Blu R1 HD Review : Great for $50, with a Catch

How far are you willing to go to save money on a phone? That’s a question I couldn’t stop asking myself while reviewing the Blu R1 HD. This budget Android device can be had for as low as $49 unlocked, but that price is only available for Amazon Prime members who are willing to look at all kinds of Amazon offers and promotions every time they open the lock screen. It could be a minor annoyance or a big nuisance, based on your tolerance for ads. The 8-megapixel camera doesn’t wow, but the R1 HD’s sleek design and bright 5-inch display make this phone a viable option for kids and bargain hunters.

Design

You won’t confuse the Blu R1 HD with a fancy flagship phone, but it’s fairly sleek for a budget device. Its slim silver edges do a decent impersonation of an iPhone, while its curved-rectangle shape brings the Galaxy Note series to mind (minus that phablet’s massive size). I especially like the phone’s soft-touch back, which makes it easy to grip.