Orange outs budget Android 2.1 handset

Orange has launched what it says will be the "first in a series" of low-cost Android smartphones.

Dubbed San Francisco, the £99 pay-as-you-go handset runs Android 2.1 and packs in a 3Mp camera, GPS, Wi-Fi, an FM radio and HSDPA 3G connectivity.

You don't get much on-board storage for your money - just 150MB - but you do get a 2GB Micro SD card in the box.

Orange claimed the San Fran can provide up to four hours of talk time, or run for nine days in stand-by mode.

The 116 x 57 x 12mm, 130g smartphone goes on sale later this week. ®