Choose the device on which the person can complete their most important tasks with manageable steps and available help, rather than choosing by specification alone. A phone suits calls and a small set of everyday apps; a tablet offers a larger touch interface; a keyboard-led laptop or Chromebook is worth considering for regular forms, documents or learning. Try the required interaction settings and plan account recovery before buying; check security-update support for the exact model if considering a refurbished device.
Adults who want to manage messages, video calls, banking, public services or appointments but find setup, passwords or unfamiliar online steps difficult. Ofcom identifies low digital confidence as one of several barriers to using online services.
Adults for whom text size, contrast, spoken feedback, captions or the choice between touch and keyboard input affects everyday use. The useful test is whether they can complete their own tasks with the settings on the device they are considering.
Adults completing forms, learning activities or work tasks who may consider a refurbished device. Continuing security updates, usable account access and a source of setup help matter alongside obtaining the device.
Consider it when: calls, messages, account verification and a few familiar apps are the main tasks.
Trade-off: a small screen and touch keyboard may make lengthy forms or sustained reading difficult for the intended user.
Consider it when: the person wants touch-based browsing, reading or video calls on a larger display.
Trade-off: they still need to learn touch navigation, and frequent typing may call for a compatible keyboard.
Consider it when: long forms, documents, learning or work make a physical keyboard central to the routine.
Trade-off: file, account and update routines need attention; for a Chromebook, check the exact model’s final automatic-update date and required apps.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Setup and ongoing help | Identify who can help with the first essential tasks, account recovery and subsequent questions. | If I am unsure how to get online or recover a password, I need someone I can ask after the device is handed over. Around 33% of consumers put setup and follow-up help first. |
| Usable interaction | Try the required display, speech, caption or input controls on the exact device and software version. | When small controls or unfamiliar gestures get in my way, I need an interface I can adjust and practise using. Usable interaction is the primary concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Affordability and supported refurbishment | For a refurbished device, confirm the exact model’s security-update support, condition, account-reset status and included accessories. | If obtaining a device is the main hurdle, I need a refurbished option that can still be used securely, not just one that is available now. Around 20% of consumers prioritise affordability with continuing support. |
| Typing and longer tasks | Test a real form or document; check whether a physical keyboard and the required websites or apps work for the person. | If I regularly write applications or complete coursework, I need to know whether touch typing will slow me down. Keyboard-led tasks come first for around 20% of consumers. |
A capable device may still introduce more steps, passwords and notifications than the person can comfortably manage. Ofcom’s UK research describes confidence and unsuitable devices alongside other barriers to getting online.
Write down the first three tasks the person needs to complete, then try them on the proposed device, including unlocking it and getting help when a step goes wrong.
Available controls can vary by device, software version and app; a feature name alone does not establish that its navigation method suits the person.
Let the intended user try the exact display, speech, caption or input settings they need while they can still reconsider the purchase.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that devices without manufacturer security updates are easier to compromise.
Confirm support for the exact model before buying. Before using a second-hand device, ensure it has been reset, then enable automatic updates and a screen lock.
Good Things Foundation’s National Device Bank works through local organisations rather than supplying devices directly to individuals. A nearby support hub is not a promise of a device or connectivity.
Contact the local organisation to ask about eligibility, current availability and help with setup before making plans around it.
An iPhone, iPad or Mac may be worth trying when the person wants to use Apple’s interaction settings across device types.
Android phones and tablets offer configurable interaction, while Chromebooks are a separate option for browser-centred tasks.
Windows is relevant when regular keyboard work, documents or web-based learning point towards a laptop.
Galaxy phones and tablets are an Android route for people considering adjustable display and interaction settings.
A laptop or tablet brand to consider when a keyboard-led route is needed and device-specific documentation can guide the choice.
This phone is an option to assess if calls and everyday apps are the main tasks. Its foldable design makes trying both screens and the intended user’s navigation steps particularly important; the tablet and keyboard-led routes remain separate choices.
No image available
Consider this phone for calls and everyday apps if the intended user can comfortably manage its foldable screens and navigation.
The named variant has 5G connectivity and 256GB storage. Try any required accessibility settings on the exact model, and check whether a compatible charger and help with account setup are needed.
Yes, if setup or unfamiliar steps are likely to prevent the person using it. AbilityNet says its volunteers can help with equipment and settings, while Good Things Foundation points people towards local Digital Inclusion Hubs; ask the relevant organisation what help is currently available.
Yes, provided the exact model still receives manufacturer security updates and the person can complete their essential tasks on it. Follow National Cyber Security Centre guidance to reset second-hand equipment before use and enable automatic updates and a screen lock.
Check the final-update date for the exact Chromebook model before buying, particularly if it is refurbished. Google provides this in the device’s update schedule; the purchase date alone does not tell you how much update support remains.
No. Choose around the person’s actual tasks and preferred ways of reading, hearing and entering information, then let them try those tasks on the proposed device. A usable setting or form factor is an individual fit question, not a medical assessment.