These multi-functional phones are called feature phones—or even smartphones in the case of the Spriiing and Nokia. They all have 2MP cameras, MSN chat and work with social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. They also offer email, MP3, and FM radio.

Nokia X2 Qwerty (BK PICK)

B3,190
2.4-inch TFT screen (320x240 pixels) with QWERTY keyboard / VGA camera / 55MB internal storage + up to 8MB Micro SD
The new X2 with keyboard can be a cool, affordable phone for those who can live without a full-on smartphone. The camera isn’t its forte either but with its social network applications and Ovi features, you’ve got the basics covered except the GPS and Maps.

Spriiing Smile (RUNNER UP)

B5,990
2.6-inch resistive touch screen (320x240 pixels) with QWERTY keyboard / 3MP camera with flash / WiFi / 512MB internal storage + 2GB MicroSD (up to 16GB) / GPS
Released here before the Western markets (for once), Spriiing Smile is a genuine smartphone with a slightly antiquated Android OS and a sluggish processor. Everything else, from the QWERTY keyboard and Spriiing Chat (think BB chat for all three people who have a Spriiing), to the touchscreen and Wi-Fi router, goes beyond a combined iPhone and Blackberry offering.

Samsung Punch Wifi

B4,390
2.4-inch TFT screen (320x240 pixels) with QWERTY keyboard / 2MP camera / WiFi / 60MB internal storage + up to 8GB MicroSD
No longer dual sim, the latest version of the Punch comes with Wi-Fi so you don’t have to rely on EDGE alone to update your Facebook status or chat on MSN.

LG Wink Slide

B3,990
2.4-inch TFT screen (320x240 pixels) with slide-out QWERTY keyboard / 2MP camera / 141MB internal storage + up to 32MB Micro SD
The square shape of the Wink Slide was obviously not designed with human hands in mind but it sure looks cute—and with the keyboard out, it is much easier to handle. Targeting teens, you can expect plenty of fun camera features like color balance, color effects and a night mode.

iMobile S350

B3,290
2.8-inch touchscreen (240x320 pixels) / 2MP camera with flash / dual sim cards / TV tuner
Another consistent local response to the iPhone has been to upstage Apple where the iPhone is too cool to venture: dual-sim capacity and television. A smartphone ‘tis not, but at this price, you’re also saving some B25,000. No keyboard, though.

Sony Ericsson Yendo

B4,790
2.6-inch TFT touch screen (240x320 pixels) / 2MP camera / 5MB internal storage + up to 16GB micro SD card
Sony Ericsson really needs to fire the design team. Here’s another Sony phone that’s just too thick and boring, despite the choice of colors. But if you just need an FM radio and MP3 player that also makes phone calls, go for it. Typing on the touch screen can be tricky though.

OPPO Funtacy

B4,990
Clamshell with 2.4-inch screen (240x320 pixels) / 2MP camera / 60MB internal storage
This is a basic feature phone, but some people are actually addicted to the clamshell—not to mention those addicted to the phone’s presenters, Nichkhun and 2PM. Unfortunately, you’ll be typing on a phone keyboard, so keep the love notes short.

UNDER B10,000

1. BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300. B8,600-8,900 (MBK price)
Qwerty keyboard / BlackBerry OS5.0 / BBM / 2MP camera

2. Nokia C5. B6,650
Touch screen / Symbian OS / Ovi Maps / 5MP camera

3. LG Optimus One. B9,990
Touch screen / Android 2.2 / 3MP camera

4. Samsung Wave 723. B7,990
Touch screen / Bada OS / 5MP camera with flash