Need help picking a Smartphone

[LadyCalvinist]

I have a flip phone for years but have decided that I need to make the jump to a Smartphone. Problem is I don't know anything about them or how to use them. I need something that is easy to use and less than $250. Also, where I can buy one would be helpful.

Thanks.

 

[davejonescue]

Go to Walmart. You can get an Android Samsung Smartphone for around $50. Straight-Talk Bronze Plan (Unlimited Text/Talk) $35 a month. Unless you are a high-power phone user, it will be more than sufficient. Get a cover and screen protector (another $10-$20.) Pay your bill online once a month. Simple as that. For most people there is absolutely no reason to spend $100's on a phone or close to a $100 for service a month.

 

[arapahoepark]

A Google Pixel. Love it! Just have to swipe to go back or home rather than try to find the buttons.

 

[JH]

Diane, glad to see you around here.

With the advice that could be given here, perhaps you could ask some of the members at your congregation tomorrow if they could help you later in the week? If you're that far removed from smartphones and technology in as a whole, it's generally better to take someone trustworthy with you to perhaps get a phone (perhaps refurbished even, and save a bit) so they can help you set it up, and walk you through it. I don't like Apple products, but some people find them super simple to use. Personally, I use Visible cell service ($25/m with unlimited hotspot), still using a Pixel 7 from 2022 that works just fine.

I pray all is well with you!

 

[Edward]

How your use it will have some impact on what you do. If you plan to use it for GPS or a hotspot to back up or replace your internet connection (edit or stream video), you'll want something other than a talk and text plan. If you don't use much data, go with the cheapest unlimited talk and text you can find, and leverage wifi for data.

I would avoid Apple since they tend to be more expensive (but high-end Samsungs are getting close in price and features.

 

[jwithnell]

I agree with the advice to see if someone in your church could help you next week. In addition to selecting the right phone, get someone to walk you through the pre-installed apps. Many will have settings turned on that can have security flaws and privacy invasions.

 

[WithinThePale]

Samsung A-series are a value proposition, my A51 lasted me 5 years, I expect my A35 to do the same.

 

[tanstaafl72555]

A Google Pixel. Love it! Just have to swipe to go back or home rather than try to find the buttons.

I use and like the Pixel. JMO is that it has more buzzes and bangs and whistles than he needs. My wife is a bonafide card carrying technophobe and the lower end samsungs are MORE than she needs.

One thing I would recommend is finding some gen x genz person in the family who will be "on call" to tutor through the learning curve, as it will be almost impossible to make the jump without one. A few years back I bot two identical samsung entry level phones so I could know EXACTLY what my wife was complaining about to help her fix it. After the tuition, I went on to a Pixel.

They are excellent phones.

 

[Luther'sHammer]

Diane, glad to see you around here.

With the advice that could be given here, perhaps you could ask some of the members at your congregation tomorrow if they could help you later in the week? If you're that far removed from smartphones and technology in as a whole, it's generally better to take someone trustworthy with you to perhaps get a phone (perhaps refurbished even, and save a bit) so they can help you set it up, and walk you through it. I don't like Apple products, but some people find them super simple to use. Personally, I use Visible cell service ($25/m with unlimited hotspot), still using a Pixel 7 from 2022 that works just fine.

I pray all is well with you!

I have also been using Visible for 3+ years and have been extremely satisfied. It just works. My next move is to attempt to couple it with a privacy-focused phone.