Bluboo are claiming that their Bluboo Xtouch is the first smartphone to use 3D printing to produce a 3.0D curved rear shell.
3D printing is a technology that has really taken off, not only is it popular for the hobbiest in their homes, but also large factories around the world are adopting the manufacturing process. The benefits of 3D printing are speed and that 3D products can be made without the need of costly moulds.
Bluboo say that their factory is using 3D printing technology to produce the 3.0D curved rear panels for the Bluboo Xtouch. I had to confirm with Bluboo if what they were telling us was true (and not just using buzz words to create hype around their phone) and the news seems to be genuine.
Apparently an advanced 3D printing process is used to creat the curved rear panel (which has a similar design as the rear of the Xiaomi Mi Note), and is then finished in a reflective Nano Coating to give the diamond pattern effect.
I asked Bluboo if they had a video of the manufacturing processor, but they declined to offer one for reasons of secrecy, instead they gave us the following video which shows how flexible and strong the 3D printed rear panel of the Bluboo Xtouch is. You can also see the plastic ‘weave’ from the 3D printing process on the rear of the cover too.
The Bluboo Xtouch will cost $149.99 during the presale period (with a chance to earn a $50 saving if you create a review of the phone). The handset features 3GB RAM, fingerprint scanner, JDI FHD display, Sony IMX214 rear camera, metal chassis and unique 3-in SIM SD card slot (dual sims and SD card at the same time). Once presales are over the price will $179.99.
Anyone planning to purchase the Bluboo Xtouch for their 2016 device?
Tempting.
Still waiting for a review
Wait for a review, lose the pre-sale discount, its very annoying.
And will there be a pro version too?
I like this phone but i am only awaiting for the “pro” version of it, with the Helio X10 soc (and 20mp rear camera). Any news on that?
The Xtouch is in Presale (should have launched already) and i don’t think Bluboo can gain nothing more just by advertising. It’s time for actions and those models to become available (not presale)…
You’ve not gotten this one and you are thinking about the Pro. Maybe that one will come in Q4 2016.
Actually i do want to buy a phone soon, the “pro” would be the winner IF it was available (or even presale) but it isn’t, so i’m moving to other options (i want a phone, not Q1 2016)… Too bad for Bluboo, they made a hype then screw’d it up!
Would I suggest this over a LeTV One? Nope
bye bye bluboo…….tease a phone almost 6 months and still no supply..
take an exqmple of xiaomi and letv: almost allready available after tease
Exactly my thoughts! Not to mention that Xiaomi (and now Letv) are “big” companies (unlike Bluboo), which ofcourse translates to a bigger community and support…
It looks like the back cover got scratched very easily in the test models Bluboo has gave , so I hope they can correct that before the launch
I would consider one, but I actually don’t like the rear cover. Would prefer a carbon weave style instead if they must.
will this phone come with any software support? I think a phone can be made out of titanium and diamond but with out any proper software support and updates its just a paper weight in the long run! Just my two cents on all this advertising on new materials and processes.
I wonder if that will make it brittle or nimble.
Waiting for the 21MP 4GB x10 model.