It has been well publicized in recent days that BLU smartphones have been (at least temporarily) banned from Amazon's online store in the United States, after they were allegedly found to be sending data about users to a Chinese server, creating perceived security and privacy concerns.

According to our EDS (Devices) research service, BLU's total mobile handset marketshare has already HALVED in the past year to just 2% in the second quarter of 2017. Samsung, ZTE, LG and other rivals have been ramping up the competitive pressure in the unlocked phone category with better models.

We believe Amazon is BLU's largest online distribution channel. This ban is therefore a disaster for BLU. It will accelerate BLU's decline. The golden era for BLU is clearly over and its outlook is somewhat grim. Samsung, LG, Motorola and others will be rubbing their hands with glee!