BEST SMARTPHONES ON A BUDGET

Purchasing a brand new smartphone in the midst a tough recession may appear to be an unwise idea since these devices are expensive. However, there are actually top notched mobile phones that can easily fit one's tight budget. Mobile phone service providers have adjusted the price of their offers to accommodate consumers who are trying to save money during the tough economic atmosphere.

There are two basic types of best smartphones on a budget. The devices that fall in the first category consist of handsets that have been designed to be sold to the masses. These affordable mobile phones are powerful business tools but they offer less features or more less powerful cameras. The second type of affordable business handsets consist of older models of devices. These are high-end handsets that have decreased in price as newer devices have entered the market. Let's look at some of the best smartphones on a budget that are currently available on the market.

Apple iPhone 3G: This stylish device is arguably the best mobile phone for 2008. However, the arrival of the 3GS model in 2009 has made device device quite accessible to consumers. Consumers can get the 8GB model of this AT&T exclusive handset for only $99 with a data plan and a two year agreement.

BlackBerry Pearl 8120: The arrival of newer RIM models like the BlackBerry Storm, Bold and Tour has lowered the price of the reliable Pearl. The very popular BlackBerry 8120 is now available at T-Mobile for the affordable price tag of $79 99 with a two year contract.

Palm Centro: This handset is one of the earliest budget smartphones to be released in the market. However, the entry of newer and more sophisticated handsets have dropped the price of the Palm Centro all the way to $29 99 with a two year agreement at Sprint.

T-Mobile Shadow: This handset is another budget mobile device that is suitable for users who want to try their first smartphone. It's features are not as impressive as the competition but it provides good value for its price tag. This sleek slider device is currently available for free at T-Mobile with a 2 year commitment.

Samsung Ace: This QWERTY keyboard equipped mobile phone is reliable but older than most of the devices that are being offered at the competitive market. Fortunately, this makes it accessible for consumers with a limited budget. This Windows Mobile powered phone comes in at a very affordable price of $49.99 with a 2 year contract.

BlackBerry Curve 8330: This device has been described as a lightweight device that packs a lot of features. Younger BlackBerry Curves models have significantly decreased the price tag of the 8330 since it was launched. Subscribers can get this phone at Sprint for only $49.99 with a 2 year contract.

Nokia E71x: This high-end mobile phone was designed with the budget of the masses in mind. This is currently one of the slimmest smartphone in the US market. AT&T is currently offering the Symbian s60-powered Nokia E71x for only $99.99 with a 2 year contract.

BlackBerry Pearl Flip: This is the first RIM handset to come in the popular clamshell form factor. This stylish BlackBerry also comes with an attractive price tag. Budget-conscious consumers can get this flip phone at T-Mobile for the affordable price tag of $49 99 with a two year contract.

HTC Snap: This smatphone is designed for consumers who do a lot of text-messaging. The camera is unimpressive but it comes with all the features needed by a corporate user. The HTC Snap is being sold at Sprint for only $99 with a data plan and a two year agreement.