Walmart BLU View 5 Pro Prepaid Smartphone Review & Where to Buy

Struggling to find a budget-friendly smartphone that actually gets the job done without breaking the bank? You’re not alone! Today, we’re going to break down the Walmart BLU View 5 Pro prepaid smartphone.

This little device has been popping up everywhere, especially at places like Walmart, and it’s catching eyes because of its incredibly low price point.

But is it really worth your hard-earned cash, or should you save up for something else? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what this phone offers, what users are actually saying about it, and where you can snag one for yourself.

When I first heard about the BLU View 5 Pro, my ears perked up.

BLU has a reputation for making super affordable Android phones, and often, you can find them for ridiculously low prices, sometimes even around $30-$60 at Walmart.

That’s almost impulse-buy territory, isn’t it? But as someone who’s seen a lot of budget phones come and go, I know that a low price can sometimes mean big compromises.

So, I dug into the details to see if the “Pro” in its name truly means anything, or if it’s just marketing fluff.

After checking out a bunch of reviews and looking at the specs, it’s clear this phone has some surprising strengths for its price, but also some significant drawbacks that you absolutely need to be aware of before you buy.

Think of it as a solid option if your expectations are realistic and your budget is super tight, but not if you’re expecting a flagship experience.

Unpacking the BLU View 5 Pro: What’s Under the Hood?

Let’s kick things off by talking about the specs.

When you’re looking at a budget phone, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers, but I’ll try to keep it simple.

The BLU View 5 Pro comes equipped with a MediaTek Helio G36 processor.

Now, if you’re a tech enthusiast, you know that the Helio G36 isn’t exactly a powerhouse, but for a phone in this price range, it’s pretty standard.

It’s an octa-core chip clocked at up to 2.2 GHz, which means it can handle your everyday tasks. Is Mostar Worth Visiting? Your Ultimate Guide to a Herzegovinian Gem

When it comes to memory, you’re looking at 4GB of RAM.

It’ll let you switch between a few apps without too much fuss, but don’t expect to run heavy multitasking sessions or graphic-intensive games without some slowdowns.

For storage, it usually comes with 64GB of internal memory.

That’s a decent amount for your essential apps, photos, and some videos.

Plus, if you’re like me and you love taking a ton of pictures or downloading movies for offline viewing, you’ll be happy to know it supports a microSD card for expansion up to 128GB. Ultimate Guide to Buying Tiny Homes on Wheels

So, grabbing a microSD card is a smart move if you pick this phone up.

The phone runs on Android 14 right out of the box, which is fantastic! Getting the latest Android version on a budget device is a huge plus because it means you’ll have access to the newest features, security updates, and better app compatibility for a while.

This is a noticeable improvement over older BLU models that might be stuck on older Android versions.

Display: A Big Screen on a Budget

One of the first things you’ll notice about the BLU View 5 Pro is its screen size. Buying a Prefab Home Kit: Your Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Home Faster

It boasts a pretty generous 6.74-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate.

That’s a big screen for a budget phone, making it great for watching videos, browsing social media, or just generally having more room to see what you’re doing.

The 720 x 1600 resolution means it’s an HD+ screen, not Full HD, so while it’s large, the picture won’t be as sharp as some higher-end phones.

However, for most everyday content, it’s perfectly fine, and the 90Hz refresh rate is a nice touch, making scrolling and animations feel a bit smoother than standard 60Hz displays.

Now, a quick heads-up about video streaming: a reviewer mentioned that due to Widevine L3 security, videos are usually capped at 480p on most streaming platforms, except for YouTube. Buy modular home

So, if you’re planning to binge-watch your favorite shows in crisp HD on Netflix or Hulu, this might not be the phone for you.

But for casual YouTube viewing or just browsing, it’s alright.

Camera Capabilities: Hitting the Mark or Missing It?

Let’s talk cameras, because let’s be real, almost everyone uses their phone to snap pictures these days.

The BLU View 5 Pro comes with a triple main camera setup: a 50MP primary sensor, a 5MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens.

On paper, that 50MP sounds impressive, doesn’t it? For selfies and video calls, you get an 8MP front-facing camera. Buy Homes in Italy: Your Ultimate Guide

In my experience, and based on what many users are saying, the 50MP main camera can actually take some decent, crisp pictures when you have plenty of good lighting.

It’s not going to rival an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy, but for sharing on social media or snapping quick everyday moments, it holds its own.

The 8MP front camera also surprisingly performs better than some might expect from a budget phone.

However, some folks have noted that the main camera’s shutter speed can be a bit slow, which means you’ll need to hold still to avoid blurry shots.

And if you’re thinking about low-light photography, you might be a bit disappointed. Buying a Prefab Home from China: Your Ultimate Guide

One reviewer even went as far as to say the back camera is “absolutely terrible” if you’re looking for a good camera experience.

So, if photography is a top priority, this phone probably isn’t your best bet, but for casual use, it’s acceptable.

For better smartphone cameras, you’d need to look at a higher price bracket.

Battery Life: Powering Through Your Day

Battery life is a big deal, especially when you’re out and about and don’t want to constantly be searching for an outlet. The BLU View 5 Pro packs a sizable 5050mAh battery.

That’s a pretty generous capacity, and BLU claims it can last for “days” or give you up to 1500 minutes of talk time. Buying a Prefab Home in Canada: Your Ultimate Guide to Modern Living

Many users confirm that the battery life is indeed a strong point of this phone, easily getting them through a full day of moderate use, and sometimes even longer.

If you’re someone who just uses their phone for calls, texts, and light browsing, you might genuinely get a couple of days out of it, which is fantastic for a prepaid phone.

Performance in the Real World: What to Expect

Now, here’s where we get real about how the BLU View 5 Pro actually performs day-to-day.

As I mentioned, it has the MediaTek Helio G36 processor and 4GB of RAM.

While that sounds okay on paper for the price, the reality is a mixed bag. Private Jet to Abu Dhabi: Your Unvarnished Guide to Luxury Air Travel

For basic tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, using social media, and sending messages, the phone generally handles things pretty well.

You won’t feel like you’re pulling your hair out, but it’s not going to be lightning fast.

Some users have reported noticing general lag and a feeling of slowness, especially after some time of use.

One person even described it as “slow as molasses” and “glitchy.” This can be frustrating if you’re used to snappier phones.

It seems the hardware, particularly the low-budget chipset, struggles with the demands of Android 14 and more intensive tasks. Private Jet to Ibiza: Your Ultimate Guide to Exclusive Travel

When it comes to gaming, the BLU View 5 Pro can handle very light, casual games like puzzle games or simple arcade titles.

Don’t expect to play graphically demanding games like Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact smoothly.

Even some slightly more involved games might feel “barely playable” with graphics settings turned down to the lowest.

So, if you’re a mobile gamer, you’ll definitely want to consider other options.

This phone is definitely more suited for “light gaming here and there” rather than serious sessions. How to clean a mechanical keyboard

Another point to be aware of, which I touched on earlier, is the Widevine L3 security.

This is a technical thing, but what it means for you is that most popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ will only play videos in standard definition 480p. YouTube, surprisingly, seems to be an exception where you might get higher quality.

If high-definition streaming is a must-have for you, then this phone will disappoint.

Build Quality and Design

As for the physical phone itself, it has a sleek, ergonomic design.

It’s made of plastic, which is typical for budget phones, and some reviewers have noted that it feels a bit “cheaply made.” It’s a fairly tall phone given its 6.74-inch screen. How to clean a mechanical keyboard: FAQ

It features a USB-C port at the bottom for charging, which is great to see as it’s the modern standard.

And surprisingly, it still retains a headphone jack at the top, which is a big win for those of us who still prefer wired headphones.

You won’t find a screen protector pre-installed, so that’s something you might want to pick up along with a phone case for protection.

One minor complaint some users have is the placement and size of the rear speaker. how to clean up a mechanical keyboard

It’s quite tiny and can be easily covered, affecting the audio experience, especially for videos or calls on speakerphone.

Who is the BLU View 5 Pro For?

So, after all that, who should actually consider buying the BLU View 5 Pro?

1. The Ultra-Budget Conscious: If you absolutely need a smartphone and your budget is extremely tight think under $100, or even under $50 if you catch it on sale, this phone is designed for you. It provides the core functionality of a smartphone at a very accessible price.
2. Basic Users: This phone is perfect for someone who primarily needs a device for calls, texting, email, light web browsing, and social media. It handles these tasks without too much trouble.
3. First-Time Smartphone Users: For someone transitioning from a feature phone or a flip phone, the BLU View 5 Pro offers a user-friendly introduction to the Android ecosystem. The large screen is a plus for readability.
4. A Backup Phone: Need a cheap secondary device just in case your main phone goes kaput? This could fit the bill.
5. Parents Looking for a “Starter” Phone: If you want to get your child their first smartphone but don’t want to invest a lot of money in something that might get lost or broken, the BLU View 5 Pro is an inexpensive option.

Who Should Probably Skip It?

1. Mobile Gamers: If you love playing demanding games on your phone, you’ll quickly become frustrated with the performance.
2. Photography Enthusiasts: While it has a 50MP camera, its overall performance, especially in less-than-ideal lighting and slow shutter speed, won’t satisfy serious photographers.
3. Heavy Multitaskers: If you constantly jump between many apps, run complex productivity tools, or use resource-intensive applications, the 4GB RAM and MediaTek Helio G36 might lead to a sluggish experience.
4. Those Who Demand High-Definition Streaming: The 480p streaming limitation on most platforms due to Widevine L3 security will be a dealbreaker for many.
5. Anyone Expecting a “Premium” Feel: It’s a budget phone, and it feels like one. If build quality and a snappy, seamless experience are important to you, you’ll need to spend more.

Where to Buy the BLU View 5 Pro Prepaid Smartphone

The BLU View 5 Pro is primarily sold as a prepaid smartphone, often locked to specific carriers like Tracfone, Simple Mobile, or Walmart Family Mobile.

This is why you’ll find it prominently at places like Walmart.

• Walmart: This is probably the most common place to find the BLU View 5 Pro. Walmart frequently offers it as a prepaid option with Tracfone or Walmart Family Mobile plans. You can find it both in physical stores and on Walmart’s website. Keep an eye out for bundles where the phone might be offered at an even lower price, sometimes even appearing “free” when you sign up for a specific service plan.
  • Pro Tip: Some users have reported activation issues when buying these phones online from Walmart, specifically related to the phone not being scanned correctly before delivery. If you’re buying it as a gift or for someone else, or if you’re worried about activation hiccups, it might be worth picking it up in-store if possible, or being prepared to contact customer service if you encounter issues.
• Best Buy: You might also find the Tracfone variant of the BLU View 5 Pro at Best Buy, either in-store or on their website.
• Carrier Websites Tracfone, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile: Since it’s a prepaid phone, you can often purchase it directly from the websites of the associated carriers. They’ll typically offer it bundled with their prepaid plans. For instance, Tracfone has plans starting at around $15/month with no contract. Walmart Family Mobile offers unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data plans starting at $24.88/month.

When shopping, always double-check which carrier the phone is locked to, as prepaid phones are typically locked and won’t work with other networks until they are unlocked, which usually requires fulfilling certain service requirements. how to clean a razer mechanical keyboard

For those looking for more flexibility, an unlocked smartphone might be a better choice, though they typically cost more upfront.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

Like any budget smartphone, the BLU View 5 Pro isn’t without its quirks.

Here are a few common issues users have reported and some general troubleshooting tips:

• Activation Problems: As mentioned, some users buying online from Walmart have experienced issues with the phone not being properly scanned, leading to activation difficulties.
  • Tip: If this happens, contact the carrier’s customer service Tracfone, Walmart Family Mobile, etc. immediately. They may need to manually activate it or advise you to visit a store for scanning.
• Lag and Slow Performance: This is a recurring theme due to the budget processor and RAM.
  • Tip: Try to keep the number of apps running in the background to a minimum. Regularly clear your app cache. Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps, select an app, then Storage & cache > Clear cache. Also, uninstall any apps you don’t use, especially the pre-installed “bloatware” if you can. Consider using “Lite” versions of apps e.g., Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite if available, as they use fewer resources.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues: Some users have reported problems with Wi-Fi not connecting or being slow.
  • Tip: Start with the basics: restart your phone. Toggle Airplane Mode on and off. Forget your Wi-Fi network and reconnect. Reboot your Wi-Fi router. If all else fails, try resetting your phone’s network settings Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
• Frozen or Unresponsive Screen: This can happen with any device, including the BLU View 5 Pro.
  • Tip: The easiest fix is a force restart. Simultaneously press and hold the power button and the volume up button for about 7 seconds. Your phone should automatically restart.
• Apps Not Compatible: Some specialized apps, like certain insurance driving apps, have been reported as incompatible.
  • Tip: Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do if an app is fundamentally incompatible with the phone’s hardware or Android version. If specific app compatibility is crucial for you, it’s wise to research that app’s requirements before purchasing any budget phone.
• Charging Issues: If your phone isn’t turning on or charging.
  • Tip: Check the charging port for dust or debris. Try a different USB-C cable and wall adapter. Ensure the battery is properly seated if you have a removable back cover though most modern phones, including this one, have non-removable batteries. Also, test the power outlet with another device.

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Final Thoughts

The Walmart BLU View 5 Pro prepaid smartphone is a classic example of “you get what you pay for,” but in a surprisingly good way for its target market.

It’s not a powerhouse, and it certainly has its limitations, especially with performance and high-definition video streaming.

However, for its incredibly affordable price, it delivers a large screen, respectable battery life, and runs on the latest Android 14.

If you’re on a very tight budget, need a reliable phone for calls, texts, and light internet use, or are looking for a first smartphone for someone who doesn’t need all the bells and whistles, the BLU View 5 Pro could be a really solid choice.

Just manage your expectations, understand its limitations, and you might find yourself quite happy with this budget-friendly pick from Walmart. how to clean a non mechanical keyboard

It’s certainly a step up in some ways from the non-Pro BLU View 5, offering slightly better performance and a smoother experience overall, even if it still encounters some lag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of performance can I expect from the BLU View 5 Pro?

You can expect decent performance for everyday tasks like calling, texting, browsing the web, checking social media, and using basic apps.

It runs on a MediaTek Helio G36 processor with 4GB of RAM, which is suitable for light to moderate use.

However, don’t expect it to handle intensive gaming, heavy multitasking, or high-definition video streaming on most platforms without some noticeable lag or a cap on video quality.

Does the BLU View 5 Pro have good battery life?

Yes, the BLU View 5 Pro comes with a large 5050mAh battery, which is one of its strong points.

Users generally report that it provides excellent battery life, often lasting for a full day or even several days with light to moderate usage.

Can I watch Netflix or other streaming services in HD on the BLU View 5 Pro?

Unfortunately, no.

The BLU View 5 Pro typically has Widevine L3 security, which means most popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ will only stream videos in standard definition 480p. YouTube is generally an exception where you might be able to watch content in higher quality.

Is the camera on the BLU View 5 Pro any good?

The BLU View 5 Pro features a 50MP main camera and an 8MP selfie camera.

The 50MP main camera can take crisp photos in good lighting conditions, and the selfie camera is surprisingly decent for a budget phone.

However, its performance in low light is limited, and some users have noted a slow shutter speed.

It’s suitable for casual photos but not ideal for serious photography enthusiasts.

Is the BLU View 5 Pro locked to a specific carrier?

Yes, the BLU View 5 Pro is sold as a prepaid smartphone and is typically locked to specific carriers like Tracfone, Simple Mobile, or Walmart Family Mobile.

This means it will only work with that carrier’s service until specific unlock requirements are met, which usually involves a certain period of active service.

What comes in the box with the BLU View 5 Pro?

When you purchase the BLU View 5 Pro, you can generally expect to find the phone itself, a USB-C charging cable, a USB wall adapter, a SIM pin, and a quick start guide.

It typically does not come with a pre-installed screen protector.