Out of touch with phones, due a renewal, any advice?

spadoosh

Ive had my first android phone for coming 2 years now. Its a Xperia z3 compact. Now i like the functionality and size etc of the phone but there have been issues. 1, its very sensitive to touch, ie i put my phone in my back pocket and my buttocks will often call people or do a factory reset or something. Ive had about 3 of them due to the rear glass cracking, seems like a inherent problem with the phone, something to do with a void between the glass and the components and too much flex. All the breakages have occurred whilst its been in my back pocket, it seems to do well with dropping just doesn't like me bending over.

Currently with vodafone and pay £35 per month. The main thing is to reduce this.

Usage wise im looking at less than 100 mins and texts ~3gb data.

Im thinking i should go sim only and just see how long this phone lasts (a recon'd replacement) but thinking there might be deals about which will not be much more expensive but have a phone that is less likely to break/ring people randomly.

Not sure if the phone is unlocked?!

Any tips/deals or suggestions?

Thanks for your time.

ballyblack

i put my phone in my back pocket and my buttocks will often call people

This problem has an easy fix!

If you put an free app called 'tinycall confirm' this will stop the phone randomly calling someone as it makes you confirm the call every time

Ian011

Don't put your phone in a back pocket. Phones were never meant to be sat on.

indesisiv

spadoosh wrote: »

i put my phone in my back pocket and my buttocks will often call people or do a factory reset or something. Ive had about 3 of them due to the rear glass cracking, seems like a inherent problem with the phone, something to do with a void between the glass and the components and too much flex. All the breakages have occurred whilst its been in my back pocket, it seems to do well with dropping just doesn't like me bending over.

Firstly don't put your phone in your back pocket. Phones really don't appreciate being bent.
Secondly turn on the option (if you have one) to check proximity sensor before turning on the screen.
On my phone the option is called "prevent accidental wakeup" - described as check the proximity sensor prior to waking up the screen.

spadoosh

I dont sit on my phone. Wasnt aware i was expected to carry it around as surely it would be the same placed in a front pocket? Maybe i need a manbag.

I will look into the proximity sensor although initial look, this isnt an obvious function. The app will probably be a better option for me.

Now the problems with my phone are sorted, any suggestions of a sim only deal or a cheaper deal (<£35 per month, ideally less than <£20) for a phone that doesn't have similar problems to the ones ive experienced.

Sambella

There are some good sim only deals out there.

O2 were having a 15% off promotion and you could get 600 mins 3000 texts and 4gb data for the promotion price of £18 ( normal price £23) ( this was a 12 month sim only deal)

These offers end on 14 September

Your current network should unlock your phone for free at contract end.

ballyblack

Tesco SIM only deal, data 3GB, 3000 mins £15

http://shop.tescomobile.com/pay-monthly/sim-only/Tesco+Mobile/simonly/tariff?icid=nav-C2

Sambella

If you want a new phone there are many for around £30 or below on contract for example-

Htc desire 530 on o2 £26.50 for unlimited texts and minutes and 3gb data

I'm not promoting o2 lol it's just that it's my network and I'm familiar with their deals. Other networks may have it cheaper

Look on mobile phones direct or uswitch

My one top tip is if buying a cheaper phone never buy one with only 8gb memory. 16gb or above is always best.

ballyblack

New Moto G4 (will run the latest Android software) with 3GB data £22.50

or you can bring the monthly cost down to £19 by paying £60

http://shop.tescomobile.com/pay-monthly/mobile-phones/motorola/moto+g4?deal=31489

.

Frozen_up_north

I keep my iPhone SE in a rubber edged case and pop it in my shirt pocket. The fashion police might compare me with a janitor (shirt pockets are said to indicate someone who cleans toilets), I don't give a stuff... Keeps my phone handy and the rubber edge stops it falling out if I lean over.

On the second note, don't fall for the "upgrade offers", the networks love to hook you into staying with them for another 2 years :rotfl:

Separate phone and SIM only gives greater flexibility and can work out cheaper.

spadoosh

Thanks for your help, im just looking at mobilephonesdirect! Theyve got the z5 compact on vodafone, unlimited mins and txt, 3gb data for £28p/mth (£23 after cashback redemption). Have a cheaper deal with talkmobile that works out at £20 something but £80 upfront cost. Never heard of talkmobile though?!

Im thinking these two look good, considering sim only is ~£15.

Thing that made me get the z3c was the removable storage and the z5c is the same.