Some folks just want a phone that’s, well, a phone. The Tank II from BLU is a no-frills option for people who mostly care about calls, texts, and a battery that won’t quit halfway through the week.
- GSM Quad band 2G (850/900/1800/1900): compatibility Nationwide on 2G carriers like Straight Talk, Simple Mobile, or any other carrier that accepts a 2G ONLY GSM Sim Card. Will NOT work with 3G only providers - NO AT&T, NO T-Mobile, NO CDMA Carriers (Verizon, Sprint, Boost, PagePlus)
- 2.4" TFT Screen Display; VGA Camera (640 x 480 pixels) w/ LED Flash + Video
- MediaTek Processor, 1900 mAh Big Battery, FM Radio, MP3/ MP4 Player, Bluetooth: v3.0
The Tank II gets a lot of love for its toughness and a battery that can actually last days. People say it’s lightweight and easy to use—sometimes it’s even handed to kids or seniors as a first phone. But don’t expect it to work everywhere; it only runs on select 2G networks, and a few buyers have struggled with setup or getting the SIM card to cooperate.
If you’re hoping for internet, apps, or a decent camera, you’re barking up the wrong tree. The camera and display get mixed reviews, but honestly, for the price, most folks seem to accept the trade-offs.
Overview of the BLU Tank II
If all you want is a sturdy phone that won’t die on you, the Tank II might be worth a look. It’s built to last and the battery just keeps going. The dual-SIM feature is handy if you juggle two numbers, but remember—it’s 2G only, so don’t expect it to work with every carrier out there.
- Good at the basics: calls, texts, and a battery that doesn’t give up easily.
- Some people have had headaches with SIM compatibility and getting it activated.
- No smartphone perks here—no apps, no web browsing, nothing fancy.
It’s not for gadget lovers, but if you want a reliable backup or just a simple phone, it holds up.
Long-Lasting Battery Performance
Battery life’s a big deal, especially for a phone like this. The Tank II is kind of a champ here, with a bigger battery than most basic phones.
Plenty of users say they get several days between charges, especially if they’re just calling or texting. If you leave Bluetooth or other extras on, the battery does drain faster, but that’s pretty standard.
Pros:
- Most people don’t have to charge it every day.
- Good pick for travelers or anyone who can’t always plug in.
Cons:
- Extra features eat up battery quicker.
- Heavy use (well, as heavy as you can get with a basic phone) means more charging.
Rugged and Durable Design
One thing’s for sure: this phone can take a bit of a beating. The build feels solid, and users say it shrugs off the usual bumps and drops. The compact size helps too—less phone, less to break.
That said, don’t expect it to feel premium, and there’s no special protection against dust or water. It’s tough for everyday life, but maybe not for construction sites or wild adventures.
Wireless Connectivity and Bluetooth Options
Bluetooth’s on board, so you can pair up with wireless headsets or swap files the old-fashioned way.
But let’s be clear: there’s no Wi-Fi, and you won’t be streaming anything. Bluetooth is really just for basic stuff—headsets, tiny file transfers, that sort of thing. No fancy audio or smart device support.
If you just want simple, reliable connections, you’ll be fine. If you’re expecting more, well, you might be disappointed.
Media and Expandable Storage Features
You can play music and radio, even watch a few videos if you’re patient. The Tank II supports MP3/MP4 files and has an FM radio that works without headphones.
Got more music or photos? There’s a microSD slot, so you can bump storage up to 32GB. That’s handy, but don’t try to use anything bigger—it won’t work.
It’s not a media powerhouse, but for basic tunes or a few photos, it gets the job done. Some people find file compatibility a bit picky, but most manage.
User-Friendly Dual SIM Functionality
Switching between two SIMs is pretty painless here. If you’ve got work and personal numbers, or maybe you travel and need a local SIM, the dual SIM slots are practical.
Setup is usually straightforward if your carrier still supports 2G. Occasionally, one SIM slot might act up after a while, so reliability isn’t 100% perfect. Still, for most people wanting basic dual SIM use, it’s easy enough.
Call Quality and Usability
Call quality is solid for most users—voices come through fine, provided your carrier actually supports the phone. If you’re not sure, double-check before buying to avoid headaches.
Physical buttons and a simple menu make it easy to get around, especially if you’re not into touchscreens. Dual SIM is a plus, though sometimes only one slot behaves long-term. No smartphone perks, but for calls and texts, it’s dependable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works with several 2G GSM carriers, so if you’re in the right spot, you’re good.
- Battery lasts ages, at least compared to most phones these days.
- It’s light and small—easy to toss in a bag or pocket and forget about it.
- Dual SIM slots are a nice touch for people juggling more than one number.
- FM radio and microSD expansion are there if you want some basic entertainment.
Pro | Details |
---|---|
Battery life | Long-lasting battery, fewer charges needed |
Dual SIM | Useful for managing multiple plans |
Lightweight | Easy to transport and handle |
FM/MP3 Support | Basic entertainment features included |
Expandable storage | MicroSD slot for more space |
Cons
- Only works on 2G, so coverage is shrinking fast—check your area first.
- Camera is pretty basic. Don’t expect to show off your photos.
- Some users had issues with setup or the device forgetting their SIM card.
- Instructions aren’t always clear. If you’re not tech-savvy, you might get frustrated.
- If you want apps or internet, look elsewhere.
Con | Details |
---|---|
2G only | Won’t work with 3G/4G/5G networks |
Limited camera | Low-resolution, not for frequent photos |
Setup issues | Problems with SIM recognition reported |
Sparse documentation | Instructions not always clear |
Minimal features | Lacks apps and internet access |
Customer Reviews
A lot of people say this little BLU Tank II is perfect if you just want calls and texts, nothing fancy. The light weight and solid battery are big pluses, especially as a backup or for someone’s first phone. Dual SIM is handy too.
On the flip side, some ran into headaches with SIM switching, powering up, or the phone just giving up after a while. Instructions and carrier compatibility can be confusing. In general, it’s best for folks who want simplicity and don’t care about bells and whistles.
Who Should Consider the BLU Tank II
If you’re after a phone that just works—no distractions, no apps—the Tank II is worth a look. It’s low-maintenance and the battery lasts, which is getting rare these days.
Good fit for:
- Anyone wanting a backup phone for emergencies.
- Travelers heading to places where 2G still works.
- People who find smartphones overwhelming or just unnecessary.
But if you need apps, GPS, or fast data, this isn’t it. And if your area’s dropped 2G, you’ll want to pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the battery life of the BLU Tank II T193 compare to other feature phones?
Most users say the Tank II’s battery life is a standout. The 1900 mAh battery usually outlasts other feature phones, especially if you stick to calls and texts. Some people run into battery or charging quirks, but overall, folks seem happy.
What are the standout features of the BLU Tank II T193?
It’s all about simple calling and texting, dual SIM support, and an interface you don’t need a manual to figure out. The external speaker is loud, which is nice if you hate headsets. It’s not trying to be a smartphone—just a solid, basic communicator.
Can the BLU Tank II T193 support WhatsApp or other messaging apps?
Nope. It’s not built for WhatsApp or any modern messaging apps. No app store, no horsepower for that. Stick to SMS and calls.
Is the camera quality of the BLU Tank II T193 sufficient for everyday use?
The camera’s a VGA, so… not really. It’ll snap a quick pic if you need it, but don’t expect much. For anything beyond the bare minimum, you’ll be disappointed.
Table: Camera Usability
Use Case | User Experience |
---|---|
Quick snapshots | Acceptable |
Social media | Not suitable |
Printing photos | Not recommended |
How durable is the BLU Tank II T193 when it comes to drops and general wear and tear?
Durability gets good marks—folks say it’s sturdy enough for daily bumps and the occasional drop. It feels solid for the price, but don’t dunk it or drop it off a roof; there’s no waterproofing or shockproofing.
Pros:
- Handles light drops
- Feels sturdy
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- No shock resistance
What are the connectivity options available on the BLU Tank II T193?
The Tank II keeps things pretty simple when it comes to connectivity. There’s Bluetooth, so you can move files to and from other devices, and a classic 3.5mm audio jack for plugging in headphones or speakers—handy for music or calls. Wi-Fi and mobile internet? Nope, not here. This phone sticks to 2G GSM networks, so if your area has moved on to 3G, 4G, or uses CDMA, you’re out of luck. It does have a microSD slot, though, so you can bump up the storage a bit for your songs or snapshots.