BLU Vivo XI and Vivo XI+, the
latter of which is guaranteed to receive an Android Pie makeover in the near
future, are getting official Verizon certification. Even though that doesn’t mean the
two handsets will be sold directly by the nation’s top wireless service
provider, BLU’s partnership with Big Red is still a noteworthy accomplishment.
The controversial brand’s unlocked phones are
typically available in GSM-only variants, exclusively supporting activation on
networks like AT&T and T-Mobile. The BLU Vivo XI and BLU Vivo XI+ are no
exception, fetching US$ 220 and US$ 300 respectively at Best Buy without explicit
CDMA connectivity required for use on Verizon or Sprint.
But after purchasing any of the two unlocked
devices, you can now take them to the largest carrier stateside and enjoy the
benefits of its expansive 4G LTE network. Existing Vivo XI and XI+ owners can
also switch to Verizon after receiving a software update and contacting BLU’s
customer support for activation instructions.
Joining Big Red’s Bring your Own Device program with
one of these bad boys makes you eligible for a US$ 150 prepaid MasterCard and a
free SIM card as well. Not too shabby for Android 8.1
Oreo-powered 5.9 and 6.2-inchers featuring dual 16 + 5MP rear-facing cameras,
rear-mounted fingerprint scanners, trendy notched screens with relatively thin
bezels, and remarkably sleek designs for their price points. The larger model
comes with a sharper display, more memory and storage, as well as a faster
Helio P60 processor (compared to the P22 on the smaller BLU Vivo XI).
