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General => Technical Help => Topic started by: polidor on Saturday 17 February 18 18:04 GMT (UK)
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At the moment i have a Samsung Galaxy Fame, about 5 years old. I use Pay as you go. EE/Orange
I would like to buy one with more options--better camera--bigger keyboard--basically "more bells and whistles" around the £150-200. price. or is that wishful thinking?
I have Googled for advice ?--and am more confused than when i started looking.
Locked and unlocked i can understand but when they start on about 3g/4g and get REALLY technical i am lost ::)
What questions should i ask when shopping for one, always supposing i understand the answers of course!
I use my phone mostly for Whatsapp/texting/photos/ the occasional phonecall!
If anyone has the time and patience to reply i would be grateful. :) poli
p.s --trying to do this on my own without consulting my grownup children just in case they say
" mum, do you really need another one? " and no, i don't, i just want one. ;D poli
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Motorola has been recommended to me for being good quality, but cheaper than Apple/Samsung.
I think this would lead to the G5 range. There's a comparison here
https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=8454&idPhone2=8698&idPhone3=8699 (https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=8454&idPhone2=8698&idPhone3=8699)
And an article here
https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/buyers-guides/motorola/140313-motorola-moto-g5-vs-g5-plus-vs-g5s-vs-g5s-plus-what-are-all-these-moto-phones (https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/buyers-guides/motorola/140313-motorola-moto-g5-vs-g5-plus-vs-g5s-vs-g5s-plus-what-are-all-these-moto-phones)
I guess most phones in this price bracket will have the functionality you use, so it may be a case of deciding what screen size you prefer and looking at reviews of camera and build quality.
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I've got a Motorola, Moto G (3rd Generation), I think they're up to 5th Generation now. It does have a very good camera and like you I use it mainly for texting/Whatsapp and occasional 'phone calls. It does have a couple of anomalies compared to other android 'phones, for instance you can't download your own music to use as a ring tone but that's not a problem unless you really wanted a particular piece of music.
One of my sons and his wife have always had Motorola Moto G 'phones, my son has recently bought himself the latest version.
Which? has an update on mobile 'phones this month, it had 3 best buys, a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 @ £869, a OnePlus 5T @ £449 and a Motorola Moto G5 Plus @ £200. About the Motorola it states "Our cheapest Best Buy has a 5.2 inch display. It's terrific value, with good photos and videos, 11 hours of web browsing from a single charge, and a fingerprint sensor".
I rarely browse the web on my 'phone - I use my laptop for that - and I usually re-charge my 'phone every 2-3 days, more if I've taken photos and videos of course.
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I've just read that at the Mobile World Congress to be held in Spain from 28 Feb to 1 Mar, Motorola will be introducing Moto G6 at a similar price. I was thinking of upgrading to a G5 but I'll wait now for the G6.
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Thanks to bluesofa and LizzieW for replying.
I looked at the 2 articles suggested. Motorola would seem to be a popular choice.
A query----what does a phone that costs £600--800 have/do that one costing £200-300 doesn't ?
The articles probably explained but a bit too technically for me to easily understand. poli
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A query----what does a phone that costs £600--800 have/do that one costing £200-300 doesn't ?
A particular logo?. we all have Motorola handsets of one variety or another.
Really can't fault any of the current mid-range ones.
One thing I would watch out for is that the casing has some "grip" to it. Some of 'em are as slippery as an eel.
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At the moment i have a Samsung Galaxy Fame, about 5 years old. I use Pay as you go. EE/Orange
I would like to buy one with more options--better camera--bigger keyboard--basically "more bells and whistles" around the £150-200. price. or is that wishful thinking?
I replaced my similar vintage Galaxy Fame with a Huawei P10 Lite just before Christmas. I am very happy with it. It seems like a huge step up. Currently available (sim free) at around £180 and probably ticks all your boxes.
Additionally my daughter has also now bought one to replace an iPhone 5 and she is also happy with it.
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We are struggling to find a large mobile phone. Plenty are advertising large buttons, but we want a large phone for someone shortsighted and with poor grip.
Martin
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Thanks also to MagicMirror and Pauline.j
Noticed that a ref. was made to 'sim free'---I have just spent a good while Googling 'sim free' and 'unlocked/locked' and am now getting really confused.
I can vaguely understand the concepts of both these things but cannot truly decide which would suit my needs best?
As I understand--or think I understand sim free phone means you are not tied to a particular provider like EE for example. How would that work if you are PAYG ?
As for locked/unlocked---- well my very old brain is scrambled !! Poli
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It's an unlocked phone that's not tied to a particular provider.
Sim free means you buy the phone without a sim card. You can put your old sim card in it if it is the right size. (If it's the wrong size you have to go into your network phone shop and ask for a "sim swap" - they should be able to do it on the spot)
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Make fone calls?
Take fone calls?
( Take messages if you are too slow to get the fone out of your pocket/handbag )
Take your gloves off first?
Sweep your hair back off your ear before remembering to press green button
Swap hands if you're right-handed and you've got fone in left.
Swap hands if you're left-handed and you've got fone in right.
Swear if your fone is still in pocket/handbag
Review, Return to step 1.
Umm? Forgot you left fone in car/ at home
Walk to public fone box.
Keep walking until you find one or a cab rank to take you back to where your car is parked.
WHAT?
They hung up?
Review call log . . . . .
Hairdresser, kids, dentist, doctor, HIV clinic?,
the person you met Sunday lunch and cannot remember his/her name?
Ummmmmm, what else?
Yup, put fone back into pocket/burberry.
Smile
Smile again
"I wonder who that was?"
;D ;D
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This guide (https://www.clove.co.uk/help-guides/what-does-sim-free-mean (https://www.clove.co.uk/help-guides/what-does-sim-free-mean)) expands on what MagicMirror says.
- SIM free is the sale of a phone without a SIM card
- Locked handsets only work with SIM cards from one particular service provider
However, it suggests that while most SIM free handsets are also unlocked, it may be wise to check.
Below is what I think the manufacturers may argue you purchase with a more expensive phone. I say think as my phone is worth less than 100GBP and my daughter can only point to the logo of her phone.
- Better and more robust build (e.g. tougher gorilla glass, dust-proof, waterproof)
- A better screen (higher pixel density, brighter colours)
- A more beautiful design (obviously this is subjective, screens tend to be larger relative to the size of the phone though)
- Faster/greater connectivity (latest standards, and options such as NFC that allows you to connect to other devices/pay at the shops with your phone, or a Type-C connector that is faster than the more typical USB 2 connectors)
- Better cameras (for taking selfies, or for taking pictures). The faster processor allows the phone to enhance your pictures (for example, it takes three shots instead of one and uses the extras to do things like reduce blur and perfect other elements like focus)
- Extra sensors, such as Iris Scanner, compass, heart rate monitor, barometer
- Wireless Charging
- That faster processor also allows for better video games, or extra functionality (such as the editing videos/photos in messages)
My phone does what I want, so it's really just a better camera that tempts me to upgrade.
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Poli, If you are used to the Samsung why not just get a newer version?
If you are keen to use the phone to take photographs I believe that some of the newer Samsungs have very good cameras. I think the Samsung A7 has a good camera for the price, but you should check with someone who knows. :)
As suggested you may also be able to put your old sim into your new phone, so everything you have on the old phone (addresses, photos, messages - everything) will transfer to the new phone.
You may also find it easier to use a Samsung as at least some of the controls etc will be what you are used to on your old phone. Maybe ask in a physical shop for advice.
I would advise putting your phone in a case of some sort, then the casing being slippery won't be an issue. Some of them are very 'tacky' and non slip. :)
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I used to have Samsung 'phones but they got very expensive, hence the switch to Motorola.
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Martin, take a look at one of the Doro clamshell design handsets. I have a 650, probably long superseded, but it does the basics just fine and you can change the text size.
Jane :-)
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I don't know much about specific phones or providers but the main 3 options seem to me to be:
1. Buy a phone and use Pay-as-you-go cards
2. Buy a phone and take a 'SIM-only' contract with a telecomms provider
3. Take a contract with a telecomms provider that includes a free (or low-price premium) phone.
Depending on how - and how often - you use your phone, one of these options will probably best fit your needs (and budget).
To compare phones, I suggest going to a shop, stating your budget and asking the sales rep. which phones match it and what the main differences are. You should be able to try them out to get an idea of the screen size and sharpness, where the buttons are, etc.
If you're considering a contract, some providers have good deals on certain phones and discounts on monthly payments of 50% for 3, 6 or 12 months on a 2-year contract.
Mike
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Stayed with Samsung Galaxy j3 2017.
But have made a big mistake.----- not with choosing that phone BUT for not realising you couldn't carry the remaining payg over from your last phone .
I have £35.00 left my old phone and now I end up paying so much more from my hew phone----quite taken the shine off.
Old phone purchased at EE and the new one is a Tesco mobile
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Hi polidor
It's not necessarily where you buy the phone, it's which network it's on. If your new phone is unlocked (and sometimes even if it isn't) you may find your old SIM with all its remaining credit will work in it. In which case I hope you haven't topped up the new SIM too much, and more importantly that you haven't ported the number yet, otherwise the old SIM will be useless. If your new phone, although bought from Tesco, is still EE, then Tesco were very naughty forcing you to buy a top-up for it as you could have met the £x amount top up required by topping up your old EE number.
You may find the attached article helpful.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/piggybacking
Jane :-)
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I really don't understand the technical details---- apparently the SIM card in my old phone was too large to fit into the new phone so 'as I understand it' all info from old phone was transferred to the new phone by use of a PAC number?
It has all gone over my head really. I believe I am ' sim free' now ?
The new phone now holds all my WhatsApp photos but NOT my ordinary pictures from photo album---don't know where they are.
My phone number works on my new phone but has gone from the old one. My £35.00 payg seems a lost cause. Tesco and O2 work together . Poli
Wish I'd taken a young person with me when I went shopping!!!
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Oh dear Polidor; I'll try to explain your points to help others but there's a lot to learn here.
1. New phone uses smaller sized SIM card, so old SIM card could not be put in it. The SIM card holds very little info (certainly not your photos, and probably nothing other than your phone number).
2. A "SIM free" phone still has a SIM in it, but can accept ANY card (of the right size), from any service provider - so you can change networks at will, if you want to.
3. Your Whatsapp photos are stored by Whatsapp ("in the cloud"), and can be restored to your phone if you want.
4.Your "ordinary pictures" - I assume these are photos you have taken with old phone - these are saved in the phone memory. They MAY be on an SD card in the old phone, which can be recovered, or maybe not (depends on old phone). You need to restore these from your backup - what do you mean "I don't have a backup"
5. Your PAYG credit could have been transferred, but may be lost now.
ALL photos stored on a phone WILL finally be lost - either the phone, or memory card will ultimately break, or be lost. You must have a backup of photos and other stuff - and you must start doing this today.
Google, Apple, Samsung and all the rest offer no charge options to back up your photos. You don't need a PC/Mac to do this, but you do need good WiFi connection.
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Hmm - I'm not convinced Polidor
When I bought a new 'phone my SIM card was too big, but all the large SIM cards I've seen have a centre that can be pushed out which is small enough to use in your new 'phone.
That's what happened with my SIM card, I pushed out the centre and it then fitted into my new 'phone. I didn't lose any money I had on the card and having copied all my contacts details onto the SIM card, once I'd put the SIM card into my new 'phone the contact details were still available. As greenrig says, your PAYG credit could have been transferred, I suspect someone eager for a sale and commission in Tesco that gave you the wrong info. I would complain, but whether you want to do that depends on how much money you had on your old SIM card.
Wish I'd taken a young person with me when I went shopping!!!
I wish you had too. :(
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When I bought a new 'phone my SIM card was too big, but all the large SIM cards I've seen have a centre that can be pushed out which is small enough to use in your new 'phone.
When I changed my phone the new one needed a nano sim which was smaller than the centre of the old sim.
As I understand it, the problem here is that Polidor has changed suppliers from EE to Tesco which uses O2. If she'd stayed with EE they would have just swapped her number to the new sim and the money would have stayed on it, which is what happened when I changed phones. It might be worth contacting EE to see if they will refund the money. Incidentally, I never have more than £1 credit on my PAYG just in case it is lost or stolen - I top up just before my bundle runs out.
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When I changed my phone the new one needed a nano sim which was smaller than the centre of the old sim.
Oh yes, you are correct. I had a small SIM card and pressed the centre out to put use as a nano SIM ::)
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I hope to revisit Tesco shop in the next few days . My daughter is coming with me to help sort things out.
Unable to go this past week (weather) I have had to wait till my daughter came back from latest work trip.
I also have a friend who is adept at writing complaint letters in a very efficient way and she is going to get in touch with EE re the PAYG money.
I will let you know what, if anything, results. Poli
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Go Chinese Xiaomi or through Gearbest. I bought a Xiaomi Mi Max 6 inch screen and 4800ma battery direct for just over £200. Comparable to top range Samsung at £600+
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I wrote to 'orange' re the £35 oo in my PAYG not being transferred to my new phone but they pointed me to their 'terms and conditions' xSo no cheque for me .
Thanks for all the input and sorry to take a long lime togetback to you but am in hospital having suffered a stroke.
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So sorry to hear you haven’t been well, Polidor, hope you are now on the way to recovery. Take care x
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Sorry to hear you are not well Polidor, get well soon.
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Moto Gs are good.
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I've got a Moto G3 (3rd Gen) and it has been very good, however, I've found if I use WhatsApp it uses a lot of battery - not sure if that's just my 'phone or if this happens in general. I've been looking at G6 Play to replace the G3, best price I can find is £169 sim free.
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Lizzie, Try a Xiaomi Chinese phone. For the money you pay for midrange phone, you would get a top of the range job. I got a 6 1.4 inch screen for £215 last year, and prices have not changed.
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Roger - my husband would have a heart attack if I spent that much on a 'phone. He can't see why anyone needs a mobile 'phone, and only has one under sufferance (an old one that used to belong to one of our children). He never texts people and only takes it out with him because I tell him he should in case of emergencies - and then he "forgets" to turn it on.
My children and grandchildren always contact me via my mobile 'phone, but if they want to speak to their dad/grandad then they ring the landline. I use my 'phone for texts, occasional 'phone calls, and taking photographs, traffic news etc. etc.
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Hmm - I'm not convinced Polidor
When I bought a new 'phone my SIM card was too big, but all the large SIM cards I've seen have a centre that can be pushed out which is small enough to use in your new 'phone.
That's what happened with my SIM card, I pushed out the centre and it then fitted into my new 'phone. I didn't lose any money I had on the card and having copied all my contacts details onto the SIM card, once I'd put the SIM card into my new 'phone the contact details were still available. As greenrig says, your PAYG credit could have been transferred, I suspect someone eager for a sale and commission in Tesco that gave you the wrong info. I would complain, but whether you want to do that depends on how much money you had on your old SIM card.
Wish I'd taken a young person with me when I went shopping!!!
I wish you had too. :(
Or do what I do, engage Victor Meldrew mode, and be a bl**dy mi ded old so and so!! Works too, but I have over 60 year history of being like that.
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When I bought a new 'phone my SIM card was too big, but all the large SIM cards I've seen have a centre that can be pushed out which is small enough to use in your new 'phone.
Depends how long you've had your old phone - a sim now comes as a standard one and you can push out the micro sim or the nano sim. My old card was only a standard and micro, so I went to the Vodafone shop and they gave me a nano sim and transferred everything on there for me, including credit.
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The 'phone I've got now is about 3 years old, and the sim in the previous 'phone had 3 options, leave it large, push out the micro, or push out the nano from the centre of the micro.
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Some phones at the basic end of the market still have the large sim.