5 dual-SIM Android smartphones, all priced under 20K

Looking for smartphones that will save you the effort of managing two SIMs? Here are some cool options you can consider.

Carrying more than one phone started out as a trend, but has now become a necessity for most people.

Having more than one number is the need of the hour but until the recent past, there weren't many smartphones that offered the facility of being dual-SIM phones and running a smartphone OS at the same time.

That trend, however, has started to change.

In the following pages, we list five devices that not only offer users dual-SIM capabilities but double up as Android smartphones as well.

1. HTC Desire V

• Display size: 4-inch
• Display type: Capacitive touchscreen
• Internal storage: 4GB
• Expandable storage: MicroSD card up to 32GB
• Front camera: NA
• Rear camera: 5MP
• Processor: 1GHz Cortex A5
• SIM: GSM + GSM
• OS: Android 4.0 ICS
• Battery: 1,650 mAh
• Price: Rs 19,999

The most expensive phone on this list, the HTC Desire V is the first smartphone from HTC's stable to boast of dual-SIM capabilities.

The device runs on Google's Android OC version 4.0 ICS. The phone also has the premium look and feel that we expect from an HTC device.

The battery life on the device may only last for one day but the device has access to the Google Play store giving users access to a plethora of apps and games to run on the device.

The Desire V offers GSM+GSM dual-SIM capability and if you are one who would like a GSM+CDMA combo, you can take a look at the HTC Desire VC. The specifications are the same and the VC is priced at Rs 20,950.

• Display size: 4-inch
• Display type: TFT capacitive touchscreen
• Internal storage: 4GB
• Expandable storage: microSD, up to 32 GB
• Front camera: 0.3
• Rear camera: 5MP
• Processor: 1GHz
• SIM: GSM + GSM
• OS: Android 4.0 ICS
• Battery: 1,500 mAh
• Price: Rs 17,499

The Galaxy S Duos has a form factor and design reminiscent of the Galaxy S III.

It runs on Android 4.0 ICS and is skinned with Samsung's TouchWiz UI. Its specifications are good enough to run all the apps from the app store.

This phone is ideal for anyone who is a part of the Samsung eco system and likes to use Android devices skinned with Samsung's UI.

It offers dual-SIM capabilities of GSM+GSM.

• Display size: 4.3-inch
• Display type: Capacitive touchscreen
• Internal storage: 2.55GB
• Expandable storage: MicroSD card up to 32GB
• Front camera: 1.3MP
• Rear camera: 5MP
• Processor: 1GHz
• SIM: GSM + GSM
• OS: Android 4.0 ICS
• Battery: 1,500 mAh
• Price: Rs 9,790

If you have a budget of Rs 10,000 and are looking to buy a smartphone, pick up the Karbonn A18 with your eyes closed.

It is a very good performer -- stock Android ICS straight out of the box, great battery life and a decent camera too.

Not to mention the IPS display, though it does get scratched easily.

The only down side, and we are nitpicking here, is the plastic body of the rear panel.

To top it off, the device has GSM+GSM dual-SIM capabilities.

• Display size: 4.1-inch
• Display type: TFT capacitive touchscreen
• Internal storage: 149MB
• Expandable storage: microSD, up to 32GB
• Front camera: VGA
• Rear camera: 5MP
• Processor: 1GHz
• SIM: GSM + GSM
• OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
• Battery: 2,000mAh
• Price: Rs 9,999

The Spice Stellar MI 425 has a decent build, good power under the hood, good inbuilt speakers, and to sweeten the deal, it can be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

The interface is a little sluggish thanks to the preloaded skin but that can be replaced to improve the performance.

The screen could have been better and the device is heavier than we'd like, but if Rs 10,000 is your budget, you should definitely consider this just for the OS upgrade and the good build.

Plus, the device boasts of dual-SIM capabilities.

• Display size: 3.5-inch
• Display type: TFT capacitive touchscreen
• Internal storage: 3GB
• Expandable storage: microSD, up to 32 GB
• Front camera: NA
• Rear camera: 5MP
• Processor: 832MHz
• SIM: GSM + GSM
• OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
• Battery: 1,300 mAh
• Price: Rs 11,900

The Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos comes with Android 2.3 and has Samsung's TouchWiz UI skinned over the OS.

The 832 MHz processor is more than enough to run the apps available in the app store though it may seem a little underwhelming considering the other devices on this list.

It has a 5MP camera that is good enough to capture your precious moments.

The battery life on the device is good and will appeal to those looking for a sturdy device.