Low-cost QWERTY phones

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Cell phones are no longer mere communication devices, in fact they have become nothing short of a status symbol.

The QWERTY keypads, popularised by smartphones such as BlackBerry (BB), are supposed to aid business executives on the move to give them a typewriter like convenience for typing out messages quickly.

However, for folks who are cost-conscious and have little use of its host of utilities and yet want to sport a BB-look alike, there is plethora of low-end QWERTY phones for prices starting from as low as Rs 2,000. Here’s a quick look at a few handy phones that fall within Rs 2,000-Rs 8,000 range.

Nokia X2 models, available for Rs 3,500, have solid design with a satisfactory call quality but have low resolution display and lack dedicated volume rockers. Another model, nothing short of a smartphone, E 63 with advance messaging features is available for Rs 7,500. However, its only negatives are lack of 3G and poor camera performance.

Samsung S3350, is a candybar portrait QWERTY handset, designed with heavy texters in mind. A BB-esque keyboard with wi-fi is a bargain for Rs 5,000. But its smaller keys may prove cumbersome for people with hands on the larger side.

LG T325 is a nicely design model with both 3G and wi-fi connectivity and is nothing short of a steal for Rs 7,000. But factors such as a sluggish touch screen, low battery life and a low quality camera are certainly a few dampners.

Although lacking in camera facility and a long battery life, Micromax Q1 is a trendy music with phone with GPRS and MMS features and is a great buy for Rs 2,500.

Spice QT-56 is a dual SIM phone with both GSM and CDMA capability, available for Rs 4,000. While this is a most favourable feature, its limited expandable memory, poor camera and lack of 3G go against it.

A complete BB-rip off, Karbonn K10, is a user-friendly GSM device with dual SIM, priced at Rs 5,000. But lacks features such as mailbox configuration, GPS, anti-theft lock and dedicated keys for camera, music and FM.