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Help, advice, opinions please
Hello. I’m new to this particular board so please be gentle:)
I have a Sony Ericsson on Orange PAYG, almost 6 years old, ok for my very light use for calls and texts (fewer than 20 minutes & 200 a month) but the camera is rubbish. I’d like a smartphone but am overwhelmed by the choice of phones, contracts etc
I like the look of the iPhone 4S 16GB or the Samsung Galaxy S111/S11 or Note. I would use it to access internet when I’m out & about in UK and occasionally abroad, especially Hongkong when I visit my son in October (I do know about switching off Data Roaming). I don’t use Facebook or Twitter and wouldn’t use iPlayer or watch videos on the phone, but I would occasionally use it for Skype. I would want to use free Wifi wherever possible.
I have read over the last few pages but would still like some help.
Basic question - are these phones worth the additional cost, compared to, say, a Nokia Lumia 710 or HTC Desire C at about 1/3 the price? I can afford the iPhone either outright or on a contract and don’t need to justify to myself ‘upgrading’ after 6 years.
Just so I know I’m on the right lines - if I go with the iPhone, I think the best contract deal for my usage would be through Tesco Phone Shop on O2 £21.50pm x 24 + £99 (total £615 over 2 years) for 100 minutes, 500 texts & 500MB Data
Alternatively, I could buy the phone new from about £425 (on Amazon) then get a Giffgaff SIM & top up with £10pm (max total £665 over 2 years) which would give me 250 minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited Data. I’ve seen references to Ovivo but the Vodaphone signal here via my dongle is poor.
More questions re Giffgaff
Is it really unlimited Data?
I think I’d only need to top up every 3 or 4 months – can I do that?
Can I keep my current mobile number with their SIM?
Apologies for all the questions, and thanks for reading this far – and for any advice you can give :A.
I have a Sony Ericsson on Orange PAYG, almost 6 years old, ok for my very light use for calls and texts (fewer than 20 minutes & 200 a month) but the camera is rubbish. I’d like a smartphone but am overwhelmed by the choice of phones, contracts etc
I like the look of the iPhone 4S 16GB or the Samsung Galaxy S111/S11 or Note. I would use it to access internet when I’m out & about in UK and occasionally abroad, especially Hongkong when I visit my son in October (I do know about switching off Data Roaming). I don’t use Facebook or Twitter and wouldn’t use iPlayer or watch videos on the phone, but I would occasionally use it for Skype. I would want to use free Wifi wherever possible.
I have read over the last few pages but would still like some help.
Basic question - are these phones worth the additional cost, compared to, say, a Nokia Lumia 710 or HTC Desire C at about 1/3 the price? I can afford the iPhone either outright or on a contract and don’t need to justify to myself ‘upgrading’ after 6 years.
Just so I know I’m on the right lines - if I go with the iPhone, I think the best contract deal for my usage would be through Tesco Phone Shop on O2 £21.50pm x 24 + £99 (total £615 over 2 years) for 100 minutes, 500 texts & 500MB Data
Alternatively, I could buy the phone new from about £425 (on Amazon) then get a Giffgaff SIM & top up with £10pm (max total £665 over 2 years) which would give me 250 minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited Data. I’ve seen references to Ovivo but the Vodaphone signal here via my dongle is poor.
More questions re Giffgaff
Is it really unlimited Data?
I think I’d only need to top up every 3 or 4 months – can I do that?
Can I keep my current mobile number with their SIM?
Apologies for all the questions, and thanks for reading this far – and for any advice you can give :A.
0
Comments
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IMO (and not only my) iPhone is the worst value for money. When I say 'value', I mean tangible value, i.e. specifications, not something intangible. Very good android phones are available for about £100. So, you have to decide what you want in terms of the size, camera etc. Also, it is probably worth choosing the OS first, then the phone.Hello. I’m new to this particular board so please be gentle:)
I have a Sony Ericsson on Orange PAYG, almost 6 years old, ok for my very light use for calls and texts (fewer than 20 minutes & 200 a month) but the camera is rubbish. I’d like a smartphone but am overwhelmed by the choice of phones, contracts etc
I like the look of the iPhone 4S 16GB or the Samsung Galaxy S111/S11 or Note. I would use it to access internet when I’m out & about in UK and occasionally abroad, especially Hongkong when I visit my son in October (I do know about switching off Data Roaming). I don’t use Facebook or Twitter and wouldn’t use iPlayer or watch videos on the phone, but I would occasionally use it for Skype. I would want to use free Wifi wherever possible.
I have read over the last few pages but would still like some help.
Basic question - are these phones worth the additional cost, compared to, say, a Nokia Lumia 710 or HTC Desire C at about 1/3 the price? I can afford the iPhone either outright or on a contract and don’t need to justify to myself ‘upgrading’ after 6 years.
Nokia lumia VS Samsung Galaxy S3? - Please Compare them...
Nokia Lumia 710 - £99.95 (+£10 topup) - SIM FREE at CPW instore and online!!
What phone would you buy? Android, iPhone, Windows Phone, Blackberry
There is some Fair Usage Policy, but AFIK it affects only the minority of customers.More questions re Giffgaff
Is it really unlimited Data?
£10 goodybag, that gives unlimited internet, lasts one month.You can top up less frequently, but you have to buy a new goodybag monthly using your balance.I think I’d only need to top up every 3 or 4 months – can I do that?
Can I keep my current mobile number with their SIM?
Yes, you can port your number to giffgaff - like to any other network.0 -
Thanks so much for taking the time to replyIMO (and not only my) iPhone is the worst value for money. When I say 'value', I mean tangible value, i.e. specifications, not something intangible. Very good android phones are available for about £100. So, you have to decide what you want in terms of the size, camera etc. Also, it is probably worth choosing the OS first, then the phone.
OK - so I understand the iPhone isn't the best value and I know not everyone is a fan of Apple. Which? says its the best phone they've ever tested, though they don't include price when they compare
Nokia lumia VS Samsung Galaxy S3? - Please Compare them...
Nokia Lumia 710 - £99.95 (+£10 topup) - SIM FREE at CPW instore and online!!
What phone would you buy? Android, iPhone, Windows Phone, Blackberry
I've read through these but to be honest, they don't help me much. Mostly rival factions ranting/raving about their least/most favourite OS. I don't know what, if any conclusion was reachedThere is some Fair Usage Policy, but AFIK it affects only the minority of customers.
Fine, I'm sure that wouldn't be a problem for me.£10 goodybag, that gives unlimited internet, lasts one month.You can top up less frequently, but you have to buy a new goodybag monthly using your balance.
Sorry, I'm obviously very dim, but I've only ever used PAYG up to now. If I top up with £10 Goody Bag on 1 September, that gives me the 250 minutes, unlimited texts & unlimited data. Does that mean the £10 effectively disappears on 30 September, so if I don't buy another Goody Bag on 1 October, I won't be able to use my phone?Yes, you can port your number to giffgaff - like to any other network.
Thanks - that bit I understand. Though not sure how to do it if I buy an unlocked phone (whichever) and a SIM + Goody bag from Giffgaff.0 -
It can't be reached. That's why before buying an expensive phone it is worth going to a shop and playing with 3 main types....I've read through these but to be honest, they don't help me much. Mostly rival factions ranting/raving about their least/most favourite OS. I don't know what, if any conclusion was reached
Generally, at giffgaff topping up and buying a goodybag are two different steps. If you topup £10 and use all your balance on buying a goodibag, you can use phone for a month provided that you stay within allowances. If the remaining balance is zero, of course you cannot use your phone after the goodybag expires. If you don't buy a goodybag you just pay their standard PAYG rates.Sorry, I'm obviously very dim, but I've only ever used PAYG up to now. If I top up with £10 Goody Bag on 1 September, that gives me the 250 minutes, unlimited texts & unlimited data. Does that mean the £10 effectively disappears on 30 September, so if I don't buy another Goody Bag on 1 October, I won't be able to use my phone?
AFAIK, you can set a 'recurring' goodybag and an automatic topup.
Yes, the phone has to be either unlocked or locked to O2. SIM is free.Though not sure how to do it if I buy an unlocked phone (whichever) and a SIM + Goody bag from Giffgaff.0 -
It can't be reached. That's why before buying an expensive phone it is worth going to a shop and playing with 3 main types.
Generally, at giffgaff topping up and buying a goodybag are two different steps. If you topup £10 and use all your balance on buying a goodibag, you can use phone for a month provided that you stay within allowances. If the remaining balance is zero, of course you cannot use your phone after the goodybag expires. If you don't buy a goodybag you just pay their standard PAYG rates.
AFAIK, you can set a 'recurring' goodybag and an automatic topup.
Yes, the phone has to be either unlocked or locked to O2. SIM is free.
Thanks again. The mists are beginning to clear
I'll do as you suggest and have a play with various phones. 0 -
Thanks again. The mists are beginning to clear I'll do as you suggest and have a play with various phones.
One thing to remember is that with Apple, you have no choice but their expensive Iphones.
With Androids, you could start off buying a cheap Android smartphone to see how you got on. (I would exclude Windows phones at present as Microsoft are launching a completely new version of Windows mobile that is non compatible with Nokia Luminas).
I you got on with the Android, then after 6 months you could get a more expensive Android, such as Samsung Galaxy SIII and keep the cheaper one as a spare. And still be in pocket.
You may also take into account the fact that Apple have just won $1 billion from Samsung for the Galaxy range being close copies of the Iphone. So, in many ways, they are all very similar.0 -
One thing to remember is that with Apple, you have no choice but their expensive Iphones.
With Androids, you could start off buying a cheap Android smartphone to see how you got on. (I would exclude Windows phones at present as Microsoft are launching a completely new version of Windows mobile that is non compatible with Nokia Luminas).
I you got on with the Android, then after 6 months you could get a more expensive Android, such as Samsung Galaxy SIII and keep the cheaper one as a spare. And still be in pocket.
You may also take into account the fact that Apple have just won $1 billion from Samsung for the Galaxy range being close copies of the Iphone. So, in many ways, they are all very similar.
Thanks for the input.
I'm still torn between the iPhone 4S and Galaxy S111. Obviously, having had my current phone almost 6 years, I'm not interested in chasing the latest upgrade as soon as it appears so I'm leaning towards a Sim only deal such as giffgaff.
Happy to be put right 0 -
I have read your thread with interest and you've been given some good advice.
So - as the owner of a Lumia 710 and using Giffgaff - I thought I'd share my experiences.
First, yes DO "have a play" with the phones; I found the Samsung overly-big but it is (as stated earlier in your thread) a personal thing.
I find the Lumia sits VERY nicely in the hand.
Windows (Tango as used in the 710) is a VERY user-friendly operating system, easy to use and very intuitive. For your use though, the desire to use Skype may rule this phone out; no front-facing camera etc. Otherwise it is really good, ESPECIALLY @£100 - friends who have i-phones are very impressed.
Next - Giffgaff.
I've been on this for over a year.
Please, PLEASE see if you can find other uses in your immediate area and ask them how they find Giffgaff (you can use the Giffgaff forums and ask; they're generally very good).
Why?
Because all 5 of us in my family using them have had difficulties with the data connection - no good if you want to use the internet capabilities of any phone. This affects MMS too, if you want to send photo messages.
The data connection where I am, and in other areas too from reading their forums, is very poor - slow; subject to frequent drop-outs and often plain unavailable.
Also, being a "budget" network, they are prone to (be polite here) difficulties. Okay, all networks have occasional problems but - ooohhh!
From difficulties topping up to whole system crashes - well, I have given them over a year but now I'm going to change networks.
So again, before deciding upon Giffgaff please join up & log in to their forums and ask.
It may suit you and be more reliable where you are.
Budget-wise, it is great.
I hope that helps.0 -
My advice would be to wait between 1 and 2 months before making this choice. There is an announcement from Apple coming up that may change your preferences quite soon.
I get the impression based on your initial post and reply later on that realistically you want the best, most popular handset. When looking at all of the phones out at the minute if this had been purely on technical ability the HTC One X would have been up there too. As its not I am guessing this is also about popularity of the phone.
Apple are going to release a new phone at the end of this year (apparently
) so its definately worth waiting that little bit of extra time if you want the newest phone out. Even if it is then the 4S you want or the SIII the likelyhood is that both of these phones will come down in price at the same time so its a win win situation. 0 -
tracey3596 wrote: »I have read your thread with interest and you've been given some good advice.
So - as the owner of a Lumia 710 and using Giffgaff - I thought I'd share my experiences.
First, yes DO "have a play" with the phones; I found the Samsung overly-big but it is (as stated earlier in your thread) a personal thing.
I find the Lumia sits VERY nicely in the hand.
Windows (Tango as used in the 710) is a VERY user-friendly operating system, easy to use and very intuitive. For your use though, the desire to use Skype may rule this phone out; no front-facing camera etc. Otherwise it is really good, ESPECIALLY @£100 - friends who have i-phones are very impressed.
Next - Giffgaff.
I've been on this for over a year.
Please, PLEASE see if you can find other uses in your immediate area and ask them how they find Giffgaff (you can use the Giffgaff forums and ask; they're generally very good).
Why?
Because all 5 of us in my family using them have had difficulties with the data connection - no good if you want to use the internet capabilities of any phone. This affects MMS too, if you want to send photo messages.
The data connection where I am, and in other areas too from reading their forums, is very poor - slow; subject to frequent drop-outs and often plain unavailable.
Also, being a "budget" network, they are prone to (be polite here) difficulties. Okay, all networks have occasional problems but - ooohhh!
From difficulties topping up to whole system crashes - well, I have given them over a year but now I'm going to change networks.
So again, before deciding upon Giffgaff please join up & log in to their forums and ask.
It may suit you and be more reliable where you are.
Budget-wise, it is great.
I hope that helps.
Thanks so much for this. I have indeed been given some good advice - as usual on most of these boards.
I will definitely have a 'play' with various phones. Potentially quite a lot of money at stake and I don't want to waste it! I have very small hands
so the Galaxy S111 might not be the best option.
I have already joined the Giffgaff forum and got some good advice but will definitely ask about other users' experience of the service in my area. I wouldn't have thought of doing that, so thanks again.0 -
My advice would be to wait between 1 and 2 months before making this choice. There is an announcement from Apple coming up that may change your preferences quite soon.
September 21 is a date I've seen mentioned for the iPhone 5.I get the impression based on your initial post and reply later on that realistically you want the best, most popular handset. When looking at all of the phones out at the minute if this had been purely on technical ability the HTC One X would have been up there too. As its not I am guessing this is also about popularity of the phone.
Yes, I want the 'best' that suits my needs, but it doesn't have to be the most popular, as in the one with the highest sales, or the latest 'must have'.There is so much choice though, and so much depends on personal preference/prejudice. I'm just trying to cut through the hype and get others' experience.Apple are going to release a new phone at the end of this year (apparently) so its definately worth waiting that little bit of extra time if you want the newest phone out. Even if it is then the 4S you want or the SIII the likelyhood is that both of these phones will come down in price at the same time so its a win win situation.
As above, September I think. I'm not at all bothered about having the latest upgraded version (still using 6 year old Sony Ericsson), but I agree it would make sense to wait a few weeks as the prices of those I'm considering should fall around then 0
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