ZTE's Tania Windows Phone is getting its UK launch today, aiming to take a slice out of the budget smartphone market with a simple design, minimal specs, and a potentially appealing price. When I say minimal specs, I mean a 1GHz Snapdragon SoC (MSM8255), 4GB of internal storage, 512MB of RAM, and a basic 5-megapixel camera with autofocus. The 4.3-inch display is a standard LCD that does an acceptable job of color reproduction but its blacks are grey and the viewing angles leave plenty to be desired. Web rendering suffers from aliasing and the battery is a frugal 1,400mAh unit.

On the plus side, the Tania's physical design gives little cause for complaint. It feels good in the hand, exhibits no flex, and features machined metal buttons for the camera key, volume rocker and power button. It also comes with Windows Phone 7.5 preloaded, so you're getting the best of the OS today and, given Microsoft's good track record with updates, probably tomorrow. ZTE is planning to launch the Tania in the UK during Q1 at on-contract prices of £10 to £20 per month, though it wouldn't be drawn on disclosing a prepaid or unlocked price for the handset.