Duet W002
We've shown you the best cell phones that CNET reviewed this year, and now it's time for the lemons of 2010. Out of the 175 cell phones (give or take a few) that we've examined since January, these were the worst. Exactly what was wrong varied: sometimes it was design, sometimes it was performance, and sometimes it was both.
Keep in mind that this list does not include smartphones, but check back in a few days for the year's worst handsets in that category.
Rating: OK (5.0 or 2.5 stars)
The bottom line: The Duet W002 can take two SIM cards, but it's nothing more than a poorly conceived iPhone imitation.
Motorola VE440
Rating: OK (5.0 or 2.5 stars)
The bottom line: Motorola may be pandering to the punk rock crowd with the Limited Edition of its stylized Motorola VE440 candy-bar phone, but behind the edgy cover, rock ringtones, and conveniently controlled music player lie basic features and questionable sound quality.
ZTE Agent
Rating: OK (5.3 or 2.5 stars)
The bottom line: Saddled with poor call quality, there's very little to recommend the entry-level ZTE Agent.
Samsung Gusto
Rating: OK (5.6 or 2.5 stars)
The bottom line: The entry-level Samsung Gusto has some useful features and a great price, but with mediocre call quality and a flimsy construction, it generates little more than mild interest.
Sony Ericsson Vivaz
Rating: Good (6.0 or 3 stars)
The bottom line: The Sony Ericsson Vivaz offers value for its price, but we'd suggest paying extra for a more powerful, smarter phone.
Samsung SGH-a107
Rating: Good (6.0 or 3 stars)
The bottom line: The Samsung SGH-a107 makes for a decent entry-level phone for the prepaid crowd, but you can get a better device elsewhere for cheaper.