You don't have to break the bank to get a smartphone. You don't even have to break the bank to get an iPhone -- not anymore, anyway. Here's a list of smartphones that are all available for $100 or less. You'll find some of the most popular handsets available today on our list of the best budget smartphones.
Prices typically are set by the service providers, who offer discounts in order to get you to sign a service contract. It's usually worth it to sign the contract, as you'll need a voice and data plan to use the phone, anyway. Just make sure you read the fine print.
Apple iPhone 3G: $49 - $99
Image © Apple
No, the iPhone 3G is not the latest and greatest iPhone. But, while it may not have all the features found on the Apple iPhone 3GS, the iPhone 3G remains one of the best smartphones on the market, hands down. And, with its price lowered to $99, it's one of the more affordable smartphones, too.
BlackBerry Pearl Flip: $50 - $80
Image © RIM
The BlackBerry Pearl Flip is the only BlackBerry smartphone that comes in a compact, clamshell shape. You get all of the excellent messaging features that BlackBerry phones are known for in a compact phone that's easy to slip in your pocket. And the BlackBerry Pearl Flip, which is available from both T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless, is light on your wallet, too.
BlackBerry Pearl: $50 - $100
Image © RIM
Not interested in a flip-style Pearl? Then you may want to opt for the standard BlackBerry Pearl. Like the Flip, it takes the familiar QWERTY keyboard layout that you see on most smartphones, and makes it smaller by putting two letters on most of the keys. This allows for a smaller, sleeker phone--although it can also mean slower typing. The Pearl is available in slightly different versions from all of the major cell phone carriers.
BlackBerry Curve: $50 - $100
Image © T-Mobile
There's a lot to like about the BlackBerry Curve. It offers the awesome e-mail handling that BlackBerry phones are known for in a small, sleek phone that includes a full QWERTY keyboard. You also get some fun features like a music player and a camera. The Curve is available from most of the major cell phone carriers in slightly different versions. Some offer support for high-speed, 3G networks, while others include built-in GPS or snazzy, colorful cases. And some are cheaper than others, so shop around.
Palm Centro: Free - $100
Image © Verizon Wireless
The Palm Centro takes the very easy-to-use Palm operating system and puts it in a sporty phone. The Centro, which is available in slightly different versions from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless, is the smallest, most colorful Palm phone on the market today. You can get it in bright red, shiny green, sleek black, or more. Some Palm Centros will support high-speed 3G networks, but it depends on the carrier you choose. The Centro is a fashionable phone that's incredibly easy to use--and one that comes with an incredibly low price.
Nokia E71x: $50 - $100
Photo © Nokia
Nokia's smartphones typically earn plenty of accolades, but you don't often find them at bargain prices. That's because most Nokia phones are sold unlocked, meaning you don't get the benefit of a subsidized price from a carrier. But the E71x is now available from AT&T for just $50 (after a rebate). That's a good deal on a phone that packs in plenty of features, including a 3.2-megapixel camera and built-in GPS.
Samsung Jack: $80
Image © AT&T
Samsung has updated its popular line of BlackJack smartphones with a new model, named Jack. The Samsung Jack retains many of the features found on earlier BlackJack smartphones, such as excellent e-mail handling and good call quality, but gets an updated look, thanks to its sportier, rounded shape. It also gets a new, lower price tag, too.
HTC Ozone: $50
Image © Verizon Wireless
I liked a lot of things about the T-Mobile Dash 3G smartphone -- except its $170 price. That's why I love the HTC Ozone. This phone, available from Verizon Wireless for just $50, is almost identical to the Dash 3G (both are made by HTC). You get plenty of the same features -- including 3G support, Windows Mobile 6.1, and built-in GPS -- but you get them for a whole lot less.
Samsung Omnia: $30
Samsung
The Samsung Omnia was touted as an iPhone killer when it debuted. While this slick-looking smartphone never really rivaled the iPhone, it is a full-featured Windows Mobile phone. It features a 3.2-inch touch screen, support for Verizon's 3G EvDo and Wi-Fi wireless networks, a 5-megapixel camera, and more. And it's a steal at just $30.
Nokia Surge: $30
Nokia
A Nokia phone for less than $30? That's something you don't see often, but AT&T is offering the Nokia Surge for just $29.99 when you sign a two-year service contract. That gets you an attractive phone with a full HTML browser, built-in GPS, and Bluetooth support.
BlackBerry Storm,
Verizon Wireless
The BlackBerry Storm polarized critics when it launched last year. Some people loved this touch-screen BlackBerry; others, well, not so much. I fell somewhere in the middle: I liked the design, and even enjoyed the clickable touch screen. And I like the phone even more now that it costs just $50 from Verizon Wireless.
Now that Apple and AT&T have cut the price of the iPhone 3G down to $99, other smartphone makers are following suit. That has me wondering: How much are you willing to pay for a new, full-featured smartphone? Let me know.
