Best Budget Android Phone

Aidy

Hi

Thinking about getting a new mobile, and am keen to get the Android OS, but don't want an 'all singing all dancing' phone.

So far I am considering the HTC Tattoo and the T-Mobile Pulse. Both seem to have quite good reviews, and I can get either on an 18 mth contract, with good numbers of texts, minutes and unlimited internet for under £15 pm.

Any views good or bad on these two phones, and also any other good Android phones (that can connect to Android Market) for a similar monthly outlay?

cheers :beer:

Exemplar

Tattoo has a different sized screen that the Pulse and some/lots of Android software will not work on it. Pulse is a PAYG phone that some retailers are doing on contract but it IS a good phone.

BillScarab

You could have a look at the Vodafone 845 as well. It runs Android 2.1 and looks nicer to than the Oulse to me. It's not out yet but is supposed to be launched in May so should be out soon.

http://shop.vodafone.co.uk/shop/mobile-phone/vodafone-845

parallax_20

I recently got the T-Mobile Pulse Mini and the I like the size of it. Pretty much the same as the Tattoo without Sense UI but at half the price. I wouldn't get a budget phone on contract, its just not worth the long-term commitment. Grab something on PAYG and get a GiffGaff sim and get 300mins, unlimited text and unlimited internet for £15 a month.

When I looked at Android PAYG I was considering...
1. Orange - Motorola Dext £149
2. T-Mobile - Pulse Mini £99
3. HTC Tattoo - £180
4. Samsung Galaxy Portal - £229

I picked the cheapest of the bunch, as knowing me, I'll probably be looking to change again in a few months when something newer hits the PAYG market.

Aidy

parallax_20 wrote: »

I recently got the T-Mobile Pulse Mini and the I like the size of it. Pretty much the same as the Tattoo without Sense UI but at half the price. I wouldn't get a budget phone on contract, its just not worth the long-term commitment. Grab something on PAYG and get a GiffGaff sim and get 300mins, unlimited text and unlimited internet for £15 a month.

Hi

thanks for your reply.

Why not a budget on contract - are they are not sturdy on the whole, or is it more that the market changes so quickly?

I am leaning towards the Pulse at present, which I can get for the equivalent of £12.50 per month on an 18 month contract with 300 cross-network mins + 300 texts + Unlimited data (this is via Buy Mobile Phones, and is subject to the dreaded cashback by redemption.). So total outlay (if cashback is paid!!) is £225.

The Pulse is £150 from T-mobile, and even the cheaper GiffGaff plan is £10 per month. Over a year this would £270 (£150 + £120) + the price of the unlock from T-mobile.

parallax_20

Purely because I don't think its good value for money on budget phones. My brother got the HTC Desire on T-Mobile for £10pm for 24mths with an initial £120 for the handset. That was good value for money and I would have jumped at that, unfortunately I was still in contract and couldn't take up the offer (O2 simplicity 12 months with £100 cashback). If I had been on 30 day/PAYG I could have moved networks and got the deal, although stuck for 24 months it would have been worth the commitment.

On SimOnly and PAYG, you have the freedom to change tariffs and networks and phone, until a good deal presents itself in the form of a contract. I don't do many calls, mainly use my phone for internet, so any network that gives ample data for minimal money is ideal for me. T-Mobile, GiffGaff, and possibly 3 as well.

I did look at the Pulse (big one) last year, but found it looked a bit ugly and wide to fit comfortably in my trouser pocket, along with the other thing I was "packing"! I like dinky phones that are discrete and don't mind the resistive nature of the Pulse Mini either coming from a WinMobile background I'm use to the resolution and touch sensitivity of the screen (was standard on WinMobile). I had the T-Mobile MDA Pro (O2 Exec) in the past and was always quite embarrassed to put that up against my ear when answering a call.

Also I don't like redemption deals, again because you have to jump through hoops to get your money. I prefer cashbacks website that just give you the money for purchasing like Quidco and TopCashback.

Exemplar

Just been into Nottingham City Centre looking at phones (for work, we are going to buy a load of PAYG mobiles for a project). The Pulse Mini screen is poor and resolution is low, the resistive screen is actually quite responsive though. Tried the Dext, loved it, couldny fault it except for the fact that its on Orange and their data is expensive.

Aidy

alcot33uk wrote: »

Just been into Nottingham City Centre looking at phones (for work, we are going to buy a load of PAYG mobiles for a project). The Pulse Mini screen is poor and resolution is low, the resistive screen is actually quite responsive though. Tried the Dext, loved it, couldny fault it except for the fact that its on Orange and their data is expensive.

Did you see the Pulse as well - wasn't aware of the Pulse Mini until today so wonder how they compare.

Did see the Dext somewhere but not sure about the slide out Qwerty keybaord!!

Exemplar

Re Pulse T-Mobile Nottingham stated 'oh we dont keep that any more due to all of the faults....'. I called T-Mobile sales who had 700 in stock for immediate dispatch..... The reviews of the Pulse are actually quite good and I have seen one in the flesh working and was impressed (capacative screen over resistive). My choice would be the Pulse as it has the full size screen and you wont need a stylus to use it. Re the dext dont discount any physical keypad android phone, how else are you going to play doom????

Aidy

Hmm, Dext, and it's near twin Backflip (alternate flip design) do sound good as well, especially with 5 MP camera.

BIGWHEELER

The dext can be unlocked for a couple of quid via ebay, Done mine with no probs! running on O2