Vodafone takes on EE with low-end 4G devices

Manufacturer targets lower-end of market with new 4G devices

Vodafone has  followed EE by launching two own brand 4G-ready smartphones priced at the lower-end of the market.

The manufacturer claims that Smart 4 power and the Smart 4 turbo will support download speeds of up to 150Mbps. They are priced at €169 (£134) and €99 (£79) respectively. No UK pricing details have been made available despite Mobile News requests.

The Smart 4 power comes equipped with a 1.3GHz quad-core processor, a five-inch display, a 5MP rear camera and front-facing camera and a 3000mAh battery. It runs on the latest version of Android, KitKat 4.4, has 1GB RAM, 4GB internal memory and the capability to extend that externally to 32GB.

The Smart 4 turbo comes with the same specifications but with a slightly smaller 4.5-inch screen and a 1880mAH battery.

4G was a premium service when it launched in the UK in 2012 but lower-end handsets are becoming increasingly available. EE launched its own brand Kestrel handset available SIM-free for £99 earlier this year. It has a 4.5-inch display, 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 8GB of internal memory and a 5MP camera.

Both handsets are available in black and white will launch this summer.