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These two phones pack enough grunt to handle games but don't expect miracles when it comes to the most demanding apps.

VERDICT

Even though it's cheaper, the Alcatel outclasses the Nokia in every department. The Alcatel's extra screen real estate really comes in handy. Even if your needs are simple, the Alcatel's better camera makes it the best choice if you like to take the occasional happy snap. The extra grunt could also come in handy if you eventually decide to use your smartphone for more demanding tasks.

ALCATEL 1X
$129
The Alcatel handset stands about 15 millimetres taller and 3 millimetres wider than the Nokia, but in return you get a larger screen so you can see more text or make the font larger. The Alcatel also takes much clearer photos and sharper video with the front and rear camera, plus it does a better job in low-light conditions. The phone offers 16GB of onboard storage, which is double the Nokia.

NOKIA 1
$149
The Nokia's slightly smaller size might appeal to some people but you're sacrificing a lot in return, particularly screen and camera quality. The phone also looks and feels cheaper than the Alcatel due to its removable plastic back, which you can swap for different colours (as well as swap the battery). The Nokia feels a tad faster when loading and switching between apps but the Alcatel actually packs more grunt under the bonnet, which could come in handy if you develop a taste for more demanding apps.

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If you're feeling nostalgic you might look to the $90 Nokia 3310 3G, with a design and interface that harks back to the iconic Nokia phones of the late 1990s. Be warned, the camera is terrible and you're giving up most modern comforts such as a web browser, email and social media. When it comes to entertainment on the go, the phone lets you listen to MP3s and play a handful of classic mobile games like Snake.