We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
Help buying a smartphone
Hi
I need to buy a sim free smartphone but have never bought one before so not sure what I need to consider. I imagine I will be using it to check yahoo emails, internet banking, facebook and watch things on YouTube mostly. Plus calls and Whatsapp and text messages. I would also like to get a case for my new phone to protect it.
My budget is max around £150. I have been told that getting one that can use an esim is good as I do travel abroad occasionally. I think that my current sim is a "normal" one, not a nano one, but to be honest I don't know how to check. I have in the past used a smartphone and plugged my headphones into it - mentioning as I rarely see anybody do that nowdays.
As you can probably tell, my knowledge of these things is very limited so any help appreciated.
Comments
-
If you travel a fair bit then getting a dual SIM phone could be useful. You could use an eSIM at home then a physical SIM when travelling or vice versa.
You could start by reading through this -
Cases are found everywhere and vary enormously in price.
There aren't that many modern smartphones with headphone sockets.
Things that are different: draw & drawer, brought & bought, loose & lose, dose & does, payed & paid0 -
If you want to use wired headphones they'll go into the charger socket, and you can buy an adaptor for this - charging and wired listening is also possible if you have the right adapter.
Otherwise you'll need Bluetooth headphones.
The key question really is do you want apple (iPhone) or android?
0 -
Android I think. Iphones sound expensive and don't they break after a few years?
Are bluetooth headphones expensive? Trying to factor into my overall budget. If they are, then the amount I spend on the phone will need to reduce
0 -
Bluetooth headphones - like most things they come in cheap (£10) up to hundreds. Decent pair of in-ear can be had for £25-ish, over-ear somewhere around £40.
But as mentioned above, you can use wired 'phones with an adaptor that costs a couple of £.
0 -
"Iphones sound expensive and don't they break after a few years?"
No they don't break after a few years.
Check out prices of headphone adaptors and bluetooth headphones online.
Things that are different: draw & drawer, brought & bought, loose & lose, dose & does, payed & paid0 -
You can get something like a Samsung Galaxy S21 refurbished for less than £140 which takes a nano SIM & eSIM
Things that are different: draw & drawer, brought & bought, loose & lose, dose & does, payed & paid0 -
and is Considered obselete by Samsung and recives no security updates
0 -
Other phones are available, just an example, but you're correct in pointing out lack of support
The availability of security updates would be a consideration for the OP if using banking apps.
Things that are different: draw & drawer, brought & bought, loose & lose, dose & does, payed & paid0 -
Indeed, whereas a Samsung Galaxy A16 is £99 at Argos and will get android & security updates until 2030.
EDIT: doesn't come with a charger.
1 -
Do many phones come with a charger these days?
No reliance should be placed on the above! Absolutely none, do you hear?0
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 354.6K Banking & Borrowing
- 254.5K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 455.5K Spending & Discounts
- 247.5K Work, Benefits & Business
- 604.3K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 178.5K Life & Family
- 261.8K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards