BLU Products
 | |
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
|---|---|
| Founded | August 4, 2009 |
| Founder | Samuel Ohev-Zion |
| Headquarters | , |
Area served | Americas |
Key people | Samuel Ohev-Zion (CEO) |
| Products | Mobile phones |
Production output |
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| Total assets | Net worth: >$2 billion |
| Website | {{URL|example.com|optional display text}} |
BLU Products (also presented as BLÜ) is a U.S.-based mobile phone branding firm located in Miami. The acronym BLU represents Bold Like Us. The company collaborates with Chinese Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs) including Koobee, QiKU, Gionee, Doogee, and Tinno Mobile to provide affordable smartphones aimed at emerging economies.
History
Samuel Ohev-Zion established BLU, which quickly became a prominent mobile device brand in the Latin American region. From selling 70,000 units during its inaugural year in 2009, the company’s sales escalated to 4.1 million units by 2010. BLU’s strategy centers on delivering budget-friendly devices customized for markets spanning Latin America, Central America, the United States, and the Caribbean.
In 2013, Digicel Aruba launched an entry-level BLU Android phone priced near US$6 bundled with a post-paid plan, highlighting BLU’s aggressive pricing approach within regional markets. The brand’s international presence grew further in May 2017 when BLU secured the role of official jersey sponsor for Spanish football club Valencia CF, boosting its global recognition.
BlackBerry lawsuit
In August 2016, BlackBerry Limited initiated legal action against BLU, accusing the company of violating 15 of its patents.
Privacy data collection
Security company Kryptowire uncovered pre-installed remote monitoring software on BLU devices sold via Amazon and Best Buy in November 2016. Following this discovery, Amazon removed BLU products in August 2017 due to security concerns involving covert transmission of user information to China; however, sales recommenced a month later. According to CNET, this software enabled unauthorized remote control over devices, including app installation and data deletion. Although Adups claimed the spyware presence was accidental, ongoing vulnerabilities suggested potential links to a state-sponsored espionage operation.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched an investigation into BLU for deceptive practices regarding data collection disclosures. The FTC accused BLU and its co-owner and President Samuel Ohev-Zion of falsely representing that third parties only gathered essential information. In April 2018, BLU settled with the FTC over misleading privacy and data security statements. Later that year, the FTC determined that BLU breached the Federal Trade Commission Act by providing false information about personal data handling.
As part of the agreement, BLU is legally prohibited from misrepresenting its privacy safeguards and must establish a robust security program applicable to both new and existing products. Additionally, the company is required to undergo independent security evaluations annually for two decades.
Due to these privacy concerns, industry experts have recommended exercising caution when considering BLU phones despite their appealing price points.
Android Devices
BLU offers a variety of Android device series:
| Series | Overview |
|---|---|
| BOLD | Premium lineup equipped with AMOLED screens and In-Display Fingerprint Sensors, developed and produced by Koobee. |
| C | Budget-friendly smartphones operating on Android Go. |
| F | 5G-enabled devices, including the mid-tier BLU F91 5G (2022). |
| G | Mid-range collection comprising 28 models; flagship units include the G91 Max and G91 Pro. |
| M | Tablets featuring 4G cellular connectivity. |
| S | BLU’s initial phones compatible with Sprint and CDMA networks; current offerings are S91 and S91 Pro. |
| Studio | Affordable, durable phones supporting 4G HSPA and select LTE variants. |
| View | Prepaid devices designed for the TracFone Wireless service. |
Windows Phones
BLU broadened its product range by introducing Windows Phones aimed at European and Indian markets:
- BLU Win HD LTE
- BLU Win JR LTE
These models offered 4G LTE support, contributing to BLU’s expansion in emerging smartphone sectors worldwide.
Feature Phones
BLU’s feature phones come in both bar and flip styles, reflecting the diversity seen in their Android devices. The company provides multiple series tailored to various consumer needs:
| Series | Overview |
|---|---|
| Click | Incorporates music control buttons beneath the display for improved media interaction. |
| Jenny | Equipped with a retractable antenna and analog TV reception functionality. |
| Joy | Designed with oversized keys and an SOS button for emergency use. |
| Tank | Focuses on delivering longer battery life than other series. |
| Z/Zoey | Entry-level models featuring basic 2G/3G connectivity; some utilize KaiOS operating system. |