A new generation of high-quality, low-cost Android smartphones is in full bloom, with Motorola setting the bar with its Moto G and other companies mostly playing catchup. The Blu Studio X Plus is an answer of sorts, with specs that are squarely aimed at Motorola's budget-friendly darling. It's a good entry-level phone, especially for the rock-bottom $149.99 price (unlocked). But as is the case with many low-cost devices, the spec sheet only tells part of the story. The 5.5-inch, 720p display is better than average, but not on the same level as panels from Motorola. Performance and overall polish, likewise, don't quite match the second-gen Moto G. On the other hand, you get stronger battery life for $30 less. It's a close match on the whole, making the Studio X Plus a great value on the unlocked smartphone market.

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Design, Features, and Call Quality

The Studio X Plus even looks and feels like the Moto G, with a gently curved back and grippy rubberized finish. It's markedly larger at 6.12 by 3.02 by 0.42 inches (HWD) and 6 ounces, but not entirely unwieldy by today's standards. A fairly convincing, faux-metal rim runs along the phone's perimeter, neatly integrating Volume and Power buttons on the left and right sides, respectively. The design won't excite, but it doesn't scream generic like many low-cost competitors.