Best budget smartphones
The best bang for your buck smartphones on the market.
- — 26 April, 2013 07:45
Are you on a tight budget? Our best buys are a rank of the top smartphones based on perceived value for money.
Whether it's a low outright price or on a cheap plan, you'll find the best value for money smartphones on the Australian market right here.
1. Google Nexus 4 Android phone
There's no doubt about it, the Nexus 4 represents outstanding value for money. The lack of 4G and no expandable memory will push some potential users elsewhere, but the combination of an excellent screen, an attractive and well constructed design ...
Review Date: 3rd Dec., 2012
2. Nokia Lumia 620 Windows Phone
Despite its low price the Nokia Lumia 620 has an appealing design, good performance and a long list of features. It's one of the best entry-level smartphones on the market.
Review Date: 19th March, 2013
3. HTC Desire X Android phone
The HTC Desire X aims to bring the distinctive style of the company's higher end devices to a low-cost, pre-paid phone. The lack of a front-facing camera and some annoying software issues aside, the Desire X largely succeeds thanks to ...
Review Date: 18th Oct., 2012
4. Huawei Ascend G300 Android phone
The Huawei Ascend G300 successfully redefines how much value you can expect to get from a phone that costs less than $200. While not perfect, it has an excellent design, a great screen and intuitive software that performs well. Without ...
Review Date: 20th July, 2012
5. Nokia Lumia 710 Windows Phone
Nokia's Lumia 710 doesn't offer anything remarkable, but a slick user experience at a very competitive price makes it great value for money. At under $400, the Lumia 710 is a much better option than most lower-end Android phones.
Review Date: 26th April, 2012
6. Motorola RAZR V Android phone
Motorola doesn't break any new ground with the RAZR V, but it offers good value for money and is better designed than its predecessor. However, the RAZR V ultimately offers little incentive to switch from rival brands.
Review Date: 7th Aug., 2012
7. Sony Xperia P Android phone
Sony's Xperia P feels every bit like a premium smartphone. It's aluminum build, bright and vivid screen and good camera make it a valid alternative to some more expensive rivals. However, many potential buyers may be off put by the ...
Review Date: 3rd July, 2012
8. HTC One V Android phone
The HTC One V may be smaller and cheaper than the rest of the company's One range, but it's certainly very well constructed. A few quirks detract from the overall user experience but on the whole, this is an excellent ...
Review Date: 30th May, 2012
9. Nokia Lumia 610 Windows Phone
Nokia's Lumia 610 may have a cheap price tag but it feels anything but that. This is a very well built smartphone that offers a slick user experience, but its low RAM results in some annoying limitations.
Review Date: 18th June, 2012
10. Sony Xperia U Android phone
The Sony Xperia U is an entry level model targeted at pre-paid users. When you consider its price, the overall package of excellent build quality, good battery life and intuitive software represents good value. There are a couple of drawbacks, ...
Review Date: 25th July, 2012
11. Huawei Ascend Y100 Android phone
The Huawei Ascend Y100 has a tiny screen, a mediocre camera and average performance. However, it's all about the price in this instance. At under $100, we can't fault the Ascend Y100 too much. If you're patient and can live ...
Review Date: 20th Aug., 2012
12. Huawei Sonic Android phone
The Huawei Sonic provides a reasonable features list for quite a low price. As long as you can live with its limitations, such as the lack of Flash and a poor camera, it's very hard to beat for value.
Review Date: 1st Aug., 2011
13. HTC Wildfire S Android phone
HTC's Wildfire S offers decent value for money, but doesn't come without compromises. However, those looking for a relatively compact and affordable smartphone are likely to be pleased with its combination of excellent build quality and intuitive software.
Review Date: 4th July, 2011
14. Samsung Galaxy Y Android phone
Provided you don't expect it to effectively compete with more expensive phones, the Samsung Galaxy Y is great value for money. A tiny screen and average battery life do dampen its appeal, but the Galaxy Y remains a good budget ...
Review Date: 9th Feb., 2012
15. Samsung Galaxy Ace Android phone
The Samsung Galaxy Ace offers a slick user experience and a comfortable design. However, it is comparatively overpriced compared to some of its rivals. We definitely recommend shopping around before choosing the Galaxy Ace as your next phone.
Review Date: 16th June, 2011
