Hi and where are all the good small Android devices?

[altnetid]

Hi

Until recently I was happy with a small phone with buttons. Then my faithful Nokia died and someone gave me a Samsung Galaxy Apollo to keep me going.

I'd always said I wasn't interested in a smartphone, but I found the Google sync and calendar really useful.

I played with the Apollo - CM7 with pretty much a fully ICS look and it was okay if a little slow. Then it died on me, so now I'm looking for a replacement.

Basically I'm looking for something no bigger than an iPhone that can do calls, SMS and calendar but ideally faster than the Apollo.

Camera would be nice, but not essential - everything else would be a bonus.

Obviously because I won't be using it as a true smartphone I don't really want to spend a great deal of money - so anything from the past few years would be fine as long as it can handle the basics very well and possibly a bit of rooting/modding if needed.

Some of the Sony phones look nice but don't get great reviews regarding performance - are the reviewers being overly critical of things I won't use?

Also looked at the HTC One V - would that be powerful enough?

Any other suggestions appreciated.

ps. a search for smaller Androids brings up lots of suggestions but they are not readily available in the UK

pps. I like the size of the iPhone but not a fan of the whole iUniverse.

ppps. What about the Goophone iPhone Android clones - are they any good?

 

[Thom]

Welcome to Android Forums. I moved this tread to the sub-forum where device comparisons are discussed.

... Thom

 

[jhawkkw]

What about the "mini" versions of the flagships, like the HTC One Mini, Samsung GS4 Mini, Motorola Droid Mini?

 

[altnetid]

What about the "mini" versions of the flagships, like the HTC One Mini, Samsung GS4 Mini, Motorola Droid Mini?

All a bit too rich for my taste. I really don't need all that power.

I have a SIM provided by my employer so I don't need a contract either.

 

[chanchan05]

The S3 mini is still a good device, and it's about the size of an iPhone 5. It's pretty cheap considering it's last year's mid range phone. It's just enough power for daily driving without experiencing any lag on normal usage.

 

[Davdi]

Or Sony Xperia U or Huawei Ascend Y300. I have both and the're decently responsive with a decent camera (The Sony's is very good, much better than 5MP would suggest)
and the Sony is relatively easily rootable if that's your thing. It may be a bit old tech for you, but for small phones, the HTC Wildfire S takes some beating when rooted and running a decent custom ROM.

 

[altnetid]

Or Sony Xperia U or Huawei Ascend Y300. I have both and the're decently responsive with a decent camera (The Sony's is very good, much better than 5MP would suggest)
and the Sony is relatively easily rootable if that's your thing. It may be a bit old tech for you, but for small phones, the HTC Wildfire S takes some beating when rooted and running a decent custom ROM.

All look good.
Like the size of the Sony.
The HTC still holding its price and a lot of shabby ones about.
Thanks

 

[timelord65]

Droid Razr M

 

[Hamiddg]

You might also want to take a look at Galaxy Ace series. They are Samsung budget smart devices

 

[hel22]

I would advise against Xperia u bc it lags terribly and I'm not the only one saying it.

 

[Slug]

You might also want to take a look at Galaxy Ace series.

Only from a very long way away - the Ace is forever stuck at 2.3.6 with the internal storage limitations inherent with that version of Android.

For a similar price you can have the Huawei Y300; dual-core, 4" display, Android 4.1.2 etc. It's imho THE best value sub-