Whats hot in the budget segment?

TooNice · 16-08-2005, 07:35 PM

Well, I've been using the Sony Ericsson P800 pretty much since its release.
Its a good phone, but I am looking to replace it with something a bit newer.

Instead of going for a smartphone this time, I am willing to drop features for cost. Is there anything available now or soon that represent excellent value?

What I am looking for is:
- Good camera
- Good screen
(P800 doesn't really cut it here)
- If it plays MP3, then a decent sized memory card should be included (16MB Memory stick duo for a smartphone was kinda silly).
- T9 text input (P800 doesn't have it, silly ain't it?)

I don't know what else to expect to be honest for something cheap/free. Reminders, games etc. are all welcome.

I don't expect GPRS/browser etc. but hey, anything else is a bonus.

The Sony Ericsson W800 catches my eye at the moment. But I am not really brand loyal.

irvy · 17-08-2005, 05:41 PM

A good website for mobile phone news and reviews is www.mobilegazette.com

MurphmanL · 17-08-2005, 05:47 PM

Nokia 3230 is a Budget Symbian OS 7.0 smartphone.
Retails for about £250 sim free, has a 1.2mp camera, 4x zoom, built in games, rs-mmc, visual fm radio too.
Pretty good value for money if you ask me considering all the apps available

Norky · 17-08-2005, 06:16 PM

Get an Orange C500, they should be coming down in price now the next model is out. Once you go MS Smartphone you'll never go back

michaels · 17-08-2005, 08:33 PM

I rate the k750i for its camera - much better than anyrthing else - good deals on the k7501 / w800 are often available (especially just before the end of the month) from onestopphoneshop.com if you are willing to claim cashback

TooNice · 17-08-2005, 11:52 PM

Yea, I am tempted by the W800 from onestopphoneshop with their cash back offers.

I'll take a look at the C500 though, whatever that is

Marcos · 26-08-2005, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by Norky

Get an Orange C500, they should be coming down in price now the next model is out. Once you go MS Smartphone you'll never go back

Price seems to have gone up if anything from 2 months ago.

Tom Scott · 27-08-2005, 08:44 AM

I'd personally recommend either the MDA compact on t-mobile or the orange M500. Fills all your required specs. They can be picked up quite cheap on T-Mobile as well.

1.3mp camera
Its also a pocket PC so you've got flexibility in terms of software and Satnav.

Great little devices in my book.

Marcos · 27-08-2005, 10:09 AM

The thing i don't like about that chassis is the touchscreen, i've handled touchscreen phones before and it does give you better control on the big apps but its annoying to have to rely on the stick. And i'd be worried about putting that thing in my pocket since it has such a large area of its front that is weak.

Maybe if i had a car and didn't spend as much time on foot/in risk

Aaron · 27-08-2005, 11:57 AM

The W800 is probably what you're looking for.

Fantastic 2MP camera, 512MB memory stick included, decent headphones and mp3 playback. The screen isn't bad too.

The C500 is certainly the cheapest half-decent smartphone you'll find, but the camera on it is absolutely terrible.

herulach · 27-08-2005, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by Marcos

The thing i don't like about that chassis is the touchscreen, i've handled touchscreen phones before and it does give you better control on the big apps but its annoying to have to rely on the stick. And i'd be worried about putting that thing in my pocket since it has such a large area of its front that is weak.

Maybe if i had a car and didn't spend as much time on foot/in risk

Its actually quite useable without the stylus, at least for calling people. And the screen is very robust, mine gets bashed off table corners as im walking by all the time and ive yet to damage it.

TooNice · 28-09-2005, 06:07 PM

A lil bump (was going to leave it till november, but I can't anymore with my phone dead). What exactly is the difference between the k750 and w800? I am set to get one of those from one stop, but I wonder if they are the same so that I can find a good deal (note: if you know a good deal, I'd like to hear it

)

herulach · 28-09-2005, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by TooNice

A lil bump (was going to leave it till november, but I can't anymore with my phone dead). What exactly is the difference between the k750 and w800? I am set to get one of those from one stop, but I wonder if they are the same so that I can find a good deal (note: if you know a good deal, I'd like to hear it )

next to none except for the casing and the memory stick that is supplied

Atomic · 28-09-2005, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by herulach

next to none except for the casing and the memory stick that is supplied

And all the walkman functions!

UltraMagnus · 28-09-2005, 08:50 PM

well, i would personally reccomend a palm inc treo 650, but thats just me probabally...

herulach · 28-09-2005, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by Atomic

And all the walkman functions!

which are on a k750 anyway.

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