The line for budget Android smartphones seems to have been redrawn again. While they used to be low-cost devices with the basic specs, manufacturers are now packing in features often found on higher-end devices. It's not surprising to see these handsets sporting the full range of connectivity options or even dual-core processors.
There are some compromises though, usually in the form of a smaller, lower-resolution display, or a low-quality camera sensor. If you get the right telco contract, it's likely you can pick them up for free. Of course, if you don't want to tie yourself to a two year plan, these phones are still available for under S$400 (US$318).
(Note: The smartphones' retail prices at launch do not reflect their current street prices.)
The good: "Bent chin" design that stands out; aluminum chassis feels great to hold; 5-megapixel BSI sensor takes pictures of average-good quality; cheap.
The bad: Non-removable battery lasts for about a day; single-core 1GHz processor makes the phone feel occasionally sluggish.
The bottom line: The HTC One V is a handset that delivers great value for its low-cost of S$398 (US$317). While it sports good features like the BSI camera and a refreshing take on an old design, the handset is let down by its single-core 1GHz processor which isn't capable of keeping up.
First take:
Along with the entry-level L3 and top-tier L7, the L5 is part of the L-Style series that has an emphasis on design. That does seem to be the case for the 9.5mm slim smartphone. We have a prototype on hand, and are impressed by how thin and light it is.
The good: Great battery life; dust- and water-resistant; lightweight.
The bad: Laggy performance; specifications seem outdated; slow camera. .
The bottom line: If you're looking for a cheap handset that should stand up to the demands of your outdoor activities, the Defy should do the job. Be warned that the handset's single-core performance is quite the letdown, though.
The original Samsung Galaxy Ace is immensely popular--our CNET Asia Top 10 phones chart shows that the handset continues to remain popular among readers and buyers. While the specs may not be as impressive, the handset continues to do well, thanks to its affordable budget pricing while still packing a reasonable set of features.
The smartphone is the follow up to the Xperia neo V, but sports a larger 4-inch display than its predecessor and runs on the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS. However, like the neo V, the neo L has a 1GHz single-core processor, which doesn't seem like much of an improvement.
