Smart phone advice

fox_warrior

I looking at getting a smart phone. I've been more than happy with my dumb phone for many years but it's time for me get up to date. I'd welcome any advice / opinions, on handsets, operating systems, (Android, iOS, Windows 10 mobile etc), networks, where to buy and any info you think will be of help. I'm ok paying around £150 for the handset and £10 ish a month top up.

Browntoa

£150 gets you a Moto G


https://www.johnlewis.com/moto-g5-smartphone-android-5-4g-lte-sim-free-16gb/p3167742


Android is user friendly unlike IOs

AndyPK

A smart phone will need data 3G/4G when out of the house to run its apps.

Therefore rather than PAYG top ups, you are much better off paying ~£6 per month to get "SIM ONLY"
For this you will get an allowance per month.

Say 200 minutes
lots of texts
500MB data.

These are much better value than top ups.
The only problem is when you exceed your calls allowance, calls can be expensive at 40p?. Premium calls are still charged.

Many suppliers do "Sim only"
e.g virgin, and plusnet

Some do 30 day rolling contract, some are 12 months.

[Deleted User]

Browntoa wrote: »

£150 gets you a Moto G


https://www.johnlewis.com/moto-g5-smartphone-android-5-4g-lte-sim-free-16gb/p3167742


Android is user friendly unlike IOs

Yep, I'd go for that myself (I have a Vodafone SU6 so I'm not biased in favour of the Moto).

As for network that's entirely what's best for reception in the OP's location first and foremost and then go from there.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/cheap-sim-only-contracts?_ga=2.242922370.1293946864.1501225893-2022991448.1501225893 is a good place to start.

Don't forget if you're with Sky, BT, Plusnet and Virgin(?) at least you get benefits on the mobile deals.

You can of course take your existing sim with you if it suits.

ballyblack

I would avoid the Windows Mobile.

Support is being discontinued end of the year.

Another vote for the Android Motorola Moto range

bob_a_builder

I would avoid the Windows Mobile.

At all costs ...

Unlike the NYPD - LINK


Agree about Moto G phones - we have a couple in the household

and the Three 1-2-3 plan top-ups suit us fine

pmduk

I'd suggest you start with a 30 day SIMO until you know what your monthly usage is likely to be. This gives you scope to adapt to best meet your needs.

Susan1942

I suspect like me you are an older user. I changed to smart phone 4 years ago and I love it. I could not justify spending money on say an iPhone
I have the Motorola 3rd Generation and am going to change to Motorola G or G plus John Lewis is a great company to deal with for anything TV Food processor vacuum cleaner Extra year guarantee plus price match
I need more data. I am sure you will love your new phone

fox_warrior

Thanks for all your posts. They have been very helpful. I'm most likely going to get a Huawei P8 Lite (2017) and as suggested use my PAYG until I establish my usage. I looked at the Moto G but there are quite a few bad reviews.

DCFC79

fox_warrior wrote: »

Thanks for all your posts. They have been very helpful. I'm most likely going to get a Huawei P8 Lite (2017) and as suggested use my PAYG until I establish my usage. I looked at the Moto G but there are quite a few bad reviews.

A good choice for your first smart phone.

Where would you get 1 from ?

Buy using a credit card if you can although not essential.

Frozen_up_north

Be careful over usage of data with a smart phone, they can suck 500MB of data in just one bunch of app updates. Those contracts with small amounts of data are barely adequate if you are away from home (and free local) WiFi much. The "smart" part of smart phone is to be able to use data while out and about.

There are some good deals on SIM only, you are taking the best approach and won't be tied to a phone + SIM package that usually lasts 2 years.

Giving it a try with PAYG first is very sensible.