Android growth this year has been phenomenal, with the platform taking the top spot of fastest growing mobile OS in Ireland earlier this year. Android has well over 100,000 of apps available with a very active development community, making it a very prominent and sustainable smartphone contender. We’ve compiled this list of the cheapest Android phones available in Ireland, and just in time for Christmas too.
Samsung Europa from €89
- Android version: 2.1
- Network operator: O2, Vodafone, 3, Meteor, eMobile
- Camera: 2 mega pixel
- Wi-fi: Yes
“The Galaxy Europa is a great smartphone – it’s simple to setup and customise. It’s great for web browsing – simply tap the screen to zoom in or out, and bookmark your favourites. It supports video steaming, so you can connect to a wireless network and watch clips without using up your monthly data allowance. Enjoy live web chats via instant messenger.”
Vodafone VF845 Joy from €79.99
- Android version: ??
- Network operator: Vodafone
- Camera: 3.15 mega pixel
- Wi-fi: Yes
“Vodafone has announced the Vodafone 845, a top end Android powered handset that comes in at a budget price. This device also comes with internal memory capacity of 512 MB, Micro SD memory cards, with the device able to handle cards up to 16 GB in size, 3.5G support, WiFi, built-in GPS, FM radio, Bluetooth 2.1 and a fairly large 1200 mAh battery. The phone’s 1,200mAh battery was no slouch either, as you recieve over two days out of it for calls and a mixture of surfing over 3G and Wi-Fi.”
Sony Ericsson X8 from €119.99
- Android version: 1.6
- Network operator: Vodafone, Meteor
- Camera: 3.15 mega pixel
- Wi-fi: Yes
“With the latest from Sony Ericsson, get the apps you need from Android Market™ with the X8. The X8 media phone with touchscreen gives you high-speed Internet – and lets you have it your way. Enjoy instant access to your favourite functions via the customisable four corners of the home screen. Sony Ericsson Timescape lets all your communication with a person come together in one place. Facebook updates, Tweets, texts and missed calls, so you don’t have to open loads of different apps to see what’s going on.”
LG Optimus from €119.99
- Android version: ??
- Network operator: O2, Meteor
- Camera: 3 mega pixel
- Wi-fi: Yes
“The LG Optimus GT540 smartphone lets you tap into Android apps and great Google services. This slim touch screen phone is really easy to use and fun to play with. You can fill each of its five home pages with what matters most to you – your contacts, social networks, apps and bookmarks, then simply tap to access each feature. With Wi-Fi, email and instant messenger, LG Optimus GT540 is all you need to stay in touch. There’s nothing complicated or confusing about this simple smartphone, just tons of fun features and apps.”
Sony Ericsson X10 Mini from €149.99
- Android version: 1.6
- Network operator: O2, Vodafone
- Camera: 5 mega pixel
- Wi-fi: Yes
“The Sony Ericsson’s Xperia X10 mini is a super-powerful Android Smartphone. There’s plenty to keep you entertained including a Walkman player, speedy Wi-Fi internet and pre-installed 3D games. Enjoy fast, secure web browsing on your mobile phone! X10 mini has a 3G internet connection that’s enhanced by HSPA; for even faster download times!”
Samsung Galaxy Apollo from €169.99
- Android version: 2.1
- Network operator: Meteor
- Camera: 3.1 mega pixel
- Wi-fi: Yes
“The Galaxy Apollo is a brilliant phone for Facebook and Twitter, and it even arranges them all so you can flick from one to the other by just tapping the screen so you’ll never miss a thing.”
LG Optimus One from €189
- Android version: 2.2
- Network operator: 3
- Camera: 3 mega pixel
- Wi-fi: Yes
“Android Froyo 2.2 has arrived and you’ll find it on the Optimus One. This touchscreen smartphone packs a lot of features – make it your mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, download the best apps with top tips from LG’s App Advisor and use it as your sat nav.”
