INQ Mini 3G and Chat 3G: Social butterflies

Going for a cheap phone usually means accepting a hefty dose of rubbish, but INQ managed to wow us last year with its first handset, the INQ1. Although very inexpensive, the INQ1 had an innovative user interface and a bundle of social-media features.

(Credit: INQ Mobile)

So we're brimming with excitement to learn INQ has two more affordable social-media phones in the pipes — and one's bringing the QWERTY! The INQ Mini 3G inherits the INQ1's candybar mantle, while the INQ Chat 3G brings a QWERTY keyboard to the kids.

Both phones have a new Twitter client that INQ says will run in the background so you don't miss a 140-character missive. A Twitter widget will show tweets on the home screen.

The Chat will also support push Gmail, and both phones will sync with doubleTwist, which means you can sync your iTunes music.

They will also have the Facebook, Skype and IM apps we so loved on the INQ1. Neither handset will have Wi-Fi, but they will have HSDPA for speedy downloads over 3G. And, like the INQ1, they can be used for tethering — connect them to your Mac or PC and you can surf over your phone's data connection.

The QWERTY-tastic Chat will have a 3.2-megapixel camera, GPS and 120MB of on-board memory, expandable up to 8GB.

The Mini will have a 2.0-megapixel snapper, and 100MB of on-board memory expandable up to 8GB.

If you don't like the fire-engine red colours shown in this press shot, you'll be happy to know there'll be seven coloured backs to choose from. Both phones should hit the shops before Christmas.