WileyFox Spark review

WileyFox Swift

A year older and slightly more expensive, the Swift may not seem like obvious competition for the Spark – but if you're considering a low-cost WileyFox device, this is by far the better option to go for.

Firstly the Swift boasts 2GB of RAM, which means Android actually runs properly, rather than feeling like you're wading through treacle. At £129 it's not that much more expensive either, but you'll be glad you spent the extra £40.

There's an impressive (for the price) 13MP snapper slapped on the rear, while it also boasts a similar solid design and HD screen to the Spark. It too runs the latest version of Android (Marshmallow) which is topped off with Cyanogen OS.

• Read our WileyFox Swift review

Motorola Moto E (2015)

The dinky Motorola Moto E is now astonishingly good value – it's available SIM-free for just £69 – and while it may be getting on a bit it still gives the WileyFox Spark a run for its money.

There's a similar power conundrum in play here, with a Qualcommm Snapdragon 200 processor linked with just 1GB of RAM, but somehow the Moto E makes far better use of its meagre engine.

You don't get a HD display, and the rear camera is only 5MP – but if you just want a low-cost Android handset for the basics the Moto E provides just about all you need, and performs better than the Spark.

• Read our Moto E (2015) review

Vodafone Smart Prime 7

Another handset which opts for 1GB of RAM and a low price tag is the Smart Prime 7, and again it puts in a better performance than the WileyFox Spark.

It's cheaper too, at £75, but you are locked to Vodafone's network, and you'll have to deal with a few bloatware apps that come pre-installed and can't be removed.

If you can look past that, though, you'll have in your hand a 5-inch HD display, 8MP rear camera, 5MP front snapper and Android Marshmallow. It has NFC too, a feature the Spark is lacking.

• Read our Vodafone Smart Prime 7 review

Motorola Moto G4

If you can stretch your budget to £169 – which is almost double the price of the WileyFox Spark – the Motorola Moto G4 will give you a fantastic experience for still not a lot of money.

You get a big 5.5-inch full HD display, a 13MP rear camera, a punchy processor and 2GB of RAM, and an almost-stock version of Android Marshmallow.

It may not be as 'budget' as the Spark, but if you need your smartphone to perform but don't want to break the bank, it's certainly worth spending the extra cash on the Moto G4.

• Read our Moto G4 review