Thinking of buying a smart phone and I need some guidance.

Tommy

Tommy

Senior Member
Location
New Hampshire
My wife has had a simple Tracfone flip phone for many years, and I'd like to buy her a smart phone for Christmas. The problem is, I know nothing about them. Right now, she just uses the flip phone for making calls when away from home, probably five or six times a week. I suspect that with a smart phone, she might also use it for emails, taking pictures, calling hands-free while in her car (2018 Rav4), and maybe looking up things on the internet once in a while. Our carrier will be Verizon.

Can anyone offer any insights into the features and capabilities I should look for? I wouldn't know 5G from 7Up or a bluetooth from a black fingernail. :anyone:
 

I'd say go to a Verizon store and see what's available and what kind of deals they have. Most new smart phones have bluetooth so should pair easily with the wife's car. The Verizon sales people are usually pretty helpful if you go during a non-peak busy time.
 
If the phone is for your wife I would take her along and let her pick a phone that she will be comfortable with.
 

I had an iphone 4 for years. Recently, I changed to an iphone 8. It's a wonderful gadget; I've written here about all the things it can do, all the ones you mentioned plus a lot more. It's such an improvement over the 4 that it's almost a different kind of item. I recommend it very much, but they aren't cheap. Depends on how much your wife would use it, I guess.
 
If she is planning on keeping her Tracfone service, check their website. My husband and I both bought LG smartphones through their site, and they were only about $40 each. Pretty basic, but we can check email, surf, and attach to our car via Bluetooth. what I like is that I can take pictures, edit them and post them right to Facebook, or email them to others, or to myself, so I can save the pictures to my computer.

 
I would also suggest you check with other carriers to be sure Verizon is the best fit for you. Here in NM, Verizon plans are WAAY more expensive than, for instance, T-Mobile. Verizon's customer service is also lousy here. My sis changed from Verizon to T-Mobile and saves about $60 per month on her plan.

I have an LG smartphone and I like it just fine. I had a Samsung before and it was fine, too. According to my son (the phone whiz) most of the mainstream smartphones are pretty much alike, anyway, unless you are into serious gaming on the phone.
 
Why are they called smart phones when people use them when they are driving in to other vehicles and people are walking into closed doors?
 
Groupon has (or had?) an iPhone6 and 6s for $149 each. If it's Unlocked* then you can use it with Verizon. But check to see if that is still available. Today (Sunday 11/25) may be last day but there are deals for Cyber-Monday too so may still be available. Also, iPhone7 (or an iPhone7Plus) for $269 but a 6 or 6s is plenty good. I've never used "Groupon" so check it out carefully.

Ask for senior citizen discounts...but I think that's only available for the monthly service plan.

*It's good to get an "UNlocked" phone in case you ever switch to another carrier or sell your phone used to someone with another carrier. because unlocked means you can use it with any service carrier.

Now if you're crazy rich, or just crazy, "Best Buy" iPhoneX has a deal of $200 off (it was $400 off on Black Friday). But iPhoneX is top-of-the-line and therefore you pay about $900 for it with the discount...but the camera is crazy awesome quality!! There will be a bit of a learning curve for your wife and is more phone than she needs. But I'm crazy enough to be considering it for me.

I posted a $240 iPhone7 deal in another thread (see link below) but has to be T-Mobile (zero reception in coastal NC but my daughter in CA has no problems with reception at all and worked well in Europe plus she drove across US and all okay)
https://www.seniorforums.com/showthread.php/38668-Best-Black-Friday-and-Cyber-Monday-Deals

I personally own an iPhone5 right now. It's great except the battery has to be charged often and there is no way to replace it because it's considered an old phone now and I think the battery issue is exclusive to iPhone 5's. Don't get a used iPhone5!!
 
Thanks for the helpful replies. It sounds like Ces't Moi has a good suggestion. There's a Verizon store about an hour from me and we'll likely make the trip, buy a phone, and set up the account there. I'd hate to buy a phone and then find out it won't do what she wants it to.

No, Verizon here doesn't have a very good reputation for customer support either, but in this area it's the only carrier that has anything close to decent coverage. I'll hang on the the Tracfone, but the last time I checked they couldn't offer a phone with Verizon service and the phone has VERY limited number of placed where it gets reception.

I'm thinking Mrs. Tommy wants to do about the same things that Marie5656 describes. I'm sure any phone I buy directly from Verizon will be overpriced, but at least it should work with their system.
 
Why are they called smart phones when people use them when they are driving in to other vehicles and people are walking into closed doors?
Click to expand...

The phones are smart; they aren't the ones crashing their cars and walking into doors! :D
 
I also have the $40. LG smart phone. The sound is terrible. I cannot get the hang of texting and really don't have much need for it. I like taking a few photos, but that's it. I don't want to surf on a tiny phone screen nor play games. I don't need to see any emails on my phone.
 
Cricket Wireless has been taken over by ATT, making their coverage area huge. They are probably one of the least expensive provides around. Here's a map of Cricket Wireless coverage area:

https://www.cricketwireless.com/map.html

There's also the question of operating systems. (OS) An operating system is basically the software that supports a computer or phone's basic functions and manages the memory and processes. There are two primary operating systems in play for phones. Apple has one -- iOS, and the other phones have a different one --Andriod. The OS's determine the kind of interface you'll have with your phone, and each present very differently. It's a matter of personal preference which one will work best for you. And also, to a degree, a matter of familiarity. If you've only ever operated a phone that runs with Android, then switching to an Apple phone will be a different experience with a steeper learning curve because you'll be having to unlearn in order to relearn some functions

Part of what I do in my work is help my clients transition to smart phones from a landline, and/or learn to use a computer or laptop or tablet when they never have before. Getting them up and running with Apple products is FAR easier than with PC based products. The learning curve is less and Apple products are more user friendly and intuitive than their counterparts.
 
I'd say go to a Verizon store and see what's available and what kind of deals they have.


And they'll sell you the one they make most commission on!

Read the literature, lark to people, especially young people, don't be shy, they'll love it.

iPhones do not live up to the hype (or the price, in the UK!). and Windows is a niche market. a good range in Android.

Samsung have a good range, as do Google, HTC, Huawet and others.

Amazon probably have a good range (no connection) at least they do in the UK.

Avoid carriers and specialist shops for the reasons above - they will sell you the one that gets them the most commission, or old stock, or models that are about to be superseded.
 
Laurie said:
I'd say go to a Verizon store and see what's available and what kind of deals they have.


And they'll sell you the one they make most commission on!

Read the literature, lark to people, especially young people, don't be shy, they'll love it.

iPhones do not live up to the hype (or the price, in the UK!). and Windows is a niche market. a good range in Android.

Samsung have a good range, as do Google, HTC, Huawet and others.

Amazon probably have a good range (no connection) at least they do in the UK.

Avoid carriers and specialist shops for the reasons above - they will sell you the one that gets them the most commission, or old stock, or models that are about to be superseded.
Click to expand...

Businesses want to sell you what makes them the most money; that is not something unique to Verizon. :rolleyes: But the OP said he wants Verizon service, so it makes sense to go directly to Verizon to make sure that the phone he buys will work. They have many different phones and plans to choose from.

We have had Verizon as our carrier for years because we travel in an RV and Verizon has the best nationwide coverage. We've had T-Mobile and AT&T in the past with no complaints, either... but Verizon is the most dependable when traveling.
 
Capt Lightning said:
I recently saw a 'Seniors' calendar where one of the monthly 'Words of wisdom' was "We live in an age of Smart phones and Stupid people". That's why ;)
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It would be very simple to make a vehicle a
"No Use Phone" area if the engine was running,
that would stop all the deaths caused by people
who drive and try to use the phone.

Can't stop them walking into doors though unless
you put a motion sensor into it that would also
block use.

Mike.
 
Mike said:
It would be very simple to make a vehicle a
"No Use Phone" area if the engine was running,
that would stop all the deaths caused by people
who drive and try to use the phone.

Can't stop them walking into doors though unless
you put a motion sensor into it that would also
block use.

Mike.
Click to expand...

I don't know if I can make calls on my iphone when I'm driving because I wouldn't dream of doing it. What I do know is I can't receive calls on it when I'm driving.

I have a little message which simply says '' you will not receive calls while you're driving''..as soon as I get into any moving vehicle.. I have to manually click '' I am not driving'' if for example I'm a passenger or if I'm on the train...
 
I would shop for it online and see who has the best prices and the best customer reviews. My daughter bought me my very first one last summer and learning how to use it is a real PITA. My wife has had one for several years. Tonight we had a conference call where we could see each other with our son who lives in the Pacific northwest.
 
From left field, and 99% will disagree (Fair enough) DONT buy one they are the abomination of this century..just buy an updated flip phone, they are now lighter and smaller than the older type!
 
kburra said:
From left field, and 99% will disagree (Fair enough) DONT buy one they are the abomination of this century..just buy an updated flip phone, they are now lighter and smaller than the older type!
Click to expand...

I think it really depends on your situation and how you plan to use a smart phone. If I were still working, I'd get one. When I was walking to work, to the the store at lunch or walking after work or waiting for a bus or on the bus, it would be great to have a phone with all those features, such as email, the web, the news, etc. it would be worth it to me. I have just a flip phone so it would be kind of a waste because I'm mostly at home and I have my computer.
 
Olivia said:
I think it really depends on your situation and how you plan to use a smart phone. If I were still working, I'd get one. When I was walking to work, to the the store at lunch or walking after work or waiting for a bus or on the bus, it would be great to have a phone with all those features, such as email, the web, the news, etc. it would be worth it to me. I have just a flip phone so it would be kind of a waste because I'm mostly at home and I have my computer.
Click to expand...

Maybe that`s why I am old fashioned, Nothing better than when walking to work etc, enjoy the weather,listen to the rain , say hello to people walking past,strike up a converation with others at the bus stop,smile at kids going to and from school ,sadly these days there is no or very little social interaction,most (what I see) is people with ear phones in starring at little plastic gadget, just go to a resaturant, or sit on a train/bus....to me just sad, sad, as I said earlier I`m old fashioned, and probably too long in the tooth to change now.."Happy Days"
 
kburra said:
Maybe that`s why I am old fashioned, Nothing better than when walking to work etc, enjoy the weather,listen to the rain , say hello to people walking past,strike up a converation with others at the bus stop,smile at kids going to and from school ,sadly these days there is no or very little social interaction,most (what I see) is people with ear phones in starring at little plastic gadget, just go to a resaturant, or sit on a train/bus....to me just sad, sad, as I said earlier I`m old fashioned, and probably too long in the tooth to change now.."Happy Days"
Click to expand...

But just remember now, all that time I was doing those things, did I have those experiences you're talking about? Nope. But I did get to be friendly with the grocery store cashiers. And I actually was listening to talk shows and The Great Courses courses, which are also arguments in your favor.
 
hollydolly said:
I don't know if I can make calls on my iphone when I'm driving because I wouldn't dream of doing it. What I do know is I can't receive calls on it when I'm driving.

I have a little message which simply says '' you will not receive calls while you're driving''..as soon as I get into any moving vehicle.. I have to manually click '' I am not driving'' if for example I'm a passenger or if I'm on the train...
Click to expand...
I didn't know that any phones were set to do this,
Hollydolly, but if my brain can think of this, then other
better brains already thought about how to do it.

Pity about the "override" facility. When I travel I
switch it off, people on a train don't need to know
my business and in a car the driver if not me may
be distracted if I had a heated conversation.

Mike
 
I understand kburra's position on this 100%, but I have a different reason for wanting her to have a smart phone. My parents have both passed. Watching them in their later years, I so wish I had lived near them and had been able to coach them in the use of (pre-internet) personal computers. I know they missed out on something they really would have would have enjoyed. Today's smart phone is just a link between past and future technology and one has to "keep up". When I'm gone, I don't want her to be handicapped by such a knowledge gap.
 

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