I'm buying a mobile for my gran, as discussed elsewhere.

My question is, if I grab a handset from Tesco, will it be "unlocked" and take any  network sim, as I don't like the offerings they have on PAYG and don't want/need a contract from them.

 

 

not sure about Tesco, but Asda PAYG used to be unlocked

Pick a SIM Free phone from http://www.tesco.com/direct/technology-gaming/sim-free-phones/cat15580012.cat?catId=4294874106 If you look at the price filter on the left you might think the cheapest is £60 but if you click on more you can select cheaper phones.

No Tesco phones are locked unless they say otherwise.

 

They do sell some sim-free phones but they won't have the Tesco Mobile branding.

 

They can be unlocked though and depending on the price it might still be worth doing.

ok, well the recon mission to the local tesco was a busted flush - the handset I wanted to get doesn't come with a charging cradle, even though it's identical to another model by the same manufacturer which does.

And tesco don't stock that one.

 

So, which of the networks handsets usually come unlocked/will accept any sim?

I seem to recall O2 handsets usually did, but not sure if they still work like that. 

Would an o2 handset accept a sim from one of the MVNO's that run over their network (like virgin, tesco, giffgaff)?

None of the PAYG will be unlocked.

Either get one on the right network or unlock it - like the Moto G which Tesco must have sold loads of.

First question is what is your budget, and what must it have/do?

Well, the geriatric mobile thread elsewhere sort of gives a good indication.

Big buttons, easy to use, no fuss, no extras.

I thought about the simple Nokias, but the buttons are too close together/small/smooth and not clear enough.  LIkewise the screen for someone with poor eyesight.

I also toyed with the idea of the Moto G, on the basis that the phones I ended up looking at where of a similar price, but while a big touchscreen seems logical on one front, navigation between contacts, dial pad and the potential to have multiple screens and get lost in settings etc rule it out as I don't need a fourth handset for my own uses (iPhone, Motorola F3 and Bluechip VX1 in cars/go bags)

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/119489-mobile-phone-accessibility-tested

 

http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/mobile-phones/emporia-click-review-50010636/

Take a look at the TTfone mercury. I got my Mum one.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TTfone-Mercury-TT002-Button-display/dp/B003HKDHSC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1387875336&sr=1-1&keywords=TTfone+mercury

The other one I looked at was the Doro as you can program a number to each of 4 buttons, but it's four times the price.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/doro-handleeasy-326gsm-sim-free-mobile-phone-white-a07hn

Tescomobile piggy backs on the O2 network so remember that if it is locked and your gran is in a poor reception area

One question. Why are you planning to buy from Tesco Mobile?

I bought Dad an Emporia ELEGANCE GPS which he can also use with the PID in his Citigo;

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008J77C52/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0039U3UB4&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1YKE4ECVG3SC3R2MNNK6

 

Unlike the single review for the above phone, Dad has had no problems with the bluetooth connecting to his PID.

 

A couple of other SIM free options from Emporia at a good price;

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/emporiaELEGANCEplus-without-Tischlader-sim-free-unbranded/dp/B006M7MB4S/ref=dp_ob_title_def

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/emporiaTALKcomfort-with-Tischlader-sim-free-unbranded/dp/B00ABZEZRS

I've always seen that Asda mobiles are unlocked. Another place that seems to sell unlocked mobiles is Craphone Warehouse. My recommendation for a SIM is a 3 mobile one. 3p/min calls, 2ptexts and if gran uses the net- 1p/MB data. Only problem could be coverage .