Definately the Lumia 610.
Firstly, it is one of the most beautiful budget phones available right now. Many even classify it as a premium phone for a budget price.
Secondly, the WP7.8 gives it an even better look. WP7.8 will also get support from MS for the next 1.5 years so the time to buy any WP7.8 is now.
Third, Windows Phone is not like Apple's iOS (but perhaps you like the iOS look so maybe this won't count for you).
Fourth, WP7 has over 120,000 apps now.
Fifth, Lumia 610 is not a bottom of the barrel phone like other Android phones at the same price point. It has Gorrilla Glass making the screen very tough. If you are going for budget, you will definately need a tough screen. Other WP7 phones like the Lumia 510 and 505 (already on sale in some countries) are lower priced and spec'ed making the 610 not such a cheap phone after all.
Sixth, Nokia's GPS ('Drive' and 'Maps') is actually better than my real GPS. I am giving away my GPS now and buying a phone craddle. The best thing, better than how exceptionally good the maps are, is the fact that after you download the 82MB South Africa map on to your phone via WiFi (unsually free and freely accessible at good malls) you don't been to go online for navigation, unlike Android and iOS maps, which you can only navigate with if you have an Internet connection.
Those are my reasons.
You should be able to get it for R2,000. If you are lucky, you might get it with headphones too or some other Nokia (or Nokia related) accessory. Try CNA for a good Lumia 610 cash price. They usually give something extra.
