Why You Can Trust CNET Blu delivers $100 unlocked smartphone with Studio C
Available through Amazon, the handset offers GSM Lollipop on a budget.
The battle for budget smartphones gets more interesting today as Blu launches its latest model, the Studio C. Carrying the attractive sticker price of $99, the phone is sold unlocked and is compatible with any GSM provider.
Specifications for the Studio C are on par with those of the Motorola E (2nd Gen) and include a 5-inch 720p HD display and an 8-megapixel rear camera. Under the hood you'll find a 1.3GHz quad-core processor with 1GB of RAM and a 3,000mAh battery.
In terms of storage, the Studio C offers 8GB internally with microSD support for cards up to 64GB. Additionally, the smartphone allows for two SIM cards and comes in a variety of color options. However, for all the handset does offer, there's one feature it lacks: 4G LTE connectivity. Given it is targeted at first-time smartphone buyers, the high-speed support may matter little.
What makes the Studio C such an attractive unit is that it works with any GSM service provider in the US. This means T-Mobile, AT&T, Cricket, MetroPCS and a host of others are compatible. And at $99, it's an inexpensive way to bring your own device or sample some of the prepaid brands.
The Blu Studio C is available immediately through Amazon.com; color options include Sandstone Black, Ceramic White, Salmon Pink, Mint Green, and Sun Orange.