The Classics: Under B2,000

It can make calls, send SMS’s, tell time and it comes with a color screen. What more do you really need?

Samsung B110 (Left)

Design: Simple black exterior and fake brushed metal frame. It’s light and slips into your jean pockets.
Features: Color screen, polyphonic ring, multi-alarm, mobile tracker.
Price: B1,100. (At Jaymart, 4/F, MBK, Phayathai Rd., 02-611-8022. www.jaymart.co.th.)

LG KP105 (Right)

Design: Unlike other budget handsets, this slim red-on-white model isn’t too embarrassing when you use it in public.
Features: Color screen, polyphonic ringer, speakerphone, FM radio.
Price: B1,390. (At Jaymart, 4/F, MBK, Phayathai Rd., 02-611-8022. www.jaymart.co.th.)

The Entertainers: Under B4,000

OK, maybe a classic phone is just too basic. These media-capable options let you listen to music and some even take photos.

Left to Right

Motorola W230

Design: Coming in serious black and fiery orange, the body is a little thick but still retains Motorola’s signature simplicity.
Features: Color screen, MP3 player, FM radio, microSD card slot.
Price: B2,200. (At Motorola, 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., www.motorola.co.th.)

Sony Ericsson T250i

Design: Go Apple-style with the white one or opt for classic black. Its futuristic design helps disguise its true price.
Features: WAP browser, FM Radio, infrared technology and VGA camera.
Price: B2,990. (At PowerBuy, 5/F, Central Chidlom, Phloenchit Rd., 02-640-7000. www.powerbuy.co.th.)

Nokia 5000

Design: With a selection of blinding green, pink and blue neon trims, this phone is funky enough to hide its price tag (though it is B40 out of our price range).
Features: Media player, Bluetooth, Opera browser, 1.3MP camera and FM radio.
Price: B4,040. (At Nokia, 3/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-664-8565.)