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Smartphone virgin - what do I want?

6 replies

Spocksmum · 09/10/2014 20:21

OK - so I admit it. I've never had a smartphone and only recently got a PAYG basic calls/texts only cheap mobile. Otherwise use landline and emails.

Main reason I'm thinking of getting a smartphone is to have emergency back-up internet for emails when our internet connection goes down. But once I have one, I might also want to browse the internet a bit when on the go. Not someone who makes many calls or sends texts and could easily use my PAYG mobile for that.

So: do I 'need' a smartphone? What would you get if you were starting out?

I'm a VirginMedia customer with the usual package and am wondering if it makes sense to get one of their phones, as part of a deal? But is that a good idea? Should I get a PAYG smartphone, if I don't use one much or would any internet browsing cost tons before I know it?

Finally, I haven't got a clue about apps - why I'd need any...or any other functions that smatphones do. But clearly many people can't be without their smartphone nowadays. What am I missing? Am I missing anything if I've lived so long without one?

Feedback welcome!

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Spocksmum · 10/10/2014 19:09

Bump.... Maybe someone could recommend a website where I can do a tick box exercise to find out which smartphone or other device would be best for me - or has anyone any opinions please?

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NotMrsTumble · 10/10/2014 19:16

I think there's a phone finder on money saving expert, I knew which phone I wanted, so restricted the search to that model to find the deal that suited my needs, but I think you can just do a general search, and there's lots of good advice there re payg vs contract.

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WeAllHaveWings · 11/10/2014 18:27

Watching with interest as want to lose my Smartphone virginity too this Xmas. I also don't use my (7 year old) phone much.

Considering a Moto E for me and a Samsung Galaxy Young 2 for ds as his first Smartphone.

The Moto E gets good reviews as a basic entry phone, but fixed camera makes me consider the Moto G instead, but its a bit bigger and I am used to a small phone.....too many choices out there.

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Spocksmum · 12/10/2014 07:49

Thanks, NotMrsTumble. I'm still a bit in the dark about what I need/want.

It would be really helpful if any veterans of different types of smartphone could share their experience maybe? Why do you think your phone is better than a different choice? What do I need to consider etc.

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eleflump · 12/10/2014 19:02

Hi Spocksmum - if you are a light user, it might be more cost-effective to have a sim-only contract and to buy the phone outright.

For example. I think Virgin have a decent rolling contract for about £7 per month.

Phone-wise, I am a fan of the Nokia Lumia phones - they are easy to use. I have had a Lumia 820 on a contract for the last couple of years, and am just about to get a Lumia 735 - you can get this for £129 at Carphone Warehouse at the moment on a PAYG upgrade. The cheapest contract I have found for it is Talkmobile at £13 per month.

I use mine for surfing the internet, sat nav when I am out in the car, online banking, weather and news apps and a few games for the kids.

Hope this helps a bit!

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ChippingInLatteLover · 12/10/2014 19:06

The Moto G is miles better then the Moto E. I know it's a big bigger but the E only has a really small amount of storage.

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