Don't have one, don't need one, don't really want one

I chose my smartphone based on screensize! 6 inch screen minimum for me I also use it for reading kindle books, and as the phone is always in my pocket I can take it out any time I have a spare moment and read. NB I actually choose my clothes to have large pockets.

I've had one since the mid 90's (small brick size). Work ended at 11 PM & always drove interstate home. After carload of idiots for some unknown reason tried to drive me off of highway (semi-truck driver intervened, God love him!), my Hubby bought me one.

It was originally for emergency calls, but I still only use as a phone. For security reasons, I only use my home computer for banking, email, bill payments, et al.

I originally got one years and years ago when I realized that if I broke down how could I call the RAC. Now I would not be without my phone.... It isn't just a phone is it...the list is endless of the things it does. Did you know that there is actually more technology in my phone than it took to put man on the moon?

Problem is they are taking away your freedom of choice if they don't give alternatives to using a smart phone/ app.
Each to their own but I still prefer to have a talk to someone, much needed during lockdowns as I am on my own.
Sometimes when I receive texts I can't work out what it means as they use all the abbreviations - so the art of spelling goes too.

It is obviously up to individual choice whether to have a mobile/smartphone or not. I couldn’t manage without mine now It makes life easier in so many ways, plus there are many things in modern life for which it has become necessary. Mine is synched with my iPad and provides me with much easier and simpler ways to keep track of essentials in my life from browsing for a new jacket to wear to my niece’s wedding, keeping account of direct debits from my bank, tracking my electricity usage or date/time of next doctors appointment and so much more! For an inherently physically lazy person like myself who nevertheless likes to be organised, it is an absolute godsend! (Speaking of that, my local church does online services too!).

I’ve had a mobile phone since 1994, so a loooong time. I don’t work now but use it to keep in touch with friends. I also run a group on FB so use it for that too.

But the older I’m getting, I find myself using it less than ever. I often have ‘phone free’ days which are lovely and peaceful.

And I’m finding that when I’m looking for holiday destinations in the U.K, I’m actually looking for places that have little or no signal.

Last May, I spent a week near Usk in Wales. No signal - no phone - no emails… just beautiful sunny days, sitting in the garden, lounging in the hot tub and enjoying reading and doing a huge jigsaw puzzle

It was bliss!

And I now hear the world is round.

Ok let me preface this by saying I wouldn't be without a smart phone .
Just a few days ago my husband had a fairly major incident and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. We had his car, I had never driven, I was about 45 mins from home, I didn't know how my husband was .
I sat in the car , sent a WhatsApp to my son and asked him to call me.
I just waited for him to be available, he was about five mins later. I burst into tears and told him all what had happened. Very grateful that I could immediately contact him post the situation.
When my parents were alive ...the mobile was never on mute
Nowadays my phone is permanently on mute with the exception of ten phone numbers . WhatsApp buzzes and I mute those except my son overnight
I play Scrabble when on the bus. If I just want to listen to a book I can , I can read a book. Look up the next bus and so on .
Even my parents had smart phones. Dad was very deaf but love to send his grandson photos and SMS . He even had an Instagram account lol
I have a laptop for projects and suclike. I have a few tablets for watching tv, a Kindle a Kobo and my phone.
Ohhhh I also control our blinds and lights via the phone.

I said exactly the same thing about an iPad !
10 years ago
Can tell you how much I use it now
For news information communication social media recipes appointments all sorts
(Especially useful during lockdown for zooms)

If your OH has a phone for emergency calls I can thoroughly recommend an iPad ? Xx

I am concerned at the number of people who seem to spend all their free time gazing at the small screen. I find much better things to do with my time.

Why be concerned that everyone else is getting on with their lives and adapting to change more easily than you appear to be?

I imagine that if you live sheltered housing then you might not be interested in what’s going on outside of your little bubble. However, even my mum who would be in her late-nineties by now, loved keeping up with the latest technology. Mind you, she was a WAAF and worked for Bomber Command, so she wasn’t afraid of being viewed as an intelligent woman. ??‍♀️

I have had a simple mobile phone (calls+ texts) for years and now I would like to upgrade and buy a smartphone.
I'm looking for one that's basic and easy to use, but would prefer not to choose an iPhone

Thank you for any advice on the features I should look out for..I already know the screen must be large enough..batteries should be long-lasting...
What else???

You’re right to feel miffed. Could you use speech activation on a smartphone as most have that facility?

Try texting when you have arthritic hands! My sons receive some strange comments.

I have a smart phone and use it when necessary but reiterate that not all but many people miss out on things because they are constantly looking at a small screen. Sit in a park and people watch, lovely trees, flowers and scenery but the majority of people passing me are using their phone. This is true I did it this morning.

It’s up to you if you have a mobile phone. Personally I wouldn’t be without mine - I use it as a calendar so if I lose it I lose everything I also use it to make payments when I’m out and about.
We are all different so it’s entirely up to you. X

I was out walking with a friend and she had a heart attack…we were 2 miles from a phone. I used my mobile… she’s alive! What a feeling of satisfaction this has given me! Enough said!?

BlueBelle

I agree with you. It is personal choice but I am like you in this regard. I am listening to my Audible book while writing this. My books are on my phone so I can listen everywhere!

A subject is always worth discussing whether it is a matter of personal choice or not. It is always interesting to see things from someone elses perspective and often educational and shines a new light on what might be one's own very limited view.

I don't have one. I don't need one .I have managed 81 years without one and will continue to not need one.

I think this is it, it’s not just a phone it’s a mini computer. I wouldn’t be without mine.

I find it very useful for all sorts of things. Fewer and fewer people have a landline these days, although I do. I find texts and emails especially useful as well as apps. I have store cards as apps on my phone and it is so much easier than foraging around in a bulging purse. The one thing, ironically, that l find tricky on a phone is talking on it as l find it difficult to hear. However that problem will soon be solved as on June 15th l take possession of two brand new all-singing, all-dancing hearing aids complete with Bluetooth so that l can hear when speaking on the phone.

I have just discovered my phone has been tracking all my movements for the last 5 years! They are also asking me to rate the places I have been although one or 2 of them are places I have never been. It must be easy to catch criminals now. They even have photos taken inside a small shop I visit!

@Galaxy, I have a Samsung android smart phone and find it excellent. I am probably due an upgrade but while it is working well l am happy with it. I have an iPad tablet though.

My mobile phone is for when BT for what whenever decide they are having line problems cease to function.and I find as far as my service is concerned do NOT exist.
They soon got the message when finding what it was costing them in compensation.

My Mum (in her nineties) never wanted a mobile phone but when she was admitted into hospital last year it would have been invaluable. We weren’t allowed to visit because of Covid restrictions so had no contact with her for over a month. My biggest regret was that we didn’t encourage her to use a mobile before hand!

I meant my second message for DaisyHelen. My smartphone is a Samsung Galaxy. Thought wires crossing…