Fact of life: not everything can be a hit. Case in point: these phones, which really, really missed the mark.
Some phones simply sacrifice too much in order to keep prices low.
(Credit: Josh Miller)
The splash-resistant Reef doesn't have much going for it beyond its price.
(Credit: Josh Miller)
ZTE Reef (Virgin Mobile), August 2013
Ho-hum specs across the board, including 3G-only speeds, make this slow, outdated smartphone a bore. Its one saving grace: it won't cost you a dime if you buy it online, though the full $150 price tag (unlocked) may be harder to swallow for what you get
'Vortex' is a strong name for what is essentially an underpowered smartphone.
(Credit: Josh Miller)
Verykool Vortex (Unlocked), July 2013
Unless you're absolutely dying for a certified rugged phone, you can get much better hardware for the $300 this unlocked handset sells for. With no 4G support, old Android 4.0, and a mediocre 5-megapixel camera, it's certainly no catch. Luckily, since it isn't being sold through a US carrier, it's easier to dodge.
Do yourself a favor and skip this handset.
(Credit: Josh Miller)
Cricket Engage LT (Cricket Wireless), March 2013
Thick, heavy, sluggish, and outfitted with a poor camera. If these traits don't send you running for the door, how about the ZTE-made Cricket Engage LT's older version of Android (4.0) and $200 price tag? Other Muve Music phones are better buys.
Don't let that pretty wallpaper fool you; the Force isn't to be reckoned with.
(Credit: Josh Miller)
Boost Force (Boost Mobile, Sprint), March 2013
4G capability and NFC are bonuses with this ZTE-made entry-level handset. Unfortunately, the small 4-inch screen, slow processing speeds, and very poor camera made us weep.
This tiny, wan smartphone makes us shake our heads and wonder why.
(Credit: Sarah Tew)
Samsung Galaxy Discover (Cricket Wireless), May 2013
In our view, $130 is far too much to ask for an Android phone with an itty bitty 3.5-inch screen, cruddy call quality, and piddly battery life. It doesn't help that the shiny, compact Android handset runs Android 4.0 and has a wimpy 800MHz processor.
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