Need some technological advice.

[BelgianMadCow]

22. I'll be the odd one out on a tech thread, again

First question, do you really need a smartphone?
What you described sounded like your're just a regular, you know, CALLER.
You did say you'd like "some apps and GPS". Like, yes, but need? Non-smart phones have a couple apps (like a calendar & some games) on them as well. Will you really use the GPS? Don't you have one on your car?

Keep in mind that a smartphone is mainly used by the people that have to facebook whilst on the toilet or send pictures while sitting in a bar etc (sorry, I'm being a bit black & white ). So maybe you're like me and very happy with the most basic of phones that gives you zero fumble and, you know, CALLS. You can get that for 40 bucks, make it 60 with internet capability.

Second point, privacy. A smartphone should rightly be called a spyhone, as you know if you've kept up a bit with the NSA revelations. If you care about that, stay away from the iPhone and the Microsoft ones. And in any case be aware that apps very often send home a lot of personal information, sometimes with and sometimes without consent.

Last point, you mention you look at it as a 5 year investment. I like that thinking. But it's no secret that you could drive a truck over a Nokia of 10 years ago, and now it's all built to fail soon.

If you still stick to having a smartphone, have a look at the Fairphone!