T-Mobile myTouch, myTouch Q, other new smart phones are big on features, low on price

One trend among Android-phone makers is the repackaging of last year's hot technologies into entry-level models. That's why you'll find lower-priced models in our latest smart-phone Ratings with 4G network access and 4-inch displays. Among the new and notable models include (all prices are for two-year contracts, including rebates):

Our engineers found lots to like about the humble myTouch and myTouch Q smart phones (each $50 with a two-year contract). They offer access to T-Mobile's HSPA+ 4G network and have 4-inch (480x800) LCD displays, and 1.4GHz processors; the myTouch Q adds a slide-out keyboard. They run on the soon-to-be-retired Android Gingerbread OS (version 2.3.6), but what do you expect for a mere $50?

One caveat: The phones' rear-facing main camera, with a claimed resolution of 5 megapixels, actually offers a maximum resolution of 3.9 megapixels. Samsung said it's working on a software fix.

The HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE for Verizon ($150) tops its predecessor, the Droid Incredible 2, in lots of ways: It has a higher-resolution 4-inch display (540x960 versus 480x800), can shoot higher-definition video (1080p versus 720p), and adds 4G capability. It's also a bit narrower, which makes it more comfortable to hold. But the phone lacks a few noteworthy Incredible 2 qualities: The Incredible 4G can't roam on GSM networks abroad, and the resolution of the front-facing camera is lower (VGA versus 1.2 megapixels).

Despite sharing a name with Motorola's earlier Atrix models, the Atrix HD for AT&T ($100) has more in common with the phone maker's Droid Razr line of smart phones, which are among the highest scoring—as well as highest priced—Verizon phones in our Ratings. (The Droid Razr costs $300; the Droid Razr Maxx, with its phenomenal battery life, costs $350.)

Even the Atrix HD's ports and buttons are in a similar place as those on the Droid Razr: The micro HDMI and USB ports are on top, and a power button and volume rocker button are on the right side. The Atrix HD, which has a 4.5-inch high-definition (720p), touchscreen, is a pocket-friendly 0.3 inches thick (the camera fattens the top of the phone to about 0.5 inches thick). Hot features include a host of automated controls for handling routine tasks and maximizing battery life.

Tempted by any of these new models? See our reviews and Ratings of these and other new smart phones at ConsumerReports.org.

Cameras on T-Mobile's myTouch smart phones have less resolution than claimed

—Mike Gikas