Smartphones for the budget-conscious

Say "smartphone" and most people will automatically think of handsets that come with the latest features and a corresponding shocking price tag. That isn't entirely true. Like regular mobile phones, there are different smartphone tiers. Like their high-end counterparts, budget smartphones let you install third-party apps, check your email, and browse the Internet. The lower price does come with some compromises like slower processors and screens, though sometimes, these also translate to lower power consumption and thus better battery performance. Here are five smartphones for the budget-conscious, which you can get for under S$200 (US$145) with a basic mobile phone contract that won't cost you an arm and leg each month.


1.
BlackBerry Curve 8520
rating: 7.3 out of 10

The good: Responsive optical trackpad and dedicated media controls; Wi-Fi; Bluetooth; 2-megapixel camera; good call quality.

The bad: Lacks 3G support and GPS; downloaded apps can be saved to the phone's main memory only.

The bottom line: The RIM BlackBerry Curve 8520 is a sleek entry-level smartphone that delivers some nice design enhancements and great performance.


2.
HTC Tattoo
rating: 7.3 out of 10

The good: Full Android feature set at low price; changeable covers; Sense UI scaled down well to screen size; 3.5mm audio jack; HSDPA connectivity; excellent battery life.

The bad: Small 2.8-inch QVGA display; narrow buttons for portrait-mode onscreen QWERTY keypad; many Android apps not suited for lower-resolution panel; poor speakerphone.

The bottom line: If you want an affordable Android smartphone, the Tattoo will fit the bill. Power users should look elsewhere.


3.
Nokia E63
rating: 7.9 out of 10

The good: QWERTY keypad; Wi-Fi.

The bad: Lack of HSDPA and GPS.

The bottom line: The Nokia E63 is a good phone that delivers a competent texting and email experience, but its E71 predecessor is better, offering more features and greater finesse. If you want a smartphone that stands out from the crowd, however, the colorful E63 is worth checking out.


4.
HTC Touch2
rating: 7 out of 10

The good: Compact and well-built; full set of connectivity options; Windows Mobile 6.5; 3.5mm audio port; FM tuner.

The bad: Low-resolution QVGA display; odd microSD slot cover position; fixed focus camera with no LED; no HSUPA; price could be more attractive.

The bottom line: HTC's first smartphone with WM6.5 ticks almost all the boxes for an entry-level smartphone, though it needs to be cheaper to differentiate itself from more highly-specced products.


5.
Samsung Omnia Pro B7320
rating: 6 out of 10

The good: Decent QWERTY keypad; 7.2Mbps HSDPA; Wi-Fi; compact form factor; low price.

The bad: Custom interface is merely skin deep; no dedicated audio port; inconveniently located microSDHC slot; camera has no autofocus feature.

The bottom line: This Omnia Pro is a basic WM6.1 smartphone with its affordable price tag as its most outstanding feature.