Are you thinking about buying a new phone? This is an important thing to think about as a dad because when you’re a parent, your phone is basically a lifeline. We’ll discuss some of the reasons why this is the case in more detail. But your phone is how older kids will let you know they’re safe when they begin to push their independence.
It’s also how you’ll stave off boredom if you’re stuck on the loo or waiting for the little ones to emerge from the school gates. So, let’s explore some of the key factors that you should consider when choosing the right mobile phone.
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Contract Or Pay As You Go?
The main question is do you need a pay as you go phone or a contract phone? If you don’t have a phone to use with a PAYG sim card then it may be worth signing up to a contract just for a year or so to get a phone. You can then change to a PAYG once you have finished paying for it.
What you have to consider when making this decision is how often you will use your phone to text or call when away from WIFI. We say away from WIFI because when you are at home you can use apps such as whatsapp or facetime if you have an apple product to make calls so it won’t cost you anything.
Contract phones can be a bit on the pricier side these days but they usually come with a bundle of texts, calls, and data. If you don’t use your phone that much and it is just for the kids to get in touch with you then you may as well save some money and opt for a PAYG phone. You can still get data bundles on pay as you go phones, this will be attached to the sim card you put in your phone.
The Resource To Solve Boredom
A phone isn’t just a device for keeping connected to your kids or your partner. It’s the ultimate cure for boredom. At least, it can be if you choose the right device. You can get a phone which is perfect for playing titles from brands like Foxy Games UK. Or, even the latest first-person shooter! Be sure to access a salesperson about the best phone for gaming and don’t forget about how this will impact battery life. More on that a little further down.
As Durable As A Nokia 33-10?
Remember the generation of iPhones that shattered like glass when you dropped them? You heard a crack when you fell and hoped it was your hip? Well, there’s no excuse for a phone like this anymore. Phone producers have finally gone back to trusted devices that can withstand a knock or a hit. That’s important if you’re a dad constantly on the move who loves to keep active.
Of course, if you really want to guarantee that your phone can withstand a few knocks then you need to get the right case. Remember, you should also buy a waterproof phone these days too. That means you’ll be able to take it in the shower! No more missing important phone calls while you’re taking a soak.
Flip, Tablet, Or Fold
You might have noticed that phones come in all different shapes and sizes these days. You can get big ones, small ones, and even flip ones. Once upon a time around 20 years ago flip phones were all the rage. These days it is all about brands such as Apple and Samsung fighting for attention and having the best possible phone. However, flip phones are making a comeback, so if you miss them now is your chance to get your hands on them once again.
Does Size Really Matter?
Size may matter in some ways but when it comes to phones, should it be a deciding factor? Do you need to opt for the pro max or the super-sized screen? Well, it largely depends on a couple of factors. If you’re used to a smaller screen there’s no need to go big now. But if you find small screens a bit fiddly, then a larger phone can be the right choice. Particularly, if your eyesight wasn’t quite what it was. This will also be great if you love writing notes on your phone and don’t mind it seems like you have an IPad stuffed in your jeans pocket.
The Right Level Of Juice
One of the greatest considerations that you must always think about when buying a new phone is battery life. When thinking about battery life, don’t believe the marketing. You should always check the reviews because they’ll tell you whether battery life is impacted by how you use the phone. Spoiler alert: this is always going to be the case. I
f you constantly watch videos, you’ll find a battery that should have lasted two days lasts about four hours. That’s not great if you’re relying on this as a lifeline when you’re waiting for the gate to open for your next family holiday.
You might also want to think about the type of charge points available too. Wireless charging is very handy as long as it won’t take an age to juice up your phone.
A Quality Cam
Finally, you should think about the cam that is available with your phone. The cam on the phone is always going to be an important point for dads. After all, you want to make sure that you can take the best, highest quality videos and snaps of your kids and the rest of the family. More expensive phones available on the market today have absolutely incredible cameras.
For instance, you can even think about filming in 4K or even 8K. Do note though that this will only be worth it if you have another piece of tech to show off the videos and photos that you have masterfully taken.
We hope this helps you understand some of the key considerations that you should think about when you are getting your next phone. Believe it or not, this is a big decision for dads. If you make the right choice you’ll get a phone that will serve you well for at least a couple of years.
