Download VLC for Android APK

VLC for Android is a version of the popular media player for mobile devices running the Google OS.

This version of VLC for Android is still in development stages and, as a message warns when you launch the app, it is not stable and can cause problems if you don't know what you're doing with it. We experienced crashes on several occasions, and in one instance it froze our Motorola Xoom completely in testing.

When it's working, VLC for Android makes for a good alternative to the Android media player. It handles a wider range of file formats (audio, video, and streaming media), and has the same minimalist interface as the desktop version.

The video player window in VLC for Android is well designed, playing video at full screen resolution with gesture-based controls for changing volume and brightness settings. You can scrobble through videos simply by sliding your finger across the screen.

Video-wise, VLC for Android supports a range of formats and playback of supported formats is generally very smooth. However, HD video is not officially supported and we found watching high definition movies to be impossible due to lag, or simply getting a black screen.

VLC for Android performs better for handling audio files, with simple player controls and a widget giving you basic controls from your home screen.

There's no question that VLC for Android is very rough around the edges, and you'll encounter problems if you want to play HD video. However, as an early build it shows signs of emulating the success of the desktop version of VLC.

Download VLC for Android APK

The Best Cheap Android Handsets

The best cheap Android phones include the Sony Xperia E (£108.50 at Amazon.co.uk), HTC Desire C (£105.49), and the Samsung S6310 Galaxy Young (£128.70).

All three have half-VGA screens (320 x 480 pixels), and both the Sony Xperia E and Samsung S6310 run Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) on 1GHz Cortex A5 processors. The older HTC Desire C lags in running non-upgradeable Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) on a 600MHz Cortex A5. I reckon the Sony Xperia E is the pick of the bunch, at the price, but these models are really aimed at people upgrading from feature phones, not downgrading from an iPhone 4. You will get a much better phone if you can spend a bit more.

For example, stepping up from the Xperia E to the Xperia U £149.95 would get you a better (but still 3.5in) WVGA screen with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, twice the memory, a better processor (dual-core 1GHz Cortex A9), and a better camera (5 megapixels instead of 3MP) with LED flash. The U comes with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) but you can upgrade it to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).

You will lose some resolution compared with the iPhone 4's 3.5in screen (640 x 960 pixels). However, the Xperia U is about an ounce lighter, and you gain a microUSB v2.0 port with USB On-The-Go, stereo FM radio with RDS, camera image stabilisation, and the chance to use a Swype or other keyboard. (As you know, you will also lose access to the iPhone's app collection.)

For other differences, check this side-by-side comparison at the excellent GSMArena website.

The deal-breaker with the Sony Xperia U is that you cannot expand the 4GB of memory provided for your documents and media files (there's another 2GB for apps). This may involve swapping too many files around, depending on your musical tastes. While the Samsung I8160 Galaxy Ace 2 would solve that problem in an otherwise equivalent phone, the £178.12 price is a long way from your desired "around £100". Of course, you may find it cheaper if you shop around.

If you are feeling lucky, you could take a flyer on a cheap white-box Android smartphone. One of the better known examples is the V1277 or Star V12, which is sometimes referred to as the MTK6577 after its Media Tek processor. A Google search will find lots of YouTube videos, reviews and forum discussions. An Amazon.co.uk search for V1277 found it for £105.99 (MTK6577), though some sellers charge more than £150. I've not seen or tried the V1277 myself, but it generally gets good reviews and the specification is excellent for the price.

Affordable Android Smartphones