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Cheapest new 2G/3G/4G button phone with good battery life

  • 04-07-2022 9:45am
    #1
    MiketheMechanic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 907 ✭✭✭


    I need to replace an old Nokia 1208 spare phone.

    What's the cheapest new 2G/3G/4G button phone that I can get - with good battery life?

    Something easy to buy online like Amazon UK would be an advantage. Could do bricks and mortar Argos, HN, Currys/PCW easily enough.

    Are Nokia still the best at this end of the market?


    • What features are important to you in a phone? 1. Battery (2 weeks standby would be good) 2. Dual sim would be nice. Camera doesn't matter.
    • Form factor - Candy bar "brick" button phone is fine - touchscreen not needed. But bright screen that's not too tiny would be nice.
    • The old Nokia 1208 could only show a few words of an SMS message at a time. Would like a slightly bigger screen with better resolution next time.
    • Internet - is 3G/mobile internet important, or WiFi/EDGE - phone will mainly be used for calls/texts. WhatsApp would be nice though - can some Nokia non-android Operating Systems support a WhatsApp app? Will 2G be turned off in the next few years - Might be best to have a 3G/4G chipset to improve connectivity
    • For a 3 sim, I need a 3G/4G chipset anyway, right?
    • Operator - will be used on Vodafone PAYG or 3 possibly prepay - so an unlocked phone would be best
    • Pre-pay/Bill-pay/SIM-Free - will be used on Vodafone PAYG or 3 prepay.
    • Price range - cheap as possible - under 40 preferably
    • Earbuds/Speaker - doesn't matter.




Comments

  • #2
    Ten Pin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,868 ✭✭✭Ten Pin


     AFAIK 2G will remain for another few years while 3G is being wound down and 4G calling is rolled out.

    A cheap 4G smartphone might be a better option longterm, IME 2G uses less battery so keep it in 2G mode and battery should last a few days at least. Screen on and data are the main contributors to battery drain so if it's a spare phone then low usage will mean longer battery life anyway.

    Any of the feature phones (button keypad, no touchscreen) that have 3/4G and app capability are pricey compared to a cheap touchscreen handset and might not have long-term app support/updates so might become obsolete after a few years anyway.

    A 3 SIM will work in a 2G phone but their 2G coverage in rural areas is poor & therefore call quality could be a problem.



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