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So, I wanna buy a smartphone because I guess it would be pretty useful. Trouble is, I don't know [&@%!] about smartphones. I also don't have a lot of money. What do the experts recommend that does its job (mobile internet, media playing etc) and also doesn't cost a bajillion bucks?

I would think it would depend on what services you typically use. If you're like me and use Google for everything, I'd look into any of the Android phones. If you're into Apple, obviously something with the iOS. Or, if you use Microsoft product, look into a Windows phone, which are actually pretty cool. I don't know what prices are like in Greece, but each of those (iPhones excluded) have cheap and easy versions of their smartphones.

I personally use the LG Optimus G, which is a swanky phone. But top of the line and expensive here.

Edit: I say to consider what you use because obviously these all sync, so it'd be dumb to get an iPhone if you don't have mostly Apple products or services at home.

I know a lot of people would probably say Android is the way to go, and for higher-priced, higher-powered phones I would say definitely.

If you are looking for best bang for your buck (and don't care about Instagram) I would recommend a Windows Phone. Their UI is intuitive and fast even on cheap phones, and you can find some on Ebay for a hundred US dollars, maybe a bit more. I know I probably sound like a broken record, but I've tried Android, iOS and Windows Phone, and for me Windows Phone wins. Any of them will provide you with a good experience, and my two year old Sprint Arrive can run laps around my wife's iPhone 4s in almost every daily use test.

There was a campaign called Smoked By Windows Phone which showed off its speed in completing normal tasks.

I disliked my Windows phone. As much as I hated my Iphone five years ago it was functional. My Windows phone is the only phone I ever owned that I regularly had to restart because it would freeze up on me. I've had an Android phone for a year and a half now and I'm quite happy with it.

Windows Phone 7 or 6.5? This changed completely when they moved to 7. 6.5 and previous were crap.

Okay, I'm pretty sure it was < 6.5, which would explain my horrible experience.

I think the best advice is to try out a few different phones and see what you like best, Mars. I really like the Windows phone's UI and find them amazing phones, but personally I love the Droid system because it does everything I need it to and it's really straightforward.

That, and to avoid iPhones in general. Too expensive, considering they do the same (and sometimes less) as other phones.

Yeah, Apple is right out the window, no question.

I'm not too crazy about Windows either. I mean, I use it on my desktop, but out of neccessity since it's the only OS that'll run games. So I'll probably get an Android. They seem to be cheaper, too, and it's just a starter anyways.

Thanks for the insight, guys!

Use the phone before you buy it. Cheaper Android devices are known for having less than stellar performance.

Yeah, I'm gonna test them in the store before I buy one, no question.

Everything I've heard points to Androids being better. I have an iPhone and while it's okay, the whole Sync-ing thing is a joke (and needlessly complicated) and I much prefer to drag and drop files. Plus, new iOS updates have made my apps slow and they crash more than they used to. Battery drops quicker than usual as well.

All of my friends love their androids.

Unionhack wrote:Everything I've heard points to Androids being better.

"Better" is a subjective statement. Different strokes for different folks. Different needs for different plebes. Different phones for different...Jones?

I'd definitely recommend Android. I have a HTC Desire C myself, got it for €175 pay as you go back in June. It'd be cheaper now.

That one's looking pretty snazzy, legoless. I'll check it out.

The new Huawei phones look interesting too.

I'm not the right person to make a comment here, since I'm not wild about most of "new stuff", but I bought myself a Nokia Asha 311, some €90, and it works like a dream. More qualities than I ever wanted and, if you care to partake, buying one you will support my stocks in Nokia!

Nokia Lumia 920 is even better