Advice on a new mobile phone. Getting a new one after 10 years.

I use my Samsung phone with my iPad and iMac (and Windows PC). It's not automatic but not a problem.

I believe that Apple devices are inherently more secure than others and don't like putting too much data into Google's sticky fingers!

I have followed this thread with interest as I have been supporting a friend to get online. My friend is getting used to the iPad and now asking about a basic, cheap mobile phone with a SIM only package. I'm thinking about an older model or a second hand iPhone because it will be more familiar to my friend.

However, we live in a rural area and mobile reception is patchy. In fact, from my friend's house, only one of the big mobile network providers has any signal at all and not all the time. One service that could help is WiFi calling. If there is no mobile phone signal at least my friend could make and receive calls via the home router.

I've hit a snag though, not all phones support WiFi calling nor do all the networks and I'm not sure if WiFi calling is available on a SIM only package (although I don't see why not), something else to research!

So the choice of phone is not always straightforward, coverage and the services required (as well as familiarity with an Apple device in this instance) may also be determining factors.

Chestnut, WhatsApp runs over WiFi or roaming data unless you have it included in your contract.

Another iPhone family here.
All the functions you want, and many more, are available on our phones. They link to our iPad which we prefer to use for internet banking as the screen is larger.
The devices we use are quite straight forward and easily navigated.
Although we’re not familiar with android, one DS is. He doesn’t have an iPad and prefers a Samsung Galaxy. He too enjoys the features you desire.

iPhone every time for the past 14 years. I bought my first one as new then all the others ‘used’ from eBay, always checking on battery capacity. Last one is an iPhone 8 for £150

Still a novice IT person but my DH is now a total convert to iPhones.

I have a Nokia 7.2 running on Android and I love it to bits. Bought earlier this year for approx £180. I have a monthly contract with 3 for £32 per month, unlimited UK calls, data and texts. Cheaper deals are available but I live on my phone so it works for me.

Pittcity

Chestnut

Thanks for the link Pittcity.
Several phones have come up when I search, and some are '5G ready'. I don't know whether this is something we should have or not.

5g is the latest in fast data signals. One up from 4g or 3g that your present phone uses to link the to the internet when you've not got WiFi.
It's only worth getting a 5g ready phone if you pay for a 5g SIM too and you can receive a 5g signal in your area. Check here: 5g.co.uk/coverage/

Well probably not worth it as I only make calls and texts, take photos and use WhatsApp. I rarely use the internet on my phone outside the house (or even inside the house).

Android phones use your Google account to sync with whatever other devices you use. So you can log in to your Google account on a stranger's laptop to access your files.
I expect you can do the same with Apple products (I've never owned one).
So you don't need to have a phone and tablet of the same brand for them to link.

Chestnut

Thanks for the link Pittcity.
Several phones have come up when I search, and some are '5G ready'. I don't know whether this is something we should have or not.

5g is the latest in fast data signals. One up from 4g or 3g that your present phone uses to link the to the internet when you've not got WiFi.
It's only worth getting a 5g ready phone if you pay for a 5g SIM too and you can receive a 5g signal in your area. Check here: 5g.co.uk/coverage/

I am on my 4th Samsung. Had this one for 4 years. Originally on a 24 month contract, then it was mine so now SIM only with BT mobile.

There are cheaper makes but I would have nothing else from years of absolute reliability.

Wouldn't ever want an iPhone. Overprices and overrated (like Apple computers)

Mamie

Um you don't need to buy new iphones for IOS updates Anno. DH has an old SE that is still getting updates after about 6 years. I have the SE 2020 and love it. Does everything I need We have always had Apple for home use though.

You also don’t have to pay a lot of money for iPhone replacement leads. I buy mine in B&M, they work very well.

Um you don't need to buy new iphones for IOS updates Anno. DH has an old SE that is still getting updates after about 6 years. I have the SE 2020 and love it. Does everything I need We have always had Apple for home use though.

Thanks for the link Pittcity.
Several phones have come up when I search, and some are '5G ready'. I don't know whether this is something we should have or not.

My OH has iPhone and is always singing its praises, to the boredom of everyone around. None of our 5 children nor me have followed his advice. I often have to answer it as he seems to have to charge it often - doesn't seem to hold charge as long as my cheap Samsung.
I also don't find it intuitive as I'm used to Android.
Apple are much more expensive too.

I always take advice from Martin Lewis when looking to make a big purchase.

Here is his advice on buying a mobile phone.
"I need a new phone, but I'm not sure what to get" www.moneysavingexpert.com/cheap-mobile-finder/phone-finder/

PS Another plus for Android is that when they update the OS, they do it automatically and you don't need to go out and buy a new phone. The way people queue up to buy the latest i-Phone is ridiculous.

I have an Android Motorola phone, medium price and a sim only contract from Virgin. I've had it for about six years and have, so far, had no problems with it. It takes decent photographs, though the newer models are much fancier. I'll have no hesitation in buying another Motorola if this one gives up on me. My sons and their families all prefer Android phones to Apple and I'd say most of them are pretty tech-savvy.

Casdon

If you’re not tech savvy, it won’t make me popular to say this I’m sure, but Apple is intuitive, iPhones are much easier to get to grips with than android phones. I’ve never know anybody who’s got an iPhone go back to android.

I totally agree I never got on with any of the android phones I had but no problems at all since I’ve had my iPhone..

We both have iPhones, as do both children, always have done. Not the latest models, ours are IPhone 5 SE 2020, mine fits in my back pocket, where it lives. Cheaper chargers and headphones can be bought, not Apple, they work fine. The synchronisation with our iPads is invaluable.

The problem with Apple is that everything you buy to go with your phone e.g. chargers is hugely expensive and once your phone is a few years old they slow it down so you feel you need to replace it.
In my experience a lot of young people here are turning back to android after realising they were being ripped off. My son in the States told me it is happening there too. His next phone won’t be Apple.

I prefer an android phone but can’t recommend any particular one. I have a Samsung. Don’t they all do the basics?

When it comes to sim only I go with whatever deal MoneySavingExpert is currently recommending. At the moment I have 5GB data, unlimited calls and texts within the U.K., plus 100 minutes of International calls for less than £5 per month with Lebara. Offers change but I would expect most gransnetters would find those allowances enough for them if they have broadband at home. If you need less than 5GB then they have an offer of 300min calls, unlimited texts and 1GB data at £1.99 a month for the first six months then £3.90 per month thereafter. It auto renews every month so that is the maximum time you are tied to.

Visgir1

I too have an Oppo..always had Sumsung advise to look at Oppo did some digging and now after 2 years with one, wouldn't swop it.

BTW, I work with lots of young people, all have dumped Apple and gone to Android.

That’s interesting VisGirl, my experience has been opposite, even my son who’s very tech savvy, (age 25) and swore by his Samsung has converted to Apple now and says he’d never change back. It’s horses for courses I guess - but even the most devoted Android user would have to admit that Apple is more intuitive for those who aren’t good with technology, it’s how they have built their business model.

I have a Samsung Galaxy A32 phone. It is a mid priced phone and very easy to navigate. I bought the Samsung because I use a Samsung Galaxy tablet and everything links well.
My son bought an Oppo phone, he likes it but it has one negative for him, it's a bit big to comfortably fit in his pockets.

Oppo here too - no problems.

iPhone every time. It links up with your iPad too.

I too have an Oppo..always had Sumsung advise to look at Oppo did some digging and now after 2 years with one, wouldn't swop it.

BTW, I work with lots of young people, all have dumped Apple and gone to Android.