Wanted: cheap unlocked android recommendation

[tigerdog]

Background: I am a Verizon customer and travel internationally fairly often. My renewal was due and I was sick and tired of my Samsung Saga WinMo phone. At the time, there were no CDMA/GSM Android phones on Verizon so I bought a Motorola Droid X and love it! However, when I leave the country I'm forced back onto my Saga. I've looked at the Droid 2 global (ho hum) and Droid Pro (hate the keyboard) and really want to use my X most of the time. I've seen a couple of chinese unlocked quad band androids on the interwebz. I'm thinking I could potentially move the SIM from my Saga to an unlocked phone and use it while out of the country then transfer service back to the X when I return.

Burning Question: Are there any worthwhile unlocked Android phones available for <$200?

Suggestions welcome.

 

[drstein2004]

ouch! 200$ is a quite low budget for an unlocked phone. If that is really your budget you should look at a second hand phone.

Another option is unlocking your phone though some hack...or are you completely against it?

 

[abhinavm]

I don't know if Samsung Galaxy 5 and 3 are available in your countries, but they are pretty cheap and good to use.

In India, Galaxy 5 costs around $200 and Galaxy 3 around $270.

I've also heard that LG have launched an amazing phone which costs around $300....


All the rates mentioned above are for unlocked phones

 

[tigerdog]

Ignoring the iPhone lookalikes, there are a few interesting items on this site but I have no way of knowing about compatibility. I expect quality to be questionable but this is for occasional use when traveling and won't be subject to two years of daily beatings.

 

[lordofthereef]

I doubt you are going to find much input in this forum regarding those knock-off phones. I suppose if you are willing to take the risk, go for it. I would sooner get that droid 2 global and call it a day. At least you kow you are getting something reliable this way.