HTC Wildfire S or Samsung Galaxy Y or Galaxy Ace or Galaxy mini

[Northernlurker]

These are my (free) options when upgrading. I refuse to pay for a handset. What the heck should I pick?

I want to make calls, text, browse a bit - nothing very high powered.

I have the wildfire and dh has the galaxy mini,both very similar phones but the build quality of the wildfire is far superior,the galaxy mini feels plasticky and cheap.The only operating complaint about the mini,is that it kept dropping wireless until I messed about with the settings on the hub and it needs to be closer to the router whereas the wildfire can pick up the wireless from anywhere in the house.
Cant say much about the other 2,I think the Galaxy y is similar to the mini and I think the Ace has a bigger screen.
There is a website here where you can compare each phon against the other,just type the model in the top bar.
Can you go into a shop and have a play with each type of phone,that may make up your mind for you.

I could go and play but really I just want to get on with it.

Useful site, thanks. I think I'm tending towards the HTC

I agree, out of the three, the HTC will probably be better for you.

But all are very basic phones. You may want to ask how much to upgrade to the HTC Desire S. I know you say you have an aversion to paying for a handset but the difference is usability & speed will be phenomenal.

The Wildfire S has a very small screen which I find hard to read when surfing the web. Two years is a long time to put up with an underpowered phone for.