So you want to make a call, take a picture and check your Facebook newsfeed once in a while? You don’t need to break the bank for a new iPhone; just go for these budget-yet-functional alternatives.

Samsung Galaxy Mini

B4,990 | Specs: 3.14” touchscreen, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, 3MP camera, 138MB built-in storage + up to 32MB SD card, 3G
It’s B200 more expensive than the Galaxy Y, but you get a better camera, a slightly larger screen and assisted-GPS that promises better satellite navigation. 200MHz less processing capability doesn’t really make any difference because you have limited space to download and run applications anyway. The phone has been out for a year and still exists—a very positive sign.

LG Lollipop

B4,490 | Specs: 2.8” screen, 160MB built-in storage + up to 8MB SD card, 3MP camera + VGA front camera
We can say this is the best flip phone on the market these days. Though we really don’t like its ultra-childish user-interface, specs that include two cameras, social-media, connectivity and the lovely design, mean there are some redeeming elements. Perfect for those in love with Japanese-style phones.

Nokia C2-06

B3,150 | Specs: 2.6” touchscreen, Symbian S40, 3.2MP camera, FM radio, 10MB built-in storage + up to 32MB SD card
If you just want a good-looking handset to show off you that have a touch-and-slide phone, go for this C2-06. Its sleek, gold touch looksvery bling in your hand. But wait, it only has 10MB storage space. We suggest you pay a bit more for the Asha series.

Sony Ericsson Txt

B3,490 | Specs: 2.55” touchscreen, QWERTY keyboard, 3.2MP camera, 100MB built-in storage + up to 32MB SD card, FM radio
You’re addicted to chat and don’t want to pay B300 (or more) for a BlackBerry service? Get this and you’ll have everything you need: full QWERTY keyboard, FM radio and some social-media applications. But sadly, the keyboard doesn’t make typing easy, especially when compared to Nokia phones. Still, we love its expensive-looking body.

Nokia X2-05

B3,150 | Specs: 2.6” touchscreen, Symbian S40, RAM 1GHz, 3.2MP camera, FM radio, 10MB built-in storage + up to 32MB SD card
Apart from a good 5MP camera, you don’t really get much from this two-year-old phone; neither a touchscreen nor the latest Symbian operating system. But as a member of the X series, it does promise greater sound quality from its built-in portable speakers. ­

Samsung Galaxy Y

B4,790 | Specs: 3” touchscreen, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, 2MP camera, 160MB internal storage + up to 32MB SD card, 3G
Capacitive touchscreen, camera, Android, FM radio and 3G compatibility—you get everything for less than B5,000. As an Android phone, you also get abundant applications, including games and social media apps.

Nokia Asha 300

B3,350 | Specs: 2.4” touchscreen, Symbian S40, 3.2MP camera, 140MB built-in storage + up to 32MB SD card, FM radio, 3G
A sister of the Asha 303, the Asha 300 is a better fit for users tolerant of old-school texting. You also have a (very small) resistive touch screen, where you can personalize your home screen. Still, Angry Birds comes pre-installed.

Nokia Asha 303

B4,500 | Specs: 2.6” touchscreen, Symbian S40, 3.2MP camera, FM radio, 170MB built-in storage + up to 32MB SD Card, 3G
We adore its red color, as well as the touch-and-type function that reminds us of the new BlackBerry Bold. It works the same way: the screen is touchable and you have a full keyboard. Bonus: You get Angry Birds.

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