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Three Great Smartphones That Won't Leave Your Wallet Empty

Three Great Smartphones That Won't Leave Your Wallet Empty 2d4t5e

By Associated Press | Updated: 7 April 2015 09:46 IST

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The cheapest smartphones don't have all the gizmos of Apple or Samsung models, but I'm impressed by how many features you do get for roughly a third of the price.

Processors are slower, yet that's not so noticeable for basic tasks such as email, Samsung Galaxy? m1z1k

Because you spend so much time with your phone, there's a case for having the best. But those come with a price tag starting at about $650 (unless you agree to a two-year contract, in which case you end up paying higher service fees for voice, text and data).

So consider how you use your phone and what features will remain most important to you over the next year or two. Before you break the bank, here are three solid phones that cover the basics:

ZTE Nubia 5S Mini (Android, $280)
The Nubia is a slim, light device with a 4.7-inch screen - the same as the iPhone 6. It looks sleek and is comfortable to hold. What's the catch?

The Nubia's display measures 1,280 pixels by 720 pixels, well short of what you get on the latest iPhones and top-end Samsung Galaxy devices. That resolution is adequate for 720p high-definition video, not the sharper 1020p. The camera is OK for taking everyday shots; pricier models deliver better focus and colors and take nicer low-light photos with the flash off.

However, the front camera for selfies is 5 megapixels, better than the typical phone. (The rear camera takes 13 megapixel shots, which is common.) And it comes with 4G connectivity and 16 gigabytes of memory.

Motorola Moto G (Android, $180)
Motorola has a $129 Moto G.

The latest Moto G model has a large 5-inch screen that is covered with Corning's Gorilla Glass for durability, something more common in pricier phones. The Moto G's back is curved, which could contribute to a better grip. Like the Nubia, its display is 1,280 pixels by 720 pixels.

The rear camera is 8 megapixels, the same as the iPhone, though shots weren't as good. The front camera is 2 megapixels.

The Moto G's main shortcoming is the lack of 4G LTE cellular connectivity. You're stuck with the slower 3G network. LTE is available for last year's Moto G model, but that screen is only 4.5 inches and the camera's resolution isn't as good. The Moto G also starts with just 8 gigabytes of memory, when many smartphones are starting to offer 32 gigabytes.

Microsoft Lumia 635 (Windows, $179)
This 4.5-inch device doesn't feel as sleek as top-end Lumia phones such as the Icon and the 1520. But it's better than the $79 Lumia 530, which feels like a bar of soap, given its bulk and smaller screen. It's worth getting the 635 instead, especially as some carriers and retailers are offering substantial discounts to bring its price close to the 530's.

The Lumia 635 has a 5 megapixel rear camera, no flash and no front camera. It performed better than the Nubia and the Moto G in low light. Just don't expect shots to match what the 20-megapixel Icon produces. The display resolution is lower than on the Nubia and the Moto G, and the built-in storage is again just 8 gigabytes.

But the 635 does have 4G connectivity.

Nokia Lumia 635 186f40

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Display 4.50-inch

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 400

Front Camera No

Rear Camera 5-megapixel

RAM 512MB

Storage 8GB

Battery Capacity 1830mAh

OS Windows Phone 8.1

Resolution 480x854 pixels

More Nokia mobiles price in India

Motorola Moto G (Gen 2) 1x2149

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Good performance
Good camera
Great battery life
Excellent value for money

Bad
Average looks and material quality

Read detailed Motorola Moto G (Gen 2) review

Display 5.00-inch

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 400

Front Camera 2-megapixel

Rear Camera 8-megapixel

RAM 1GB

Storage 16GB

Battery Capacity 2070mAh

OS Android 4.4.4

Resolution 720x1280 pixels

More Motorola mobiles price in India

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