I Have Decided To Get Another Mobile Phone

Discussion in 'Gadgets & Tech Talk' started by Bill Boggs, Nov 1, 2020.

  1. Bill Boggs

    Bill Boggs Supreme Member
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    But I don't know what to get.. The only cell phone I have had was a big fuzzie or big something phone with
    TracFone. It was good for a whiole but the hearing was no too swift for us the battery life shortn't pretty quick.
    I don't want a smart phone. I can't afford one and my wife could not use one (she may not be able to use anything with her deteriating vising).

    What I think I'd like to have is a top notch folding phone that was just a phone but some I have looked at do not get good mrks from reviewers. Personally, I wish the Blackberry had not folded or nearly folded.
    Replies appreciated. I need help.
     
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  2. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    I kind of liked my Blackberry, although that was the first smartphone I ever had. Then, I got an Android and I think I liked that better than the iPhone 7 that I replaced it with. My wife upgrades to every new version of iPhone but I haven't seen much of a reason to. I rarely use it.
     
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  3. Nancy Hart

    Nancy Hart Supreme Member
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    I read flip phones are becoming popular again. Battery life is longer than a smartphone I think, and the battery can be replaced.

    I got one recently just to take in the woods with me, and to find the smartphone when it slips out of my pocket unnoticed. As far as which one to recommend, I'm afraid I don't have a clue. I know practically nothing about phones.

    I don't think any of them are very good when it comes to speaker volume. I have trouble hearing on any of them. It helps to know exactly where the speaker is, and put your ear to that. Forget where your mouth is. Doesn't make any difference.
     
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  4. Von Jones

    Von Jones Supreme Member
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    @Bill Boggs, which brands have you checked out? My son has an Apple IPhone and loves it but it's not a flip phone
     
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  5. Bill Boggs

    Bill Boggs Supreme Member
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    Looking at 4G flip phone. My family across. Texas and Oklahoma have iPones. Too expensive for a back up
    phone.Cant afford them anyway. Found several but reviews were bad.. Still looking.
     
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  6. John Brunner

    John Brunner Senior Staff
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    You can always buy used off of EBay, making certain that the phone is compatible with your cell provider. I have an old flip phone and have been thinking of going back to it, mainly because no apps can be installed on it. I've only got a smartphone because it my affordable internet plan is tied to that type of account. Once I get fiber internet installed, I can dump the Verizon internet plan and the smartphone that's a required part of it.
     
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  7. Von Jones

    Von Jones Supreme Member
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    Yes, they are expensive but what other brands caught your interest? I have an LG (Life's Good) android. It's not a flip phone but I only use it for emergencies and taking pictures. I carry it with me when I'm away from home. I don't have a contract plan but a pay as you go plan through T-Mobile which fits my budget. I found it on Ebay for less than $100.

    If you should look on Ebay for a phone check to see if it is a locked or unlocked phone. A locked phone can only be used under a contract e.g.AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc.) and unlocked phone can be used with or without a contract. There are probably other things to consider which I don't know.

    I've been with T-Mobile for a long time and been satisfied with their customer service. They also have a plan for seniors.
     
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    Last edited: Nov 2, 2020
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  8. Ed Wilson

    Ed Wilson Veteran Member
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    If the hearing is the only issue, your current phone may be switched to "speaker" where you don't use the earpiece.
     
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  9. Al Amoling

    Al Amoling Veteran Member
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    The only place that I can be assured that I'll be able to talk on my phone is when It's connected via Blue tooth in my car.
     
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  10. Bill Boggs

    Bill Boggs Supreme Member
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    Thanks. Yes, I have chatted with T-Mobile on the computer. I was checking on a phone assigned to Sprint. They no longer carried that phone. Thave decided to find a phone that is unlocked, as you mentioned. I suppose in my mind I have been wanting a phone for emergencies, such as the five day
    power outage we've just experienced, but lookiing for a phone to use if I didn't have land lines. I do so appreciate your input. I have wondered if these major carriers will take any unlocked phone you bring to them. That's a question I will asked of them. Thanks, again.
     
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    Last edited: Nov 2, 2020
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  11. Bill Boggs

    Bill Boggs Supreme Member
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    Good. Thanks.
     
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  12. Bill Boggs

    Bill Boggs Supreme Member
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    Thanks, I had a cell with Tracfone but they quit supporting it because it was 3G. By the end of this year most major carriers will no longer support 3G phones, So I'm told. Anyway, thanks for your input.. Appreciate it.
     
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  13. John Brunner

    John Brunner Senior Staff
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    It's insane how the stuff changes. I didn't even think of my old flip phone being an outdated bandwidth technology. They got 5G coming out, and I'm still using Dixie cups with waxed string ;)
     
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  14. John Brunner

    John Brunner Senior Staff
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    You've probably thought of this already, but if you want a phone for an extended several-day power outage, you might want to look into those power paks you can use to recharge it.

    Insane, isn't it? Technology provides its own traps.
     
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  15. Bill Boggs

    Bill Boggs Supreme Member
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    That's funny...but true.
     
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