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smartand cheap expensive dirt cheap You are here [Virginian - Pilot](Virginian - Pilot Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) CNET.com Sure, the smartphones that carriers put on sale aren't the newest or most updated devices, but that doesn't mean they aren't built well, don't make excellent calls or aren't reliable performers. We rounded up some of the best smartphones that are available for rock- bottom prices with a carrier contract. And when we say inexpensive, we mean it - none of the handsets in this list costs more than a dollar. Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G The rating Excellent The cost Free (no down payment from T-Mobile) to $410 The good The Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G offers a nice 4-inch Super AMOLED screen, Android Gingerbread, a solid 5-megapixel camera, a speedy 1.5GHz dual-core processor and T-Mobile's faster HSPA+ 42 speeds. Call quality also was quite good. The bad The phone's promised data speeds didn't always deliver during tests, and the chassis looks a little plain. The bottom line With the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G, you're looking at a solid midrange Android smartphone that packs a punch and has a reasonable initial price tag. T-Mobile customers wouldn't go wrong with the handset, especially if they don't want to pay top dollar, but it isn't for those looking for the cutting edge. Nokia Lumia 820 The rating Very good The cost 1 cent (from AT&T) to $349.99 to $399.99 The good AT&T's Nokia Lumia 820 offers Windows Phone 8, 4G LTE and a terrifically low subsidized price. The bad This model is heavy and a little slippery, and the phone has short battery life. Data speeds were variable. The bottom line If you're looking for an inexpensive, approachable smartphone with a few more features, the Nokia Lumia 820's price tag is tough to beat. Pantech Marauder The rating Very good The cost Free (from Verizon) to $349.99 The good The Pantech Marauder rides on 4G LTE data speeds, has a user-friendly interface option for first-time smartphone users and ships with Android 4.0. The bad This phone has a bulky design, a flat keyboard that's difficult to press and a laggy processor. The bottom line Verizon's Pantech Marauder is a nicely priced Android 4.0 handset that's perfect for beginners who want a keyboard and 4G LTE data speeds. HTC Evo 4G LTE The rating Very good The cost Free (from Sprint) to $318.98 The good Powerful parts, a lovely screen, stunning design and an excellent camera help the Evo 4G LTE restoke the fires of the Evo faithful. The bad Given the 4G LTE in its name, this phone's lack of the Sprint LTE system at launch was a huge letdown. The bottom line The HTC Evo 4G LTE is a worthy successor to Sprint's Evo family, as long as you remember one important caveat: Until Sprint gets its LTE network off the ground nationwide, the Evo 4G LTE might well be 3G-only where you live. (c) 2013 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |