The Apple iPhone 4 and HTC Desire are the smartphone top dogs, but at up to £600 SIM-free they aren’t cheap. If you’re willing to compromise on screen resolution, processor speed and build quality, there are handsets with ample storage and connectivity that can be yours for under £250, or on a £25-per-month contract.

See below for our pick of the best cheap smartphones to buy now

Best: Overall value
HTC Wildfire
Price: £230
Love: Sense interface. Flash support
Hate:Slow processor. No N Wi-Fi. Low-res screen

HTC Wildfire review I HTC Wildfire specs I  HTC.com

Best: Social networking
Motorola Flipout
Price: £230
Love: Motoblur. N Wi-Fi
Hate: Small screen. It’s so square

Motorola Flipout review I Motorola Flipout specs I Motorola.co.uk

Best: Portability
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini
Price: £200
Love: Timescape interface
Hate: Tiny screen and keyboard. No multi-touch

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini review I Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini specs I SonyEricsson.co.uk

Best: Screen
Palm Pixi Plus
Price: £Free on contract
Love: Excellent operating system. Decent keyboard
Hate: No card slot. Meagre app choice. Poor camera  

Palm Pixi Plus review I Palm Pixi Plus specs I Palm.com

Best: For work
BlackBerry Curve 3G
Price: £250
Love: Easy email set-up. N Wi-Fi. Decent processor
Hate: Low-res screen. Awkward controls

BlackBerry Curve 3G review I BlackBerry Curve 3G specs I BlackBerry.com

Best: Battery
Nokia E5
Price: £200
Love: Great battery. Five-meg cam. Keyboard
Hate: Symbian OS. Dull looks. No touchscreen

Nokia E5 review I Nokia E5 specs I Nokia.co.uk