Affordable android smartphone

[hel22]

I have a Nokia phone now which I'm not happy with. I have an ipad too so I would like a low end smartphone. Max around 160 euro. Which model will give me the best bang for the buck? Camera should be 'more than 3mp and capacitive screen (hated the Nokia touch) and the phone shouldn't be slow! I have never owned an android so I have really no clue! Any help is welcome.I looked into Samsung and Sony but I'm open to all suggestions.

 

[shelliewnj]

I know I go against the curve, but I have a pantech burst and I love it. it was a "free" phone with a contract, so I don't know how much it runs by itself, but the camera works well, it's not laggy if you don't update it, and the screen touch is pretty sensitive. all in all, I'm happy with my phone, and it isn't a "top of the line" model.

 

[Digital Controller]

I have moved this thread into the Device Comparison forum since you are asking for a comparison of some low end devices.

Hope this is alright and good luck in your pursuits

 

[hel22]

As long as ppl will reply lol. Looking into the galaxy family, htc and Sony Xperia. Any advice?

 

[siggy1964]

I can't believe I'm going to tell you what I'm gonna tell you but here goes. Since you already have an Ipad I heard Apple may release a cheaper version of the Iphone. I haven't checked on it though since I'm not a fan of Apples stuff.

 

[hel22]

I have an iphone 3GS but I cant wait till Apple will release a cheaper one
I just want a low end smartphone that will NOT lag. It has to be good for calling and SMS but as I know myself I love gadgets and will want to put some apps on so which is the best of the cheaper ones??

 

[hel22]

Anyone??

 

[chanchan05]

Well you're asking for a bit much on a tight budget. Getting lower end means more apps incompatible and higher risk for lag, especially when using pretty RAM heavy apps like the Facebook official app. You could be better off going for one of the older flagship models, like a Galaxy S for second hand rather than a brand new low end unit. Not sure in your place, but here in my country, you can get a second hand Galaxy S for the price of a Galaxy Mini 2 but still has better specs (except for lacking camera flash).

 

[hel22]

Thanks! That was helpful. I might look into secondhand. I do have an ipad already so I don't need to play around that much but I know myself, since i'm a gadget person I will get frustrated if my phone can't do anything.
Also, I won't have internet on my phone (no 3G) so FB app isnt needed.Just games, some apps for organizing. Someone told me to get the xperia U. I'll look into that.

 

[chanchan05]

Depends on how low you want to get. Samsung's lowest of the low (Galaxy Pocket and Galaxy Y) can't even run Temple Run and I think is incompatible to Instagram. You should probably be looking at a used Galaxy S, Xperia Arc, SII, S Plus, Xperia Neo. Although one caveat would be you won't be getting the latest Android updates officially.

 

[hel22]

I can get the xperia J for cheap. Interesting?

 

[chanchan05]

Should be good enough for basic purposes, but the Galaxy S has a better graphics chip.

 

[hel22]

I would like ics though, I decided and clear screen is a priority and no lag. Which of the Xperia are interesting?

 

[chanchan05]

Well any of the Xperia phones seem pretty good. Although I am not very much familiar with their mid-range to low end offerings. The cheapest I know of that's pretty good is the Acro S, but that's almost pushing high range if I remember correctly. If you can get that for cheap, its a great deal.

 

[rui-no-onna]

I would like ics though, I decided and clear screen is a priority and no lag. Which of the Xperia are interesting?

Get at least a dual-core model. In the US, you could get an Xperia Go (water-resistant), Xperia U or Xperia sola for ~$200-250 (150-190 euros). Do not consider anything lower than dual-core if you want something with minimal lag.

Well any of the Xperia phones seem pretty good. Although I am not very much familiar with their mid-range to low end offerings. The cheapest I know of that's pretty good is the Acro S, but that's almost pushing high range if I remember correctly. If you can get that for cheap, its a great deal.

The Xperia Acro S is a water-resistant version (IP57) of the Xperia S and in the US, usually goes for $400-460. It's more like a flagship model, albeit an older one. I'm not sure if the new Xperia flagships with Krait have even been released yet.

 

[hel22]

I believe THE xperia u is what I'm looking for. Thanks.