Knowing what smartphone to get your parents can be a tough thing to work out. You want to introduce your parents to the fantastic world of technology that has been realized through smartphones, but you do not want to confuse them and make them worried about using their phone, as they might then find it difficult to contact you or others if they are in need of assistance. The smartphone market can be confusing, it’s hard to know what sort of phone would be good in terms of accessibility. And you do not want to get scammed into buying a phone that is extremely expensive and very complicated to use. But equally, you don’t want to be staring at Moto Z Droid review or a ZTE Zmax Pro review without having a good idea and grasp on what your parents actually need out of a smartphone. Here are a few tips to help you choose for your parents:
Simplicity
The best thing that a phone can be for your parents is simple. You may not realize, but a lot of smartphones these days have quite complex applications and intricate operating systems. Although this might be useful for us, it can serve to confuse and agitate those that aren’t as used to this revolutionary technology. Search around the internet for phones that run on more simple operating systems, these phones are usually cheaper than the phones that are well known. If you buy your parents a phone that is too complicated, it will frustrate them and it may turn them off of using a smartphone forever. What they need is one that is easy and simple, one that can handle texting, calling, video calling, setting reminders and maybe a bit of social media as well. They will be able to use these phones easily and will not be dumbfounded by how to make them work.
Security
Making sure you buy a phone that is secure is also high on the list of priorities, when looking for a phone for your parents. A lot of people nowadays are less aware of things like anti-virus and Adblock software or of the predatory nature of the internet in terms of scamming and viruses. And if you purchase a complex phone for your parents, they might be enjoying using it one minute, and then might have had $500 taken out of their account, or may have downloaded a virus that wipes their phone or steals their security information. For these reasons a phone with good security is imperative. Search for a phone with good security aspects, that can alert your parent when they are going on a site that they really shouldn’t or when they are downloading something. This will make them query their action in their head and, most probably will cause them to stop what they are doing or contact you for help. Also look for a phone that you can install a pin code or a pass pattern on. This way, if they leave their phone somewhere or it gets taken, the person will be less likely to access your parent’s phone.
Longevity
Your parents need a phone that’s going to last them a long time. They may not be running a research paper writing service or anything, but they might want to send emails or contact someone while they are out and about. And so many smartphones these days seem to run out of battery at the drop of a hat, which might prove dangerous for your parents if they are out and about, as they might not know who to contact or where exactly to go. Buying a phone that has a solid battery life is a great idea, as they can use it wherever they go and do not have to worry about constantly charging it.
So there you have it, a few tips to help you if you are contemplating getting one of your parents or both of your parents a smartphone, but are unsure of what they need from it. There is no reason that your parents should not feel connected to the fast and technological world that we live in, but it’s good to have an awareness of the aspects of a phone that will benefit them in the long run. They need simplicity to keep using it, security to protect them from the dangers of the internet and so on, and they need longevity to not have to worry about charging it every other hour. Who knows they might end up being able to work their smartphone better than you do and give you a few lessons on it!