Technology is everywhere and essential to our daily lives, whether we like to admit it or not. It intrudes every day, and the challenge is keeping up and staying safe online. I may be able to help; I have been involved in computing and tech for over 45 years.

Once things get going, the TRA committee will try to organise some helpful tech talks for residents in the Garden day room.

Questions to Answer

In the interim, I was asked about buying a cheap Android phone. There is no shortage of places to buy them, from proper retail shops on Walworth Road to small kiosks and everything in between.

I prefer bigger retailers because they often stock one or two cheaper phones to draw in customers, alongside their focus on expensive models. Argos, for example, is quite good for bargains.

Choices and Compromises

Naturally, there are compromises.

An £80 Android phone is not the same as the latest, greatest iPhone costing over £1,000, nor should we expect it to be. You certainly get what you pay for, but it is possible to get a reasonably useful smartphone for under £100.

Always get a good case and screen protector. This will save your phone when you drop it, which invariably happens.

The sweet spot, as far as I’m concerned, is the £140 to £160 range, where very nice smartphones can be found.

On a budget

However, assuming your budget is tighter, this is my pick:

SIM Free HONOR X5c Plus 64GB AI
Argos Link

I also recommend the SIM Free HONOR X6c 128GB AI; it has a little more memory and is a bit more responsive. I own both (and a lot more) and these Honor phones are quality for the price.
Argos Link

Case Recommendation:
Honor X6b Case Protective Honor X6b Wallet Phone
Amazon Link

So, for about £88, you can get a decent smartphone and case.

Tip: Use the Brave Browser, and something like Bitdefender for Android.

The spec of the X5c is at GSM arena too.

Enjoy your tech, Brian

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