There are already a handful of benefits Amazon Prime customers get with their membership, and now they can add smartphone discounts to the list.
Amazon announced on June 29 that it is now offering discounts on unlocked Android smartphones exclusively for Prime members. The company is launching this deal with two smartphones for the time being, the BLU R1 HD and the Motorola Moto G4.
Originally priced at $99.99, Prime members can purchase the BLU R1 HD for just $49.99, and the $199.99 Moto G4 for just $149.99.
The BLU R1 HD has a 1.3 GHz quad-core MediaTek 6735 processor, runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and comes in an 8 GB of internal storage with 1 GB of RAM option or a 16 GB option with 2 GB of RAM, and up to 64 GB of additional storage for both. The smartphone has a 5-inch display with Gorilla Glass 3, 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front facing camera.
The Moto G4 is slightly bigger with a 5.5-inch HD display, thin design and comes with a 16 GB or 32 GB option. The selling point on this smartphone is its speed, with its 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 octa-core processor and TurboPower technology for fast charging.
Both phones come unlocked, meaning they can be used with any carrier (although the BLU smartphone is only compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile) and are expected to start shipping in the U.S. on July 12.
While its major price discount seems like a sweet deal, of course, there has to be something in it for Amazon. Here's the catch: the lock screens of the phones will include the most annoying online feature — ads.
If the consumer already owns some Amazon devices, then these ads are nothing new. These ads will be displayed on the lock screen just like on the Kindle Fire tablets and e-readers, as well as underneath notifications.
That means users will have to unlock the phone to get rid of them or swipe them away each time they get a text or Facebook notification, which may get annoying over time since there is no option to turn this feature off or control how many appear. It may also be frustrating to feel like the user's smartphone is trying to sell them something every day since the ads will contain deals and product recommendations. Those interested in a specific ad can tap on it to see more information.
While some ads will probably be "special offers" from Amazon, there will also be some from other companies. What's worse is some even take up the full screen.
Along with the ads the discounted smartphones will also come equipped with Amazon apps pre-installed on the devices. These include its Kindle apps, and apps for its shopping and video services.
In any case, those who want to save on the new smartphones will have to decide if ads and pre-installed apps are a worthy trade off.
Source: Amazon
