The Gransnet guide to buying a mobile phone

Your trusty old Nokia is on its last legs and its uncanny resemblence to your TV's remote control isn't doing much for your image either. So, it's time you faced your fears and delve into the world of modern mobile phones. But where on earth do you start? You know what a smartphone is, but do you really need one? And what about choosing a network, or a contract and what's all the fuss about apps? We've rounded up gransnetters' top tips about buying a mobile phone, so whether you're a mobile virgin or just after an upgrade, we've got some great advice to help you make the right decision. 

The handset: to smartphone or not to smartphone?

"If you want to sit in cafes, check Gransnet and your Facebook page, look something up on Wikipedia, check your bank account, or email your friends, you need a smart phone."  janeainsworth

"Try to get one which is close to the one you have been using as trying to find your way around one you don't know very well can be frustrating. Mine has a smart screen but also buttons to text so that it doesn't get thrown through a window." rubylady

"It's really down to how much you want to use your phone for things other than calls and texts. I like being able to take photos with my phone - not just people, but sometimes items in shops, to remind me of them! Good idea to try out your friends' ones." Nanabelle

The tariff: should I pay as I go or have a contract?

"Perhaps you could do 'Pay As You Go' for 3 months or so and see how much that is costing you in top-ups, rather than getting stuck with a contract that is more than you need." Icyalittle

"It depends on what your usage would be. If you do use it a lot for phone calls and texts then pay as you go credit would soon be eaten up. On a contract you could get a package that gives you enough minutes and texts for what you would comfortably use." rubylady

"I kept my iPhone when the contract for 2 years at £26 a month was fulfilled and now I get the same amount of texts, calls and data for £9 a month on a contract." whenim64

Networks: how do I choose one?

"Ask around, do you like what they've got? What sort of signal would you get at home from different service providers?" Icyalittle

"Have fun browsing the phones section in the supermarkets - I found them less "threatening" than the phone shops!" Nanabelle

"My local Tesco was very helpful and recommended a Motorola smartphone. I'm very happy with it." Anya

"I used a price comparison site and also check if any of the cash back sites were offering any money back on phone contracts.The sites are really user friendly...I found some fantastic deals and am now the owner of a very swish iphone 5 plus I got £65 cash back just for signing up!" neena 

"I have always been with O2 and had excellent service and coverage." Coolgran65

 Apps: huh? Do I need these too?

"Often apps are simply instant links to websites, for example if you have the National Trust app you just press it and instantly you are on their website instead of having to type in the web address in the browser." janeainsworth

"Apps can be pedometers and health checkers, GPS and maps, places to store and use your tickets and boarding passes, near field payment systems, multi-lingual dictionaries and encyclopedias, first aid manuals, baby monitors and loads of others. They are often free, and rarely cost more than a pound." Icyalittle

"You can send photos/ messages for free with Whatsapp, a free app to download." Nanabelle

Got a top tip or question about how to choose a mobile phone? Join in the discussion here.
 

Image: Shutterstock