Cons 👎

• A bit heavy at 203g

• Only two color options

🎨 Display: Smooth, But Could Be Sharper

Now, let’s talk about that display. The BLU F5 comes with a 6.6” HD+ LCD panel, sporting a 720 x 1600 resolution. At 267 PPI, it’s definitely not the sharpest screen you’ll find in 2025, especially with 1080p+ screens becoming common even in budget phones.

That said, it compensates with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. Everyday scrolling, app transitions, and casual gaming feel far snappier than a regular 60Hz phone. Brightness is decent indoors but can struggle a bit under direct sunlight. 🌞

Pros 👍

• 90Hz refresh rate is a welcome feature

• Good color reproduction

• Large display size for videos and gaming

Cons 👎

• 720p resolution feels outdated in 2025

• Outdoor visibility isn’t great

⚙️ Performance: Is Dimensity 6100+ Still Enough?

When this phone dropped in 2024, its MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset was one of the best options for affordable 5G phones. Fast forward to 2025 — it’s no longer a leader, but it still holds up surprisingly well for everyday use.

You get 4GB physical RAM, expandable by another 8GB via virtual RAM, totaling 12GB — decent for multitasking. Apps open smoothly, social media, YouTube, and light gaming are no issue.

Gaming Performance 🎮
Thanks to HyperEngine 3.0 Lite Gaming Technology, titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Asphalt 9 run on medium settings without major lag. No, it won’t challenge gaming phones, but for casual players, it’s reliable.

Pros 👍

• Smooth performance for everyday apps

• Handles light gaming well

• Good multitasking with virtual RAM boost

Cons 👎

• Heats up a bit during heavy gaming

• Not ideal for hardcore 3D games in 2025

👉 Buy it now on Amazon

🔋 Battery Life: Truly All-Day Power? Or Just a Claim?

Battery is where the BLU F5 really shines! With a 5000mAh capacity, it easily lasts a full day and more under normal usage. BLU claims up to 3-day battery life, and while that might be true for ultra-light users, most people can still expect 1.5 to 2 days with moderate screen time, 5G on, and app use. 💪

What makes the efficiency possible is MediaTek’s 5G UltraSave 3.0+ tech, which optimizes how the phone connects to networks, saving juice without compromising performance.

Charging is handled via 10W fast charge, which is honestly the only underwhelming part here. In 2025, many budget phones offer at least 18W or 25W. So yes, it takes a bit longer to go from 0 to 100% — around 2.5 hours.

Real-life battery example:

• YouTube + Instagram = 8–9 hours screen-on time

• Casual gaming + browsing = 6–7 hours screen-on

• Standby time is excellent

Pros 👍

• Long-lasting 5000mAh battery

• Intelligent battery management with UltraSave 3.0+

• Great for travel or on-the-go users

Cons 👎

• 10W charging feels slow in 2025

• No wireless charging (expected at this price)

📸 Camera Performance: Can Dual 50MP Really Impress?

Don’t let the budget tag fool you — the dual 50MP main cameras on the BLU F5 are actually decent performers in good lighting. You get a primary sensor that captures vibrant, detailed shots, especially during the day. The secondary sensor appears to help with depth and bokeh effects in portrait mode.

The 8MP front camera is modest, but usable for selfies and video calls. Beauty mode is aggressive by default, but that’s easy to toggle off.

📷 Camera Modes Include:

• AI Scene detection

• Portrait

• HDR

• Pro Mode

• Time-lapse & slow-mo (basic)

🎥 Video Recording: Up to 2K @ 30fps, which is rare in this price range.

📸 Sample use case: Great for casual social media content, Zoom calls, and everyday moments. Don’t expect flagship-level night photography though — low-light is grainy.

Pros 👍

• Sharp 50MP camera in daylight

• Clean bokeh in portrait shots

• Decent selfie cam

Cons 👎

• Low-light shots are average

• No ultra-wide or macro lens

🔐 Security & Unlocking Features

Security is simple but effective. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is fast and placed comfortably on the power button. There’s also AI Face Unlock, which works fairly well in daylight but slows down in dim settings.

In a world of under-display sensors and facial depth scanning, this isn’t cutting edge — but it’s reliable and quick enough for daily use.

✅ Bonus: You can set app locks, private folders, and Smart Lock settings via Android 14, which adds more control over privacy.

📶 5G & Connectivity: Future-Proof or Just the Basics?

One of the biggest selling points of the BLU F5 is its 5G capability, especially for a sub-$200 phone. It supports a broad range of US 5G bands (N2/5/25/41/66/71/77), making it compatible with T-Mobile, MetroPCS, and several MVNOs.

🚫 Not compatible with: Verizon, AT&T, or Cricket Wireless (as they use CDMA). This is crucial — many buyers miss this detail. Check with your carrier before ordering.

🔧 Other connectivity options:

• WiFi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)

• Bluetooth 5.2

• USB-C charging

• No 3.5mm headphone jack

Pros 👍

• Affordable entry point to 5G

• Solid signal strength in urban zones

• Good Bluetooth and WiFi range

Cons 👎

• No support for AT&T/Verizon/CDMA networks

• No WiFi 6 or NFC

⚙️ Android 14 Experience: Clean, Modern & Personal

Out of the box, the BLU F5 runs Android 14, which is still the latest version as of mid-2025. The experience is clean and bloat-free, with almost no third-party apps pre-installed. That alone sets it apart from many budget brands.

✨ Key Android 14 features:

• Better privacy dashboard

• Smarter permission controls

• Lock screen customization

• Battery usage insights

• Improved accessibility tools

There’s no promise of future Android upgrades, which is common in this segment, but security updates are usually delivered for a year.

Pros 👍

• No bloatware, clean UI

• Useful customization tools

• Great for privacy-conscious users

Cons 👎

• No Android version upgrade guarantee

• Some features feel limited vs Pixel phones

👉 Ready to grab it? Buy the BLU F5 on Amazon here

📊 Is the BLU F5 Still Relevant in 2025? 📅

Now, the big question — in a market filled with feature-packed budget phones, is the BLU F5 still a smart buy in 2025? Honestly… it depends on your needs.

If you're after blazing 5G speeds, solid battery, a clean Android experience, and a respectable camera for under $200 — this phone still holds up surprisingly well. Its MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset isn’t a gaming beast, but for everyday multitasking, social media, YouTube, and casual gaming — it’s more than capable.

💡 Where it falls short:

• No 120Hz refresh rate (despite some older listings mentioning it)

• 10W charging feels outdated

• No ultra-wide or macro camera lens

• Limited software upgrade promise

That said, considering it launched in late 2024, it’s still fairly new by budget phone standards, where devices in this price band often stick around for 1.5–2 years before being discontinued.

So yes — if your priority is affordability, 5G, long battery, and clean UI, the BLU F5 in 2025 is a decent pick.

🔍 BLU F5 vs Competitors: How Does It Compare?

Let’s quickly size up the BLU F5 against similarly priced alternatives available in mid-2025:

Where F5 wins:

• Cleanest UI with Android 14 out-of-box

• Sharp dual 50MP camera (beats TCL’s 13MP)

• Great price-to-spec ratio under $150 in offers

Where F5 loses:

• No FHD+ display (Samsung & Motorola lead here)

• Slower charging speed than rivals

• No 120Hz refresh rate like Motorola G Power

Verdict: If display resolution is not a dealbreaker for you and you prefer a clean, snappy UI with solid 5G and camera for under $160, the BLU F5 is still a safe bet.

🎯 Who Should Buy the BLU F5?

This phone isn’t made for power users or serious gamers. It’s designed for:

✅ Students and college-goers needing affordable 5G
✅ Travelers who want long battery and dual SIM (in some regions)
✅ First-time smartphone buyers upgrading from basic 4G phones
✅ People who love stock Android experience
✅ Casual content creators for Instagram Reels and TikTok

Not ideal for:
❌ Hardcore gamers
❌ Camera enthusiasts needing night mode and ultra-wide
❌ Heavy multitaskers using graphic apps and video editors

📦 Where to Buy the BLU F5 Right Now 🔗

You can grab the BLU F5 5G on Amazon USA right now. Available in Green and Grey, priced around $149–$179 depending on deals.

👉 Buy BLU F5 on Amazon here

❓ 5 FAQs About BLU F5 in 2025

Q1. Does BLU F5 support wireless charging?
No, it only supports 10W wired charging via USB Type-C.

Q2. Can you use the BLU F5 with Verizon or AT&T in the US?
No, it’s not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, or Cricket Wireless. Works well with T-Mobile, MetroPCS, and GSM carriers.

Q3. How’s the battery backup in real-world use?
With mixed usage (YouTube, Instagram, calls, light gaming), expect around 1.5–2 days per charge.

Q4. Will BLU F5 receive Android 15?
Unlikely. BLU typically offers one major Android version with security updates for a year.

Q5. Is the BLU F5 a good phone for gaming?
It handles casual games like PUBG Lite and Asphalt 9 well, but it’s not recommended for high-graphics competitive gaming.

📌 Final Verdict: BLU F5 in 2025 — Buy or Skip?

To wrap it up — if you’re after an affordable, reliable 5G phone with clean Android, long battery life, and a capable camera for daily use, the BLU F5 is still worth buying in 2025.

However, if full HD+ display, faster charging, and regular Android updates matter to you, you might want to look at Motorola or Samsung’s entry-level 5G lineup.

At under $160, it delivers real value — no frills, no gimmicks, just what you need.

👉 Check latest BLU F5 price here on Amazon

📌 Disclaimer

This blog post is intended for informational and review purposes only. All product details, specifications, pricing, and availability mentioned are based on publicly available information as of July 2025. Actual product features, software updates, and pricing may vary depending on region, retailer, and manufacturer policies.

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