If Apple is “cool”, then Android is “hot”. Launched by Google as a smart-phone operating system, the Android OS is a Godsend for developers and users alike. Unlike Apple, Android offers users the advantage of creating, installing and using free apps! It’s flexible; it’s cheap, and supports almost all mobile computing platforms.
Major companies like Samsung, HTC, and Motorola are some of the well known names developing smart-phones based on the Android platform and one has to say, these phones are actually smart in every sense of the word. It’s a common knowledge that Google is the epitome of “smart technology” and Android OS is a clear reflection of this concept. It’s smart, easy to use, flexible, scalable, reliable and above all meant for people who want to use a high tech smart-phone under a budget.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most inexpensive Android based smart-phones.
1). HTC Wildfire
Being a fully optimized touch-phone, this set gives you a great value for money with its 5 MP camera, sensitive Sense UI, and a screen, which has 16 million colors. HTC has released two Wildfire phones with the latest version (Wildfire S) offering excellent speed and connectivity. But because we are talking of a budget phone, we suggest you should pick the HTC Wildfire.
Specifications:
- 3.2 inch TFT 240 x 320 pixels display screen
- 528MHz ARM, 384MB RAM, 512 MB ROM
- HSDPA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth with A2DP
- 5 MP Camera with LED Flash
- 1300mAH battery with 690 hours Standby and 8 hours talktime
- Estimated $300 – $350
As you can see, Wildfire is an excellent choice for anyone looking to try Android. You can download apps, do multi-tasking, and in short turn your mobile phone into a mini computer that can handle all of your “on the go connectivity” needs. The only glitch (all devices come with their own plus and minuses and Wildfire is no different) can be occasional slow response time.
2). Motorola Atrix 4G
Motorola is another leading mobile manufacturer in the list of those who’ve adopted the Android platform. Though some of the previous phones from Motorola weren’t as impressive, this one comes in with a 1GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, coupled with a built in biometric fingerprint reader (fingerprint scanning for identification).
Specifications
- 2G, 3G Network, Wi-Fi 802
- TFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
- Biometric fingerprint reader
- Touch sensitive controls
- 5 MP camera, Autofocus, LED Flash
- Android OS v2.2 (Froyo)
- Standby Time 400h and talk time 8 hr 50 mins
- Estimated Price $199
True that MotoBlur UI is not as impressive as the HTC, and neither as stylish and glossy as any of the Samsung series but still a good deal.
3). Google Nexus S 4G
A sturdy smart-phone that runs on the fastest version of Android; the Gingerbread OS, powered by a 1 GHz processor, this one is a must have for Android obsessed geeks. Remember that the Nexus S 4G is an improved version of the Nexus S, with the difference being that this one runs on 4G; the next generation WiMax network.
Specifications
- 2G, 3G, 4G network
- Super AMOLED Capacitive touch screen
- Android 3.0 Gingerbread
- Hummingbird ARM Cortex A8 1GHz processor, 512MB RAM
- 16GB internal storage (NO MICROSD)
- 5MP Camera
- Talk time up to 14 hours (2G) and 7 hours (3G)
- Standby time up to 29 days
- Price: $199
If you want to experience 4G and have a go at the Android’s fastest OS ever, this one is for you!
4). Samsung Droid for Verizon
A collaborative venture of Samsung and Verizon, the Samsung Droid Charge is again a 4G phone, but on a budget. Deemed to be in close competition with the HTC ThunderBolt, the Samsung is often preferred because of its stylish looks (while ThunderBolt scores big on battery life).
Specifications
- 2G, 3G Network
- Super AMOLED Plus Display
- Android 2.2 Froyo
- 1GHz Hummingbird Processor, 512MB RAM and 512 MB ROM
- 2GB Internal Storage
- 8 MP Camera
- Standby time upto 280 hours
- Talktime up to 10 hours
- Price: $250 – $299
The battery life will improve if you can follow some battery saving tips such as turning off the GPS, the Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi when not in use, or getting a good battery optimizer application to enhance battery performance.
5). Huawei Ascend X
One of the cheapest Android based smart phone, but not so low in the list when it comes to specifications. Coming at the price of $ 100, the Huawei Ascend X is for people who want to have a taste of the Android without having to spend too much, making it a good choice for trying out Android.
Specifications
- 4.1 inch touch screen display
- 4G Network
- 1GHz Snapdragon processor
- 512MB RAM and 2GB ROM
- Built in 2 GB Storage
- Android 2.2
- 5MP Camera
- Price: $ 100
Though the name (Huawei) is not as big as HTC, Motorola, or Samsung, it still manages to pull off the show quite well!
So, now that you know it doesn’t really cost a fortune to get a high tech, smart phone running on Android! It’s time to get one and try the much talked about Android.
RELATED POSTS
View all
