Maybe about two years ago, I noticed I started getting comments and questions here on smartphonematters from readers using smartphones from a company called BLU.

BLU offers a number of affordable Android and Windows smartphones that offer a lot of value for the money. Initially many of the BLU phones supported 4G HSPA+ phones, but now they have several models that also support 4G LTE networks.

Many BLU phones sell for under $200, are unlocked, and can be used on the AT&T and TMobile networks here in the United States. This makes these phones ideal for prepaid wireless plans from ATT, TMobile, Straight Talk, Net10, Red Pocket, H20 Wireless, Simple Mobile, and Walmart Family Mobile.

Today I noticed that BLU with Amazon is offering the BLU Life One 4G LTE Smartphone -GSM Unlocked – Black phone for a special preorder price of $99. So, I am ordering one to review.

I am primarily an iPhone user and carry and iPhone 6. But I also have an Google LG Nexus 5, and Nokia Lumia 920 and Nokia Lumia 520 Windows phone. I like the iPhone, but I paid a small fortune for my iPhone 6 off contract. Frankly, too much I think. And that is what I find so exciting about BLU phones. And these phones run a nearly unmodified versions of Android or Windows phone.

A BLU phone paired with a prepaid wireless plan is a very affordable way to get the benefits of a smartphone without the high price.

Below is an affiliate link to the BLU Life One on Amazon. Look for my review in the future.