Top smartphones: Best buys (August 2011)
PC World's best buy smartphones are a rank of the top 10 phones based on perceived value for money
- — 22 September, 2011 15:44
Looking for a smartphone on a budget? You should look no further than PC World Australia's best buys. These smartphones are a rank of the top 10 handsets based on perceived value for money.
Although the smartphone market is dominated by Apple's iPhone, it isn't exactly the cheapest proposition. It is here in the best buy category that Google's Android platform shines through, making up the entire 10 selections in our August list.
The best buys for August is topped by the Huawei Sonic, which sells for just $188 in supermarket chain Woolworths and electronics retailer Dick Smith. HTC is the most popular best buy smartphone vendor in August, with a high four models including the new Desire S which is exclusive to Telstra.
1. INQ Cloud Touch Android phone
The INQ Cloud Touch offers heavy Facebook integration at a reasonable price, though its low-resolution display and average build quality are disappointing.
Review Date: 4th May, 2011
2. 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
3. LG Optimus Me (P350) Android phone
The LG Optimus Me has a low-res display, and its price tag isn't as low as some of its competitors, but it still offers most features and functions of higher priced alternatives.
Review Date: 3rd May, 2011
4. HTC ChaCha Android phone
The HTC ChaCha offers smart integration with Facebook and also possesses an excellent physical keyboard. Its small screen will frustrate users keen on mobile Web browsing, but if you can live with these drawbacks, the ChaCha is very good value ...
Review Date: 13th July, 2011
5. Huawei IDEOS X5 Android phone
If you want to buy a fully fledged Android smartphone without breaking the bank, the Huawei IDEOS X5 should be seriously considered. It offers all the features and functions of a top end Android smartphone for an excellent price.
Review Date: 30th March, 2011
6. HTC Salsa Android phone
The HTC Salsa provides easy integration with the world's most popular social networking service, but its ultimate appeal will depend on how much you use Facebook on a daily basis. The Facebook key is not a deal breaker, but putting ...
Review Date: 18th July, 2011
7. LG Optimus One Android smartphone
The LG Optimus One may well be the best budget Android smartphone on the Australian market. A responsive capacitive touchscreen and the latest version of the Android OS combined with decent physical hardware make it great value for money.
Review Date: 17th Nov., 2010
8. Huawei IDEOS X1 Android phone
The Huawei IDEOS X1 is a pretty impressive smartphone considering its low price. The capacitive touchscreen is reasonably responsive, and although its performance, screen size and the plastic build quality aren’t anything to crow about, the IDEOS X1 remains great ...
Review Date: 28th July, 2011
9. HTC Desire S Android phone
The HTC Desire S is an evolutionary rather than revolutionary upgrade over the original Desire. It remains an excellent smartphone, but it hits the market at a time when competition is fiercer than ever. We think it's a good all-rounder ...
Review Date: 6th June, 2011
10. 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
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