Choose around the most demanding regular task and the help available after setup, rather than the lowest upfront cost alone. A laptop or keyboard-equipped tablet is usually the more practical route for longer forms, learning and sustained writing, while a smartphone can suit a genuinely mobile-first routine. A supported refurbished device can make sense where affordability is the main barrier, provided its update status, condition and available local help are checked.
For someone who needs a manageable device for communication, public services, everyday accounts and basic learning, where setup confidence and a suitable device matter alongside internet access. Department for Science, Innovation and Technology guidance, Citizens Advice and the Minimum Digital Living Standard project all highlight the importance of suitable equipment and support.
For households where the cost of a device, home connection or mobile data is a barrier. A local digital-inclusion hub, refurbished-device route or data support may be worth exploring; Good Things Foundation provides device and data support through local organisations.
For people who need to assess screen, input and setup accessibility before choosing a device, and who may benefit from independent home or phone-based technology support. AbilityNet offers support for older and disabled people through volunteers and phone assistance.
Start with the task that will be hardest to complete, then check connectivity, setup help and ongoing software support before choosing a device format.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday tasks | Check whether regular tasks need sustained typing, a larger workspace, touch interaction or access while away from home. Compare the device against longer forms, learning work and shared use rather than internet access alone. | I need a device that handles the online tasks I do regularly, not just messages or a quick login. |
| Connectivity and support | Ask whether local support can provide a device, mobile data, setup help or warranty information. For National Databank data support, check that the recipient device is unlocked or compatible with O2 or VodafoneThree. | I need the device to be usable with a connection and enough help to get started, not simply affordable on its own. |
| Accessibility and confidence | Discuss text size, touch accuracy, keyboard or mouse needs, charging and account setup. Check compatibility before buying accessories such as a keyboard, stand or alternative input device. | I want to be able to read, control and set up the device comfortably, with help available if needed. |
| Software updates | Confirm the manufacturer's update support for the exact model, then enable automatic device and app updates where available. Avoid choosing an unsupported older model solely because it costs less. | I need a device that can keep receiving security updates for accounts, services and everyday communication. The National Cyber Security Centre advises avoiding phones that are no longer supported where possible. |
Older devices can eventually stop receiving manufacturer updates, leaving online accounts and essential services without current security fixes. A low purchase price may not make it a practical long-term route.
Before purchase or acceptance, check the exact model's current update-support status with the manufacturer and enable automatic updates during setup.
An unsupported device may need replacing sooner than expected.
A small-screen mobile route can work well for calls, messages, authentication and short tasks, but it can be restrictive for prolonged reading, lengthy forms, learning work or shared household use. Ofcom identifies mobile-data-only users as a distinct group, rather than treating all access needs as the same.
List the most demanding regular task first. If longer writing, learning work or shared use is expected, compare a laptop or keyboard-equipped tablet before choosing a phone-only route.
Good Things Foundation's National Device Bank and National Databank work through local organisations, and the Device Bank does not provide devices directly to individuals. What is available can vary by local organisation and eligibility.
Contact a local Digital Inclusion Network organisation before relying on a scheme, and ask whether it can help with a device, data, setup or warranty information.
If local support is not available, ongoing mobile data or home internet will still need arranging.
A device may connect to the internet but still be difficult to use without suitable settings, compatible input accessories or trusted setup help.
Test or discuss text size, touch accuracy, keyboard or mouse needs, charging, account setup and update prompts before purchase. AbilityNet can provide home or phone-based technology support for older and disabled people.
A keyboard, stand, alternative input device or other compatible accessory may be needed for comfortable use.
Joybuy product options for a mobile-first route, particularly calls, messages, authentication and shorter online-service tasks.
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For a mobile-first routine involving communication, authentication and shorter online tasks.
Stated features include a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, 128GB storage, microSD expansion, Wi-Fi, 5G and a fingerprint scanner. The listing states a six-year security-update commitment; confirm the exact end date and enable automatic updates during setup. A USB charging adaptor is not included, and a suitable 10W–25W PD adaptor is required.
Start with a local Digital Inclusion Network organisation. Good Things Foundation's National Device Bank distributes laptops, tablets and mobile phones through local organisations rather than directly to individuals, while its National Databank can provide qualifying people with mobile-data support through those organisations. Ask what device, data and setup help is available locally.
Yes, when the routine is genuinely mobile-first and mainly involves calls, messages, authentication and shorter online tasks. It should not automatically be treated as suitable for longer forms, learning work or shared use; Ofcom distinguishes mobile-data-only users, while UK government guidance recognises that the appropriate device varies by need.
Confirm the exact model, charger and included accessories, physical condition, return and warranty terms, and whether the manufacturer still provides security updates. The National Cyber Security Centre advises avoiding phones that are no longer supported where possible.
AbilityNet offers free technology support for older and disabled people through DBS-checked volunteers who can help at home or by phone. Its support includes smartphone and tablet use, email, public services, video calls and online banking; available sessions can vary by area.
Yes. Good Things Foundation's National Databank guidance says the recipient device needs to be unlocked or compatible with O2 or VodafoneThree networks for the supplied data to activate. This applies to that support route, not to every device purchase.