GOTY 2010 - Low End Mobiles (Single SIM)

The Smartphones are all done with and it’s now time to pick our top low-end mobiles of 2010. These are the affordable handsets that offer users plenty of functionality at low prices and those that refused to compromise on quality while doing it. There are plenty of cheap handsets out there, so in order to do justice to all we’ve split the list down to Single and Dual SIM devices. Out of the long long list of single SIM handsets that were launched this year, these are the handsets that really stood out.

Samsung Monte– Best in Class
Our reason for the Monte taking top spot is simply because it’s just one of those handsets that manages to squeeze quite a bit of tech into one slick looking device. From social networking applications that can be easily accessed from the desktop to 3G connectivity with Wi-Fi and GPS for Google Maps thrown in, it’s a fully loaded handset. Samsung’s even included their DNSe setting to boost audio quality.

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Lightweight but loaded

Nokia C3 – First Runner Up
Nokia’s low budget QWERTY loaded handset has got plenty to offer the average user. It’s got plenty of juice to last for a couple days with quite a bit of usage. The new Home Screen addition to the Series 40 platform does make it a little more interesting to access all of your emails or favorite contacts and other apps. The 2 MP camera that’s loaded onto the rear also manages to deliver. The C3 is also well equipped for social networking as well, so it’s our No. 2 low end handset for 2010.

Cheap and QWERTY

Sony Ericsson Naite - Second Runner up
One of best parts about new technology is that manufacturers are starting to keep the environment in mind and Sony Ericsson’s GreenHeart range is perfect in that sense. The Naite is not only constructed with eco-friendly materials but also comes loaded up with apps that show you how to stay green. The Sony Ericsson Naite is also one of the cheaper 3G enabled handsets available on the market. SE has also included a new shortcut bar that allows you to access social networking apps and others right from the desktop.

_It’s good to go green
_

Hon. Mention
Cookie Pep
Although the Pep may have been announced sometime in the second quarter of the year it deserved a special mention as it did meet quite a few of our standards in functionality and design as well. It’s well provisioned for multimedia as well as social networking thanks to LG’s SNS application. The 3MP camera comes with quite a few handy features and quality is not bad at all either. Even the handset’s battery is capable of providing the user with quite a bit of usage on a single charge.

_The right kind of pep
_

Here’s the full list of specs, including prices for these four handsets.

Click to enlarge

Stay tuned for more Gadgets that made the Tech2 cut this year and Season’s greetings readers, hope you’ve had a fantastic Christmas!