Mobile Info for newbie.

omeyas

I've have a very basic, old mobile on PAYG and looking to upgrade to something more modern. I'd prefer to buy an unlocked phone and continue with PAYG or one of the monthly SIM only plans. Thinking about maybe Galaxy S4/5 or similar, so some basic questions. For medium to light internet usage, what amount would be acceptable, 1Gb, 2GB? Any suggestions as to best monthly tariffs, I have looked at giffgaff, 3 etc, but for a numpty it's all a bit confusing. General consensus of opinion seems to be that 4G is hardly worth paying for? Any suggestions welcomed, best deals, best places to buy etc.

Many thanks

grumbler

omeyas wrote: »

For medium to light internet usage, what amount would be acceptable, 1Gb, 2GB?

I think medium is 500Mb+ with correct settings and using WiFi for all updates, streaming and downloading.

Any suggestions as to best monthly tariffs, I have looked at giffgaff, 3 etc, but for a numpty it's all a bit confusing.

Do your maths based on your needs. If it's '3', start with 3-2-1 PAYG. Use apps to calculate your actual usage.

Any suggestions welcomed, best deals, best places to buy etc.

Search HUKD.

corf999

I cant help but suggest looking at the Moto G's - They really are excellent value for money.

Available on a cheap contract or £100-£150 on Payg or sim free

As above Three's 3-2-1 PAYG tariff is excellent value for a low user.

grumbler

For a person who "has a very basic, old mobile" it's worth clarifying, the Moto G, while being good value for money, doesn't have a micro SD slot and has a non-removable battery. Moto G 4G has the slot, but the battery is still non-removable.

jenniewb

I'd opt for something a bit less powerful if it's your first smartphone handset. It may seem like their easy to use but if it's not something your used to using you may just end up feeling put off using it or with a strong headache after trying to work out what is what.


There are quite a lot of mid-range handsets, they would be a lot more affordable and you could use them to train yourself up in using them for a year or so and then work your way up to something else.
I did things this way and feel a lot more confident in using my handset and fixing most of the errors I get rather than having to contact the head office all the time. I don't regret doing things that way, I know that despite being able to read up on things if I'd had a far more powerful handset or even my current handset as my first smartphone I'd have spent far longer trying to work it out and then being worried about things like data use as things like apps can update themselves unless you know how to turn them off or turn their data off.


I'd also suggest having a look around at different phones and seeing what is easier to carry around and use, how easy it is to hold your handset can have a greater impact than you think it will.

grumbler

jenniewb wrote: »

I'd opt for something a bit less powerful if it's your first smartphone handset.

I don't see how less powerful (= more sluggish) phone/computer can be better as the OS/software remains the same.

Rusty!

The OS is the same, but Samsung bloat it up good whereas Moto leave it clean.

Whizzing round the OS, a Moto G will feel faster than a Galaxy S5. Games are a different matter though.