Going to assume you're in the UK as your profile says. The market over here is fairly different to the 'mericas.
ShinyCharizard said:
Well you won't need an expensive smart phone to access google.
http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/review/mobile_phones/huawei/ascend_g300/431244/user_reviews/
This should be fine.
If you're spending £100 or so on a G300 you might as well get an OSD with its massively better hardware.
AdamxD said:
Escapists! I'm currently thinking of getting myself a smartphone. I find myself unable to access Google whenever I want to, and this is something which mildly angers me. So! What phone can you recommend to me?
Iphones are probably out of my price range
Price range? Pay as you go or contract? How much do you call/text in a month? Any networks to prefer/avoid? As above, for a budget smartphone I recommend the Orange San Diego all the way- you just can't match the specs for the price (was £100 last time I checked). Only problem is the limited network choice, Orange, Tmobile and Virgin all work out of the box but getting it unlocked isn't fun. (Mine's on Virgin mobile Pay as you go, unlimited internet and 300 texts for £10 a month, no contract. Will be moving to GiffGaff when I can get it unlocked)
If you're looking to spend more- £200+ Get a Nexus 4 (unlocked by default to use on any network)[url text= Nexus 4]https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=nexus_4_16gb[/url]
Just do. It's got specs to rival phones £250 more expensive, comes with the most up to date android money can buy and... is out of stock because of this. Well crap. Buying one from anyone except google themselves negates the value, as shops charge £400+ for them.
Take a look at the windows phones as well- but remember, the look and feel can be replicated on most android phones easily and there's a much more limited selection of apps.
If you're getting a phone that can use the GiffGaff network (anything unlocked or on o2 I believe, they use the same network) you should give it a try, unlimited internet and texts from £12 a month with no contract, best value around for the normal internet-heavy android user. http://giffgaff.com/goodybags/12pound-goodybag
Another thing to consider is the level of control and customization you want. Some phones such as the G300 can run completely modified firmware (akin to installing a new OS on the Pc) which can offer some interesting features, Others have 'locked' boot loaders meaning there is nothing you can do to get rid of that pesky provider bloatware.
There's a lot to consider, the TechRadar list of the top 20 phones around today might be a good place to start thinking, it has a couple of cheapuns in there too.
http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/20-best-mobile-phones-in-the-world-today-645440