Dear LPG,

I am very proud to be able to say that I am one of those pensioners who knows a bit about what I am doing with a smartphone.  I cheated really because my nephew passed on an old one to me about two years ago and, during that time I have learnt a lot more about it than just how to make a phone call. Inspired by LPG I have started to take a few pictures and lock-down gave me the time and motivation to work out how to make video calls to family members far and near. I have also learned a bit about using the internet on the move and can (or could - before lock-down – and hope to again afterwards) get online in the oddest places.

I can see exactly where I am during a bus or train journey, read the news (as long as I screw up my eyes tight enough to watch the little screen while the bus or train jogs along), and there is something special about being able to go to Google Maps to check that I am going the right way when I am making a journey to a place I am visiting for the first time.

But that young man must have had it for a couple of years before he gave it to me and the screen is not as bright as it once was.   Even worse for me is that I am a little hard of hearing and listening to what people are saying when they call is getting harder too.  I have come to the realisation that it is time to get a new one, but where do you start?

The problem is that there are so many features on them these days and reading all the specifications that each model offers is a nightmare in itself.

I went to Google for some answers and found some help that I hope will help anyone else who is planning such a purchase. Let’s face it, they are not cheap, there is only so much you can learn from trying them in a mobile phone shop and it is often cheaper to buy them online regardless of if you are looking for a contract or pay as you go (sim only) deal.

I was lucky because my aforementioned nephew was kind enough to trawl the shop with me and I strongly suggest that you take a friend or family member who knows a bit more than the assistant in the shop will divulge. He or she is likely to tell you anything which will get you to part with your money. Don’t be swayed by the line… ‘this wonderful deal will not be available unless you buy now’.

Another thing to remember is that the shop on the high street is not always where you will get the best deal, so even though, you have made the choice and know which phone you have decided on having had a look, touch and feel of the models which most interest you in the shop, it may well be worth checking what is on offer when you telephone your mobile phone service provider.  Most mobile phone shops have different offers to those available on the phone or on line. 

I have asked LPG to share the websites I found which may help when it comes to preparing a checklist to take to the phone shop with you. 

HC, Crofton Park

HC offers some information and internet advice about what to look for in a new mobile phone…

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