By CNET.com
Fact of life: not everything can be a hit. Case in point: these phones, which really, really missed the mark.
ZTE Sonata 4G (Aio Wireless)
CNET rating: 3 stars out of 5 (Good)
The good: The ZTE Sonata 4G is competitively priced, scores respectable data speeds, and has expandable memory.
The bad: In addition to a thick profile, the Sonata has a mediocre camera and a low-resolution screen.
The cost: $79.99
The bottom line: If you can live with unimpressive photos, the Sonata 4G is a reliable phone for those on a budget, but LG's prepaid Optimus F6 is the better option.
Kyocera Hydro Plus (Cricket Wireless)
CNET rating: 3 stars out of 5 (Good)
The good: The budget-friendly Kyocera Hydro Plus can survive a good dunk in the pool and comes with Cricket's signature music subscription service.
The bad: The Hydro Plus runs the dated Android 4.0 OS, makes mediocre calls, and clocks slow network speeds, even for 3G.
The cost: $139.99
The bottom line: Though the Kyocera Hydro Plus is an inexpensive water-resistant phone with an included music service, skip it for better and even cheaper splash-proof alternatives.
Nokia Asha 503
CNET rating: 3 stars out of 5 (Good)
The good: Nokia's Asha 503 has a sturdy, eye-catching design that's entirely pocketable and easy to use one-handed. It's Wi-Fi-capable, packs in a camera flash and won't break the bank.
The bad: Poor screen quality on the Asha 503 makes reading the display unpleasant. The camera's fixed-focused lens takes mediocre photos, and speakerphone volume is too low to be useful. Navigation is slow and jerky.
The cost: $99
The bottom line: Its surprising design is the best thing about the Nokia Asha 503, but if you're looking for a traditional smartphone experience, its underperformance will only disappoint.
Huawei Pal (MetroPCS)
CNET rating: 2 stars out of 5 (Mediocre)
The good: The Huawei Pal is incredibly easy to use.
The bad: The Huawei Pal has very few features and call quality was unreliable.
The cost: $29
The bottom line: With its limited features and poor call quality, the Huawei Pal isn't worth your time, even as a basic phone.
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