Bangkok tech tips: Four sweet smartphones for under 10,000 baht

Just like the rest of the world, smartphones are a must-have icon in Bangkok. It isn’t just about fashion though. It’s about feeding addictions.

Whether it be Twitter-ittus, Facebook-fever, a yearning for YouTube or other social media syndromes, smartphones are keeping Bangkokians connected to their close pals and brightening moments of boredom, such as those long traffic-riddled commutes into work.

While top of the line smartphones cost substantially more than the average Thai’s monthly salary, fortunately the smartphone revolution has trickled down. This means there is decent technology to be had at modest prices, with some devices an absolute steal. 

Here are four touchscreen devices that are yours for less than 10,000 baht.

Samsung Candy

The hook: A device aimed at the teen market, endorsed by sweetly named Thai celeb Pancake Khemanit.

The goods: Although it doesn’t rival the big names when it comes to looks, the Candy has a decent touchscreen interface with a reasonable quality two megapixel camera. Beyond the cheap-looking plastic casing, which is color customized for those who like coordination, it's what’s inside that counts and its widgets connect with the usual social networking suspects including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and MySpace. (Though we’re not sure if anyone is still using that last one.)

Worth noting: Lacks support for Thailand favorite MSN Messenger but is WiFi compatible and comes with a 2GB memory card to boot.

Price: 5,990 baht.

Shame factor: 8/10. “I’m just borrowing it while my iPhone is fixed ... honest.”

iMobile 8500

The hook: All the benefits of Google’s outstanding Android system at an affordable price.

The goods: Renowned for producing uber-cheap lookalike devices, iMobile’s 8500 runs the brilliant Android operating system. The brains match the external looks with a pleasant layout, easy navigation and access to the full set of goodies at the Android app store. Its five-megapixel camera can stand in for your regular snapper on nights out or on those forgetful days, while GPS support is invaluable for mastering the art of accurate Foursquare check-ins.

Worth noting: The huge, high-resolution screen is impressive.

Price: 8,500 baht.

Shame factor: 4/10. “How did that iMobile logo get there?!”

Nokia 5530 XpressMusic

The hook: The youngest sibling of the XpressMusic series is packed full of usual Nokia multimedia goodness.

The goods: Those used to the usual Nokia layout are on familiar ground with the petite 5530. The web browsing experience is reasonable but the 3.2 megapixel camera lacks the zing of Nokia’s Carl Zeiss optics, which are needed to capture those outrageous, nocturnal Bangkok katoeys on location. Best stick to self portraits and twitpic-ing your lunch.

Multimedia is where this device comes into its own. If you’re a music and film junkie Nokia’s XpressMusic system, two video players and games are just what the doctor ordered alongside the usual high quality Nokia applications and services. 

Worth noting: Despite its multimedia creds, the tiny internal memory means memory cards are a must, with a 4GB card included with the phone.

Price: 8,100 baht.

Shame factor: 6/10. “Who needs TV anyway?”

HTC Tattoo

The hook: Rising star HTC’s budget Android offering has all the bells and whistles and more.

The goods: “The first phone that can be customized inside and out” according to HTC, the Tattoo is an aesthetically pleasing little thing. The fully customisable homescreen means anything can go anywhere; great fun for everyone but best avoided by obsessive-compulsives types. 

The usual Android mix of innovative and simplicity are here in abundance alongside GPS, a 3.2 megapixel camera, WiFi and full access to the Android app store -- all the ingredients for serious social networkers on the go. The Internal memory is huge and further expanded to house movies, music and photos collections with a memory card.

Worth noting: The touchscreen interface is not quite as intuitive as the HTC Hero but little things like the animated weather forecast widget give this phone a touch of class that belies its price. 

Price: 8,100 baht.

Shame factor: 2/10. “I’m a unique individual...Apple and BlackBerry are way too popular (and expensive).”