Best budget Android phone to use in UK for tethering/wifi hotspot

[01steven]

I am going to be in the UK for a few weeks in August, and want to buy an Android phone to use while I'm there.
I plan on using the giffgaff network. They have great plans featuring unlimited data.
Unlimited Internet With giffgaff goodybags | giffgaff.com
I need to be able to unlock the phone to run on this network (if not already unlocked).

I don't mind buying a used phone from ebay or craigslist if necessary.

The key feature is that I want to use the phone as a personal wifi hotspot.
Is this something all Android phones can do?
Or does it have to be running one of the latest versions of Android?

Any great deals out there right now?
Maybe for an older phone which I can upgrade to a newer Android version?

All recommendations gratefully accepted!

 

[yodatom10]

Re: Best budget Android phone to use in UK for tethering/wifi hot

I am going to be in the UK for a few weeks in August, and want to buy an Android phone to use while I'm there.
I plan on using the giffgaff network. They have great plans featuring unlimited data.
Unlimited Internet With giffgaff goodybags | giffgaff.com
I need to be able to unlock the phone to run on this network (if not already unlocked).

I don't mind buying a used phone from ebay or craigslist if necessary.

The key feature is that I want to use the phone as a personal wifi hotspot.
Is this something all Android phones can do?
Or does it have to be running one of the latest versions of Android?

Any great deals out there right now?
Maybe for an older phone which I can upgrade to a newer Android version?

All recommendations gratefully accepted!

all the recent phones can do this. the desire hd might be a good option

 

[01steven]

Re: Best budget Android phone to use in UK for tethering/wifi hot

I should add that I'm looking to buy a handset only - not to get in on a US service plan so want some advice about that! Thanks

 

[Moscow Desire]

Re: Best budget Android phone to use in UK for tethering/wifi hot

You should be able to buy a used ph off e-bay. As the previous poster said, most recent android phones are capable of WiFi hotspot. Just look to see if it's unlocked. If not, there are some cheap sites that will give you the unlock code, if you look hard enough, you'll find some free sites.

This allows you to use a "Pay as you go" Sim card, to avoid contracts. I haven't had a contract in the past 8 yrs.

Personally, I'd use an HTC phone, as it should operate on both US and European frequencies. An HTC Desire would be a good choice, or the HD.