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Roundup: Smartphones for less than $100

Looking for a smartphone but don't want to pay an arm and a leg for one? Check out these six models that cost less than $100.

Bonnie Cha Former Editor
Bonnie Cha was a former chief correspondent for CNET Crave, covering every kind of tech toy imaginable (with a special obsession for robots and Star Wars-related stuff). When she's not scoping out stories, you can find her checking out live music or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California.
Bonnie Cha
HTC Wildfire S
The HTC Wildfire S for T-Mobile is just one of a number of smartphones available for less than $100. Sarah Tew/CNET

With all of these high-end smartphones coming out, it's easy to get the impression that joining the smartphone revolution has an entry fee of anywhere from $200 to $500. And though there are plenty of awesome devices in that price range, not everyone can afford to spend so much on a handset, especially in this economy.

Fortunately, carriers and handset manufacturers are seeing the need and demand for more affordable options, and you can now find a number of smartphones at wallet-friendly prices. Of course, they come with some trade-offs and require the signing of a two-year contract, but there are still some wonderful deals to be had. Here, we've rounded up six of the latest smartphones that cost less than $100.

The list includes the HTC Wildfire S, the Samsung Exhibit 4G, and HTC Trophy, and there are more bargains to be found. Many carriers often have Web-only discounts, even on some of the higher-end models, so if there's a handset you've been eyeing, you can always check it out in a store and then make the purchase online.

See the roundup of budget-friendly smartphones.