Huawei M328

The Huawei M328 is a basic clamshell cell phone meant as an entry-level choice for those who don't want to commit to the two-year contract that is standard for many phones and carriers. The Huawei M328 is available with MetroPCS, a prepaid cell phone carrier that offers month-to-month plans ranging from $30 to $50 per month, plus assorted add-ons, such as unlimited directory assistance for $2 per month (see www.metropcs.com for a list). Reviews say the Huawei M328 brings a few cool features, such as basic web browsing and a speakerphone (though there's no dedicated key for it), but the Huawei M328 doesn't have a camera, MP3 player, microSD slot, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, instant messaging or picture/video messaging. The M328 can text, though, and all but the cheapest MetroPCS plans include unlimited text messaging.

Professional and owner reviews say if you're seeking a device simply for making phone calls, the Huawei M328 offers very good call quality. Owner reviews aren't plentiful, but most say the Huawei M328 is a good deal for the money as long as you're fully aware of what you'll get and what you won't. CNET's review notes that the Huawei M328 feels cheap but is solid enough at key stress points, such as the hinges. Where the corners are cut, reviewer Kent German says, is in a "cheap" keypad and the low-res 1.1-inch external and 1.8-inch internal screens. If you don't mind committing to a contract, reviews recommend AT&T's Pantech Breeze as a good basic cell phone; it includes a camera.

Reviews are scarce for the Huawei M328, as Huawei is a recent Chinese entry to the U.S. cell phone market. The lone credible professional review at this writing is by CNET, one of our top sources in general. Other top sources such as PCMag.com, Consumer Reports, WirelessInfo.com and MobileBurn.com have yet to publish critical analysis. We found no owner reviews at Amazon.com and just a few at PhoneScoop.com and PhoneArena.com.