At a time where phone networks in the UK are fighting over 4G spectrum, it's easy to forget that not everyone is willing, or able, to spend £40 a month on a fast mobile phone - just ask those public sector workers who are striking over pensions today.

With this in mind, it shouldn't come as a surprise that O2 is attempting to broaden its smartphone lineup by adding Huawei's Ascend Y100 into the mix.

The device is a far cry from the phones that are normally advertised by the network; if you visit O2's home page you'll be greeted by high-end Android phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S III, alongside the iPhone and Windows Phones, too.

With the price of the Y100 set at £80 on pay-as-you-go, or £10 a month with no cost for the phone, you should set your expectations accordingly - you aren't going to get a phone capable of competing with the Galaxy S III, but you will get Android 2.3 and a 2.8-inch touchscreen to play around with. Huawei has also said that the phone will have full access to the Google Play Store, so you will be able to get your Angry Birds fix just like everyone else.

As the contract is so cheap, I wouldn't expect a big data allowance on the Y100 - especially when you consider the meager allowance that you get with the best phones on the market - but you should be good if you just want to check Twitter and emails on the go.

If you're in the market for a cheap Android device, you'll be able to pick up a Huawei Y100 at an O2 store from June 1st. Or you could just save up a little longer and get that Galaxy S III that you're craving, your call!

Via: Cnet UK