When it comes to choosing a mobile phone, there's a huge range of options out there. This guide aims to demystify some of the jargon and help you make an informed choice.
Many stores have demonstration phones, so make sure you try before you buy to find the phone that best suits your needs.
Jargon busting
Let's start by explaining some common terms used by mobile phone networks and retailers to describe product features.
Dual band, tri band and quad band GSM: The operating frequency a phone operates on. Dual band phones work in the UK and Europe. Tri band devices work in the US, UK and Europe. Quad band devices operate in almost any territory where there is a mobile network.
Processor speed: The speed a phone processes information, measured in Gigahertz (Ghz). Most phones range from 1-1.5 Ghz.
RAM or Random Access Memory: The working memory of a phone (rather than storage memory) measured in megabytes (MB).
Storage: The amount of space a phone has for storage of data, measured in gigabytes (GB). Most smartphones range from 8-16 GB of storage.
Contrast ratio: The screen's ability to display colour contrast.
Wifi: A phone's capability to access wireless internet via a public Wifi network.
Multitasking: A phone's ability to run several tasks at once.
Single core, dual core and quad core: The number of units a device has for processing information. Dual core is faster than single core when it comes to graphics and multi tasking. Quad core devices are faster again and are good for playing sophisticated games.
Special features
If you are blind or partially sighted, certain features may make a phone easier to use.
Keypad buttons
Although many phones are now touch-screen, button based models are still worth considering. Look out for large, well spaced, raised buttons, with good contrast and clear print or illumination. A tactile marker on the number 5 can also be helpful.
Display
A phone with a large display will be easier to use if you have low vision. Almost all displays are colour, with adjustable brightness, contrast and font size. AMOLED, Super AMOLED, Clear Black and Retina are four display types you might hear referred to. These are very bright, with high resolution and contrast, making colours intense and blacks very dark, and are therefore easier to see.
Dialling and memory
Speed dial is where a frequently used telephone number is programmed into a phone, so the user can dial it with one or two button presses. With voice dialling, the phone recognises a name when you speak it, and then automatically rings the number from your contact list.
Size
Smartphones are getting bigger in terms of screen size, but thinner overall. It's worth finding a phone that isn't too small to hold or find inside your bag. Most phones tend to have screen sizes of around 2.2 inches, and smartphones range from 3.5-4.8 inches.
Shape
Phones come in different shapes, for example:
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Candy bar: rectangular
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Clamshell: two halves, hinged in the centre, that flip shut to protect the keypad and screen
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Slider: where the keyboard slides out from behind the screen
A flip cover phone that opens to answer and closes to hang up is perhaps the easiest design for people with sight loss. Some phones have an 'any key answer' capability, and some have an obvious answer/hang-up button with a sound signal.
Mobile networks
Popular mobile networks in the UK include Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2, Three and Tesco Mobile. Each network offers a range of different packages of call minutes, texts and mobile internet. It's a competitive market, so shop around. Most deals are based on two year contracts, but other durations are available.
Your phone will either come free with your contract, or you'll have to purchase it upfront and pay for your contract separately. You can opt to use prepaid card payments or to receive a bill, which should be provided in the accessible format of your choice.
Locked and unlocked phones
Most mobile operators supply locked handsets, meaning you can only use them with their network. Always ask if the handset you are purchasing is locked or unlocked. Carphone Warehouse is unique as a retailer in that all of its handsets are sold unlocked.
Accessible mobile phones
There are a number of accessible mobile phones on the market. Here are some key devices you may want to look at:
iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPhone 5
Manufactured by Apple, these four touch-screen phones come with a built-in screen reader called VoiceOver, and a screen magnifier, called Zoom. They can be used immediately without installing extra software, and they support Bluetooth refreshable braille displays.
Using a touch-screen is different to using a physical keypad, and can take time to get used to. However, most users find it very intuitive after some practise. By touching the screen, you can access contacts, dialling, text messaging, voice mail, music, calendar, web browser and email.
iPhone 5 and the iPhone 4S models have a feature called Siri which acts as a voice-activated personal assistant in your pocket. You can ask questions like "What's the weather like in Manchester today?" and it will provide the answer. You can also ask it to schedule appointments, send texts and emails.
iPhone memory ranges from 8-64GB. The more memory the phone has, the more expensive it will be. An iPhone can be purchased on contract from around £20 per month. The newest iPhone 5 starts at £36 per month.
Visit apple.com/accessibility for more information on iPhone accessibility. To buy an iPhone, visit any mobile phone store or find out more at Apple's online store apple.com
Nokia screen reader
Nokia's new free screen reader is available to download from the Nokia Store. It works on nearly all devices that run on a Symbian operating system, like Nokia Belle phones. This means you can now purchase a talking phone for around £125.
Android phones
Android is Google's operating system, and comes in a number of versions. If you're purchasing an Android phone, we recommend you choose one with a physical trackpad or track ball (to make navigation easier) and one which uses Android version 4 or above, as these have the free screen reader, Talkback. Newer versions also support refreshable braille displays, although screen magnification is not supported.
Mobile Accessibility (around £59) offers applications that make it easier to use an Android phone, including access to an on-screen keyboard. Other screen readers are available, such as Spiel (free), and Mobile Speak (which can be trialled free for 30 days).
Without purchasing extra applications like these, many blind people report that Androids are quite difficult to use. More confident users do like Android, but it's unlikely to be a first choice for a smartphone beginner. For more information, visit androidaccess.net
Nuance TALKS&ZOOMS, Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier
Nuance TALKS&ZOOMS, Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier are types of screen reader and screen magnification software compatible with phones running on certain Symbian operating systems. This includes some Nokia phones (check compatibility before buying). They work on phones with physical keyboards or touch-screens, and Bluetooth refreshable braille displays are also supported.
Demonstration software is available so try before you buy. For more information about Nuance TALKS&ZOOMS software, visit nuance.com/talks. For more information on Mobile Speak or Mobile Magnifier, go to codefactory.es/en. You can also find out more by calling us on 0303 123 9999 or visiting rnib.org.uk/shop
Windows Phone 8
Launching in November 2012, the Nokia Lumia 920 and 820 smartphones will be the first devices to come with Windows Phone 8, which offers several new features including text size adjustment, high contrast display and screen magnification. There is no screen reader currently available for Windows Phone 8 devices, although we expect this to change in the future.
Blackberry devices
The free BlackBerry screen reader launched in 2012 for BlackBerry OS7 devices. Compatible handsets cost around £15 per month. The 'Clarity for Blackberry OS5 devices' theme allows you to create large fonts and high contrast background that is easier to see. This free theme can be downloaded from appworld.blackberry.com
Simple Nokia handsets
The Nokia Asha 300 is a simple handset with tactile buttons, a 2.4 inch display, and adjustable text size in calendar, contacts and messages. The Nokia C3-01 combines traditional keypad with touch-screen, and lets you increase font size in messages and contacts. Both are available for under £80.
Technology Support Squad
If you've recently bought a mobile phone, but you're having difficulty using it, call RNIB's Technology Support Squad. We have a team of over 1,000 volunteers across the UK who can visit you at home to help you set up and use technology, from TVs and computers through to mobile phones and eBook readers. Call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 to find out more or request a free volunteer.
Still need help?
We hope that our range of beginner's guides gave you the information you needed to get started with confidence. You can order a copy of this guide in large print, audio CD or braille by calling our Helpline on 0303 123 9999.
But if you've read the guides and still need some help, you could try the following: