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There are a number of very cheap Android smartphones you can buy below $100. Most smartphones available at cheaper prices run the Gingerbread version of the Android operating system. These cellphones assist you in performing basic tasks like web browsing, playing music, application productivity and modest photo capturing. Generally, having the screen sizes around 3 inch, these handsets are powered by single core processors, have a limited internal storage capacity and sufficient battery life.
In this article we have selected some of the cost-effective smartphones based on their reviews aggregated on the ReviewGist website. Since most of the smartphones released nowadays are the mid rangers, you might find that the listed cheap smartphones are a little old. But altogether, these entry-level smartphones are dutiful basic devices.
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1. Huawei Ascend Y100
Huawei Ascend Y100 is currently one of the best budget handsets affordable under $100 with the capability of Android operating system. To list out: 3.2 Megapixel camera, dual core processor, 3G and WiFi support are some of the shining features of this device. Ascend Y100 looks sleek and offers a pretty good battery life considering the unstrained middling features like the small 2.8 inch screen and the 800 MHz processor. Even though the cellphone can’t store things more than 512MB, you can do it with the memory expandability option available.
The reviews of Huawei Ascend Y100 suggest that the phone can perform well with only occasional lags. Suggesting that Huawei has offered a decent set of specs for a budget Android device, the Wired review has given the thumbs up for its neat looks, lightweight, decent and processor. The PCAdvisor review informs that if you’re patient and can live with a cramped screen, then this is a fully featured Android phone for a great price. TrustedReviews hints that there are a few too many capable alternatives around the same price.
It should be accepted that Gingerbread running on Y100 offers limited customizability of Android, but at the same time the phone offers some decent performance. Ascend Y100 is for those people with very modest smartphone needs.
2. HTC Wildfire S
HTC Wildfire S is quite an old phone now, but definitely a worthy cheap Android smartphone still available in the stores. Wildfire S is the upgraded version of the predecessor Wildfire, released with the glitch fixes. The modified Gingerbread OS version is painted with the customized HTC Sense user interface. Wildfire S calls attention to its 5 Megapixel camera with LED flash which offers nice image and video capturing capabilities. Note that the under-powered single core 600 MHz processor may fall short of your expectations if you are in need of some gaming power.
At its time of release, Wildfire S may seemed to have had a moderate screen size but gradually the phone had to face the strong heat from the rival phones having bigger display screens. CNET review interprets the the cellphone that it remains underpowered, but is still a compact and pocket-friendly Android handset. Moreover, with a better screen and more alluring design, the Wildfire S has been built on its popular predecessor. The PhoneArena review says that HTC Wildfire S is a neat, compact smartphone. Then informs – naturally, with the small form-factor comes some loss in functionality, specifically applying to the usability of a virtual keyboard on its 3.2″ screen.
Wildfire S has a good camera, a dull processor and the advantage of HTC Sense. At $99, the phone is compact and offers some overall productivity.
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3. Samsung Galaxy Y
Samsung Galaxy Y is an entry-level Android phone from the manufacturer which is available at a very affordable price range in the outlets. Galaxy Y stands as a direct competitor to HTC Wildfire S in terms of display quality and platform version but the Galaxy Y fares well in performance and the latter in the camera feature. The low cost Android smartphone arrives with a 2 Megapixel camera, a single core 800 MHz processor, and an internal storage capacity of 290MB. It has the microSD card slot for memory expandability though.
Samsung Galaxy Y has a solid and compact body, you can hold it comfortably in your hand. CNET review appraises that the Samsung Galaxy Y is an okay starter smart phone for kids, but budget Androids are getting increasingly capable so your money could be better spent elsewhere. TechRadar likes the fact that it is lightweight, pocket friendly, comfortable to hold and Samsung’s TouchWiz interface makes it easy to use which will suit first time smartphone users who are likely to be drawn to this handset.
Galaxy Y is a well functioning cellphone with its entry level specs but watch out for its poor display resolution. The lack of internal storage capacity can make you pay more for a memory card. Also, Samsung’s TouchWiz interface gives a perfect smartphone appeal.
4. LG Optimus L3
LG Optimus L3 is at the lower end of smartphone offerings from LG which again runs the Gingerbread version of Android OS. LG L3 is a lightweight phone, some of the worthy features of the Optimus L3 include the 1GB internal storage capacity, 3 Megapixel camera and a great battery life. Its Snapdragon processor can perform the tasks like basic gaming and app handling uncomplicatedly. Optimus L3 has a slightly modified version of Gingerbread, its Optimus UI is sleek and easy to use .
LG Optimus L3 has got mixed reviews from around the web. The CNET review acquaints that the LG Optimus L3 is certainly cheap but there are alternative Androids around this price that offer superior hardware and software. Contrary to the CNET’s review, PhoneArena suggests that there’s no doubt that the LG Optimus L3 is one perfectly usable handset, with no serious issues to cause problems with its operation. PCAdvisor advocates that the LG L3 is cheap but doesn’t really tick any other boxes. It has old software and an abysmal set of hardware with the all-important screen the worst of the lot.
Optimus L3 is good looking handset and it is really cheap. But apart from that the phone has a quite good battery life and a better internal storage capacity. Considering its mixed reviews, you might want to check for a better phone with better bargaining options.
All of the cheap smartphones listed in this article were considered based on their reviews and best prices in July 2013. For a most updated product recommendation, please be visiting our page for the best cheap phones under $100.