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Original poster

Mobile phone for the clueless

17 replies

MikeUniformMike · 27/03/2019 18:55

My mobile phone is quite basic and I think I should get a better phone.
How do I go about it. I don't want to spend much, I'm not bothered about internet access, but I want texts and phone calls and a camera (about 6Megapixels would do).
I don't know anything and am a bit scared of going into a shop as I might look stupid.
Could I get a second hand phone? What would I need to be aware of? Anything I should avoid? Would I be better off going to a shop.
Would I be able to use the SIM I have and/or keep the same number?
If I get a smart phone would I need a different deal from my network? I think there is data included.

Sorry I am so clueless. Any advice please?

OP posts:
GeorgeTheBleeder · 27/03/2019 19:03

There was a scary article somewhere recently about how the new aristocracy can be identified by their freedom from screens and devices. I guess you must be one of them.

not bothered about internet access Shock

I do all my MN-ing from my phone.

I'm not sure I can be of any use - I've been hooked up to iPhones for ten years ...

Original poster
MikeUniformMike · 27/03/2019 19:08

I like the idea of being aristocratic. Sadly I'm just poor.

OP posts:
GeorgeTheBleeder · 27/03/2019 19:31

There's this recent Guardian article on the best phones. Nicely uncomplicated.

I don't know if it's the same with other brands but Apple effectively suck you in by making upgrading to a new phone a seamless process. Actually, is that Apple or the network provider? Either way - I've never paid those headline-grabbing prices up front.

Rockbird · 27/03/2019 19:35

Didn't take long for the anti Apple brigade to come along, even though the OP never mentioned Apple and clearly isn't in the market for a brand new iPhone Hmm

Singlenotsingle · 27/03/2019 19:38

Go into Tesco and ask what phones they have. Mine's a Motorola Android. I pay £18 pm for it. On a 2 year contract and after the 2 years you get free upgrade. Their staff will set it up and tell you all about it.

GeorgeTheBleeder · 27/03/2019 19:42

Whaaat? Hmm

Fairly major misinterpretation there Rockbird. I said in my first post that I've used iphones for ten years! (Which would be weird if I wasn't completely happy with them.) My second post was responding to the OP's second post - I'm far from rich and wouldn't consider buying a phone unless it was on a monthly contract.

I assume other posters will recommend whatever they've found satisfactory too ...

cariadlet · 27/03/2019 19:46

Like another poster, I've also found Tesco friendly and helpful. I got my first phone from there, made it clear that I didn't have a clue and they were great. You can get much cheaper deals than the one posted earlier (on my phones so can't see previous posts) if you are a low data user.

Singlenotsingle · 27/03/2019 19:59

Quite right cariadlet. I don't use a huge amount of data but I go on FB, MN, Rightmove , I browse the daily papers. Otherwise it's probably be nearer £12 pm.

AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 27/03/2019 20:12

Doro are simplified mobile phones - might be worth a look if you're not very techy?

Unihorn · 27/03/2019 20:13

I have a Huawei P9 that I really like, it was £20 a month with 3 new two years ago. I've just swapped over to sim only for £5 a month as I still like my phone. I get 1MB of data and unlimited texts for that, which is plenty as I'm usually on WiFi.

cariadlet · 28/03/2019 03:39

@Unihorn try looking at ID mobile for an even better deal. I bought a new Honor a few months ago and switched to an ID sim only deal.

It's only £3.99 a month. I think it's only 500mb data, but I nearly always use the Internet via WiFi so most of my data rolls over.

Unihorn · 28/03/2019 07:35

Thanks, but I actually got an £8 discount with Three after showing them the deals with ID and BT so I'm happy with the £5.

Original poster
MikeUniformMike · 28/03/2019 17:59

I had a look in Scaryfone Wharehouse today and they said I could use my current sim and suggested a couple of phones. I asked about 2nd hand and they said it was an option but not from them.

OP posts:
bellandbanjo · 28/03/2019 18:17

Places like Cex , granger games and cash generator do second hand phones and always come with a warranty. Nearly all mobile repair shops sell second hand phones with warranty.
I would never recommend buying of places like gumtree and shpock. Last year I bought a iPhone 7 Plus for £330 and turns out it was broke 3 months later it was non useable. The man who sold me it blocked my number🙄

Original poster
MikeUniformMike · 28/03/2019 18:22

I think I'll try Cex. Any suggestions of which handsets are ok? I don't want a Huawei one or iPhone.

OP posts:
Kpo58 · 28/03/2019 18:51

I'd also suggest Tesco mobile and I really like the Motorola phones. You can get contracts (including phone) for under £10 per month.

Before you go, work out how many texts and the amount of calls you are likely to want to use.

Having a small amount of data (500mb) is really useful if you find yourself lost and want to use Google maps, quickly price compare/find more details about something your thinking about buying or even sending a photo to someone about something you've seen.

Kpo58 · 28/03/2019 18:58

Youay not be able to use your current SIM (and you definitely can't if you change phone provider). You can keep your phone number by requesting a PAC code from your old provider and giving it to your new one. It make take a couple of days to transfer.

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