Tag: #EMPORIA

Tech Review – Emporia Smart 4 smartphone for seniors. #Emporia #Smart4 #RealHandsOn

Mobile phones today are a plenty from dumb phones to high end models but the majority being higher end phones they are a difficult for the seniors to use and adopt. Emporia though is a company that is changing this by offering devices that are easy to use and  now they have a smartphone with all the convoluted mess hidden underneath and makes the move from a dumphone/feature phone easy and this also allows you to go further into the submenus should you wish, with most of used stuck in lockdown now and no end in sight just yet the senior community want to learn and stay in touch with family and friends and dumbphones do not allow this to happen where the smart 4 offers it all keeping it simple for everyone and making the switch easy..

The tiled layout is nice and these can be changed you will see a complete walkthrough of the UI below in the video and what the phone can do and it is quite simple and well executed for the desired target market of this device not only that this device is affordable and makes a perfect gift in my opinion, OK it will not blow your mind with the spec sheet or camera but it does the job simple and is powerful enough to keep in touch with social media and more.

 

Chris Millington, emporia’s UK and Ireland MD comments: “This is an exciting “first” in a new generation of mobiles to join emporia’s portfolio. I’m proud to announce the S4 as our most innovative device yet to the Irish market, working exclusively with An Post Mobile. This phone really responds to some of the more recent challenges and hurdles faced by our senior citizens in everyday life and mobile communication – especially in a modern world of social distancing and contact-free living. We have worked hard to include intuitive and completely audience-relevant features like the pre-installed QR scanner, contactless payment functionality, and improved camera for new features like a magnifier for when you have left your glasses at home.”

This Google-certified smartphone runs on an Android 10 operating system, with an emporia interface that is tailored and adapted to the 66+ year old user.

The smartphone’s 5” screen is easy to read, with large fonts and app icons, and a soft touch coating makes it very easy to hold and use one-handed. Like all emporia devices it is also hearing-aid-compatible and is fitted with an emergency assistance button on the back for peace of mind for users.

The S4 comes complete with emporia’s unique comprehensive 135-page training book, allowing users to learn at their own pace and as a reference point. The concept of this training book extends much beyond instilling confidence and driving independence; it’s imperative to emporia’s customers and responds to how the human brain works and is the catalyst to changing smartphone value for this group. 

Key features of the senior S4 smartphone in a new digital world

What makes the S4 different to other smart devices in the emporia range is its following new features that bring the senior user further into the digital world, but in a simple way:

 

  • 13 megapixel main camera and 8mp selfie camera
    In a world where video calls and photo sharing are the most common form of communication, our S4 has an improved camera quality so users can be involved and connected in this way and stay in touch, even if isolated, with family and friends.

  • QR scanner
    The improved processing power on the latest S4 model sees the introduction of a QR scanner, meaning senior users are able to use the NHS track & trace / Ireland’s COVID tracker / Protect Scotland / StopCOVID NI apps, or register their check-ins, for safety and reassurance in a post-pandemic world.

  • Magnifying function
    Most of us experience presbyopia as we age, meaning we need glasses to read and struggle with close up text or smaller fonts. Whilst emporia’s devices are already tailored to help the users to use and enjoy the phone, when users are out and about, reading everyday things like restaurant menus may not be as easy, especially when we leave our glasses at home. This key app is designed to take away that frustration and act as an aid for our customers in everyday life – a reliable companion.

  • App Installer
    There are apps for everything out there, and this can be overwhelming when you need a key app like a track-and-trace, or WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, need to share pictures, check the weather forecast or check the news. The App Installer on the S4 contains a list of the most useful 20 apps, making them all easier to download and locate so the older user gets the key apps straight away.

  • NFC technology
    Whilst NFC or contactless payments in credit and debit cards isn’t new, the new S4 brings NFC (near field communication) technology, or more to the point contactless payments to a new audience. When social distancing and contact-free are the norm, this function can offer a whole new shopping experience for older customers who tend to use cash. With the new 16-page guide to how to set-up Google Pay and the benefits of the security this brings, the retired audience will be equipped for the new era upon us.

T o buy S4 smartphone, please visit: www.anpost.com/mobile or emporiatelecom.ie/products/overview/emporiasmart4

 

emporia Ireland launches ‘talking’ mobile phone for blind and partially sighted older people @NCBI_sightloss #emporiaTALKactive

emporia, which has been making phones for retirees for 30 years, has launched its first mobile specifically adapted for visually impaired seniors. It will be sold in Ireland exclusively by the charity NCBI.

The TALKactive phone is an adaptation of emporia’s ACTIVEglam phone, which launched in the UK and Ireland last year, with additional spoken menus, buttons and SMS text to assist users with sight loss.

A voice assist function reads text messages aloud and helps the user to respond by speaking the letter keys and providing the option to read back the typed message before sending. When receiving calls, voice assist will read unknown numbers, or announce the name of the contact saved in the phone book.

Large illuminated buttons with a defined pressure point make typing easier, while large on-screen text aids the partially sighted. An extra strong vibrate function alerts users to incoming calls and messages.

The clamshell design offers greater control over the handset: opening and closing the phone can be set to auto answer or end a call. The volume button located on the phone’s exterior is adapted to speak the time and battery level aloud when the phone is closed.

Priced affordably at €150.00, TALKactive includes a 2MP camera. It also comes with a charging cradle so users don’t have to waste time inserting the USB-C cable into the charger port.

The TALKactive comes with a set of uncomplicated, well-written user instructions available in large print, braille or audio, produced by emporia and NCBI.

As with all emporia phones, it is compatible with hearing aids, has extra loud and clear sound, and an emergency button located on the rear of the phone for extra peace of mind. If pressed, up to five emergency numbers will receive an SMS and be dialled automatically in sequence.

Chris Millington, managing director of emporia UK & Ireland, says: “Although smartphones have accessibility functions, the majority of blind or partially sighted users are older and unaccustomed to touchscreen technology prior to losing sight. Designed with much care and consideration, and tested by older users with sight loss during the development phase, the TALKactive offers simplicity and affordability and is vastly easier to handle for a majority of retirees who haven’t grown up with mobile technology at their fingertips.”

Kyran O’Mahoney, chief technology officer at NCBI, says:“Technology is a key enabler for people with sight loss and this talking feature will be a great help to many service users. It is so important to help people stay connected. NCBI is proud to be a supplier.

Be sure to stay tuned for our full review soon..

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emporia Telecom celebrates 30 years. #emporiatelecom #emporia

The Austrian based company which launched in the UK and Ireland in 2020 is celebrating its 30th birthday.  emporia Telecom was founded by Albert Fellner on 29th April 1991 with the company located in his parents’ garage in Linz, Austria.

emporia develops, designs and manufactures easy-to-use smartphones, button cell phones and apps especially for the elderly and is successfully asserting itself as a niche player against global corporations such as Samsung and Apple. The company has sold 15 million devices across 30 countries.

Shortly after the turn of the millennium, emporia made the pioneering system change to become a developer, designer and manufacturer of mobile phones.

“Ease of use was and still is one of the outstanding features of all emporia devices”, says Eveline Pupeter, who has been the Managing Director of emporia Telecom for two decades and its sole proprietor since 2015.

“We quickly realised that commercially available cell phones were only of limited suitability for the needs of older people.  We visited retirement homes and sat down with the residents and talked to them about their requirements of cell phones for senior citizens.

“The most important parameters were and remain: simple menu navigation and usability, good legibility and finely tuned loudspeakers, large buttons (or keypads), robustness and an emergency button for just in case.

“Even today, every emporia button cell phone and smartphone is equipped with the patented emergency button, because safety is and will remain an important issue in old age.”

Eveline Pupeter

The first emporia smartphone specially developed to meet the needs of the 65+ target group was launched in 2015.

“That was a quantum leap for our research and development work,” Pupeter continues; “The close cooperation with universities and research institutions such as Cambridge, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or the Johannes Kepler University in Linz helped us a lot.”

The fifth-generation smartphones are now on the market. The emporiaSMART.5 boasts a triple camera for stunning photos, a lightning-fast octa-core processor and an intelligent Smartcover. “Even if our phones are easy to use, they are still absolutely state-of-the-art from the technical point of view”, Pupeter explains.

In addition to manufacturing easy-to-use smartphones, apps and button cell phones, emporia has been developing special training formats for senior citizens and training smartphone trainers for several years. “We are the only company in the world that offers a comprehensive concept for the target group of older people with telephones suitable for senior citizens, training concepts and a comprehensive training manual,” says Pupeter.

emporia S4 smartphone launches in Ireland with An Post. First Look and unboxing. #emporia

emporia – the European leader in simple phones for retirees – is delighted to announce the Irish launch of its latest and most advanced smartphone in its portfolio yet; the S4. The launch coincides with its announcement of its first network partner An Post Mobile, which is retailing the device https://www.anpost.com/Shop/Products/Post-Mobile-Products/Emporia-Smart-Phone-S4 
 
Tackling some of the common technological issues felt by the senior user in 2020, this smartphone includes key features that respond to the demands of our older citizens in a world of track and trace, security concerns and mobile involvement like never before.
 
Chris Millington, emporia’s UK and Ireland MD comments: “This is an exciting “first” in a new generation of mobiles to join emporia’s portfolio. I’m proud to announce the S4 as our most innovative device yet to the Irish market, working exclusively with An Post Mobile. This phone really responds to some of the more recent challenges and hurdles faced by our senior citizens in everyday life and mobile communication – especially in a modern world of social distancing and contact-free living. We have worked hard to include intuitive and completely audience-relevant features like the pre-installed QR scanner, contactless payment functionality, and improved camera for new features like a magnifier for when you have left your glasses at home.”
 
Partnering with leading network provider An Post
 
“We’re delighted to announce our first Irish network relationship with An Post Mobile. To have such a credible and respected network partner on board to help us introduce the S4 to the Irish market is key to boost our visibility in front of senior citizens. Working with An Post Mobile will enable us to reach a large proportion of seniors in Ireland and introduce them to the world of simple and easy technology and access a whole new world of communication, confidently and independently,” comments Millington.
 
The S4 is available contract free with An Post Mobile from €139.95, and comes with unlimited calls, texts and 4G data for just €15 per month on its new plan (see anpost.com/mobile for details and terms and conditions). With the current offer of the first month for free if customers switch their number to An Post Mobile, this S4 senior-focused smartphone will enable this generation to stay connected.
 
Michael Ahern, An Post Mobile Manager, comments: “2020 has shown just how important mobile communications are to the community and An Post is especially aware that many of our older citizens have gone for long periods without close contact with family, friends and neighbors. We see the introduction of the emporia S4 smartphone to the An Post Mobile phone range as another opportunity to make life just that little bit easier and safer for the older generation and their families.”

 

Introducing the emporia S4

This Google-certified smartphone runs on an Android 10 operating system, with an emporia interface that is tailored and adapted to the 66+ year old user.
 

The smartphone’s 5” screen is easy to read, with large fonts and app icons, and a soft touch coating makes it very easy to hold and use one-handed. Like all emporia devices it is also hearing-aid-compatible and is fitted with an emergency assistance button on the back for peace of mind for users.

 

The S4 comes complete with emporia’s unique comprehensive 135-page training book, allowing users to learn at their own pace and as a reference point. The concept of this training book extends much beyond instilling confidence and driving independence; it’s imperative to emporia’s customers and responds to how the human brain works and is the catalyst to changing smartphone value for this group. 

 

Key features of the senior S4 smartphone in a new digital world

What makes the S4 different to other smart devices in the emporia range is its following new features that bring the senior user further into the digital world, but in a simple way:

 

  • 13 megapixel main camera and 8mp selfie camera
    In a world where video calls and photo sharing are the most common form of communication, our S4 has an improved camera quality so users can be involved and connected in this way and stay in touch, even if isolated, with family and friends.

  • QR scanner
    The improved processing power on the latest S4 model sees the introduction of a QR scanner, meaning senior users are able to use the NHS track & trace / Ireland’s COVID tracker / Protect Scotland / StopCOVID NI apps, or register their check-ins, for safety and reassurance in a post-pandemic world. 

  • Magnifying function
    Most of us experience presbyopia as we age, meaning we need glasses to read and struggle with close up text or smaller fonts. Whilst emporia’s devices are already tailored to help the users to use and enjoy the phone, when users are out and about, reading everyday things like restaurant menus may not be as easy, especially when we leave our glasses at home. This key app is designed to take away that frustration and act as an aid for our customers in everyday life – a reliable companion.

  • App Installer
    There are apps for everything out there, and this can be overwhelming when you need a key app like a track-and-trace, or WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, need to share pictures, check the weather forecast or check the news. The App Installer on the S4 contains a list of the most useful 20 apps, making them all easier to download and locate so the older user gets the key apps straight away.

  • NFC technology
    Whilst NFC or contactless payments in credit and debit cards isn’t new, the new S4 brings NFC (near field communication) technology, or more to the point contactless payments to a new audience. When social distancing and contact-free are the norm, this function can offer a whole new shopping experience for older customers who tend to use cash. With the new 16-page guide to how to set-up Google Pay and the benefits of the security this brings, the retired audience will be equipped for the new era upon us.

The older generation and trust in contactless payment technology

Millington says now is the right time to introduce NFC technology to the senior mobile phone market: “We know that mobile phone banking and contactless payments are increasingly on the rise across the UK and Ireland; even more so this year with a focus on contact-free due to Covid concerns. But this doesn’t make it automatically trusted. We want to challenge this misconception; and NFC and Google Pay in a mobile phone addresses this concern for seniors head on.”
 
“What we are helping our users understand in our separate training book is that contactless payments on a phone are safer than using a bank card; they’re passcode protected, unlike an ATM card which can be stolen and used by anyone – the phone cannot be used without the passcode. Similarly, it is a reassurance for if cards are mislaid, and adds a whole new level of identity protection as cards registered on Google Pay as not visible to the merchant. Couple this with the added benefit of being able to add in store reward cards to the S4, and it makes the whole shopping experience with a smartphone seamless,” adds Millington.
 
Irish seniors post-covid
 
Whilst life post-covid presents a lot of uncertainty, one result of the pandemic is that it has brought society even closer together. The technology offered by the emporia S4 will act as a key enabler in maintaining that closeness – both in terms of checking in with loved ones, and track and trace apps – to enable all of us, including our older citizens, to get on with their lives and stay connected. 

 

To find out more about the S4 smartphone, please visit: www.anpost.com/mobile or emporiatelecom.ie/products/overview/emporiasmart4 

emporia announces new partnership with The Phone Co-op

emporia telecom is delighted to announce yet another retail partner to its growing UK list. Established telecoms provider, The Phone Co-op will now retail three of emporia’s hero handsets from this week.

Chris Millington, UK and Ireland MD of emporia comments: “This partnership is another recognisable milestone for emporia. Our strategy for the UK and Irish markets was to reach the wide audience group in many familiar ways that mirror our different consumers’ habits and platforms. To have such a credible organisation like The Phone Co-op retail our devices is another success since our European expansion and launching here at the start of 2020.”

“We’re especially delighted about working with The Phone Co-op even more so because of its trusted membership model and growing reach in terms of customers and geographical locations. This partnership will see some of our devices available to their members and customers; of which we share a similar older demographic. A huge focus in the interface of our devices is around use ability and independence; enabling our users to learn at their own pace with handset training books and to have a phone that meets their needs. We hope this partnership will enable more retirees to access our devices and technology,” Chris adds.

Lizzie Hieron, Chief Operating Officer at The Phone Co-op comments: “We’re the UK’s only co-operative telecoms supplier and an established MVNO. As part of the Midcounties Co-operative we’re committed to working ethically, treating our people fairly, and caring for our customers and our communities.

“Working with emporia means we have now positively expanded our product portfolio to bring on three new devices that are easy-to-use and enriching for customers that need simple communication.

“Supporting older people in our local communities has never been so crucial with many people feeling isolated or lonely following months of shielding because of Covid-19 and we hope that our new partnership with emporia will be a great help in keeping families and communities connected during these difficult times where face-to-face visits are unfortunately restricted”.

The Phone Co-op will be stocking the following three emporia devices:

            Smart S3

Simple is the new smart with emporia’s latest smartphone. Running on Android 9.0 operating system, and with an impressive 5.5” HD display and 13MP camera, this easy-to-use smartphone combines modern and sleek design, with a simple user interface. Like all emporia devices, it is complete with large text and icons, clear sound, and an emergency button; making it completely user friendly for retirees.

 

            TOUCHsmart

The popular TOUCHsmart operates like a traditional feature phone; with an easy-to-use keypad and large buttons. It gets the name TOUCHsmart as the clamshell phone’s display can also be used as a touch screen to navigate the device and it comes complete with some smart features like internet or built-in WhatsApp, but without all the overwhelming complications that a smartphone can pose for some customers. It has a camera, is HAC (hearing aid compatible), has loud and clear sound, and a built-in emergency call button on the back for assistance.

emporiaACTIVE

This feature phone is a bar design, with a beautiful, wide, clear display and wonderful shape to fit comfortably and confidently in the palm of the hand. It has 4G, 3G and 2G connectivity for best connectivity and coverage. Like all emporia’s phones, it is suited to retirees with its loud and clear sound and hearing aid compatibility.

A charging cradle is included, but it also works with the usual USB-C charging for the easiest way to plug in; the lead can go in any way around for ease. The ACTIVE has a 2MP camera, and of course emergency button for those “just in case” moments.

Like all emporia devices, these three handsets come complete with the right training books and guides to give their users complete support and confidence in their purchase. The S3 smartphone has a comprehensive training guide, the TOUCHsmart has a 10-page WhatsApp guide to introduce users to the world of messaging, and the ACTIVE comes with a comprehensive instruction manual.

These all enable customers to purchase from a store or retailer like The Phone Co-op and be able to understand and learn their device, apps and smartphone terminology at their own pace. emporia prides itself on creating phones that are intuitive for retirees, give confidence, and are responsive to this generation’s needs. Individual training books in the smartphone range offer exactly that and are the tool to empower customers to become digitally connected; even more so at a time when covid-19 and social distancing restrictions are meaning many customers in emporia’s audience group are left isolated.

For more information on emporia’s products, please visit: www.emporiatelecom.co.uk

Senior phone brand responds to tech struggles of lockdown for UK and Ireland retirees emporia’s industry-first Training Book is focus of new campaign. #emporia #Tech

emporia, the Austrian-based retiree phone brand, that launched in the UK and Ireland at the start of the year, has made its ground-breaking Training Book the focus of its latest advertising campaign. emporia has found that its Training Book is the breakthrough enabler to help older users to become confident using a smartphone and stay digitally connected.

 

The 135 page simple to navigate Training Book has been developed for those who have not previously used a smartphone, or for existing owners, to build their confidence and get the most out of the experience. It allows them at their own pace to understand what a smartphone is and how to use it. Topics include Wi-Fi and bluetooth and how to connect to them, through to how to make a voice, WhatsApp or video call. It also explains basics which many already familiar with technology take for granted, such as how to swipe and use a screen, download and use apps or Google maps.

 

 

The demand for the Training Book is driven by two factors; that 76% of those aged over 66 do not use a smartphone so have little experience of its capabilities. And secondly, even if a person has a smartphone, following retirement, device use drops from over three hours a day to around 15 minutes. The less people use it, the less they will use its functionality leading to forgetting how to make full use of the device or basic feature handling. The Training Book not only introduces people to how they can make the most of a smartphone, because it is paper based, but it also acts as a reference to go back to if users become unsure or forget how to do certain activities. Most importantly, they can do this independently without help.

 

Feedback from consumers since the launch in January has been incredible, including a 94 year old lady who has never owned a smartphone before and used the Training Book to get herself connected and happily using the device daily.

 

Drawing on its 29 years experience in the sector, emporia hired an expert trainer to develop and write the Training Book. Over a two year period, hundreds of interviews and group feedback sessions took place to ensure the content, layout and exercises cover all the areas a first-time smartphone user may need help with.

 

Chris Millington

 

Chris Millington, managing director of emporia UK and Ireland said: “At emporia our philosophy is ‘simple is the new smart’ and we apply that approach to everything we do. We are passionate about the retiree market and we know that this Training Book will transform the way phone users in this audience segment will connect digitally. Our customers want to independently build their knowledge and boost confidence around using a smartphone and our Training Book ticks all those boxes.

 

“The online campaign has been developed to generate significant traffic to emporia’s growing range of retail partners, including several key, new retail relationships which will be announced soon.

 

“The COVID situation reinforces the ongoing challenges faced with getting the older generation digitally connected. To help with isolation, we saw relatives giving a parent or grandparent an old smartphone or even a new one to Facetime or WhatsApp, but they did not continue using them because they are complex for this audience and rely on someone to teach and remind them how to use it. The combination of an emporia simple-to-use smartphone and the Training Book addresses these issues and ensures that retirees independently master the technology and remain digitally connected to their friends, family and the wider world.”

 

For more information on emporia’s products, please visit: www.emporiatelecom.co.uk

Review – The emporia one mobile phone for seniors. #emporia #seniors #mobile

Emporia is a company that makes mobile phones for the senior generation which is quite large here in the UK and Ireland and offer several devices which some are smart, smart they are they are made with an easy to use UI and not a convoluted mess with lengthy menus and submenus.

Recently we tested out the smart 3 mini which is a touch screen smart phone but this one today is a flip phone which is making a comeback and again simple to use with no complex menus and a reminder of how phones looked like before..

The design and build quality is nice and feels nice in the hand and can be opened with one hand,you have an external 1.77 inch mini display that shows time,date and notification icons at a glance,the buttons are a key part of the design here and are really nice to use but for those who text you are brought back to the old way of texting using the numbers to get through you text as you once did before but you get use to it quickly.

You have a torch,emergency care button and two very visible coloured keys on the front to answer and hang up, you have bluetooth and a basic 2mp camera that can shoot video too but it is not anything to write home about there but they are there just in case and can take photos you can make out, again this is a phone that could be great for a detox,in fact I was out recently for the first time since the lockdown from a meal and two of my friends have gone back to the old nokia 105 phones to get away from the world of social media and this phone can do just the same with no option to add apps.

If you want something easy to use and get away from it all this is seniors device but anyone can use it plus it stands out in the colour it comes in too,check out the device below in the video as we walk through the options and what it has to offer.

  • Call for care emergency button
  • Clamshell design with 2.4” main LCD colour screen & 1.77” external display. 2MP camera. Dimensions 104.3 x 51.5 x 18.6 mm
  • Bluetooth and Micro USB connectivity with MicroSD card slot
  • Space for 300 contacts
  • Extras include calendar, torch, wallpapers and additional battery cover (without emergency button)

Emporia mobile sent us this to review and had no influence on my findings and no compensation was paid,they are seeing the review the same time as you.

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emporia UK & IE announces four new sales channels despite retail lockdown. #emporiamobile #retail

emporia telecom – which launched a range of mobile phones and landlines in the UK and Ireland markets at the start of the year – has established a growing volume of sales through a number of new retail partnerships as consumers have adapted to the high street lockdown.

After initially developing its own e-commerce site in partnership with Eurostar Global, and starting to develop its presence on Amazon.co.uk, emporia has developed quickly to add new key partnerships to build on its early success.

Scotts & Co, through its brands Scotts of Stow and Expert Verdict, now sells 10 emporia devices through home shopping and online.

Hearing Direct has also launched the full emporia range online and are already busy making sure that its many hearing-impaired customers can access and enjoy the technology.

 

In addition, key online retailers including MobilePhonesDirect (owned by AO.com) ranges two devices and offer them SIM-free and with great value pay monthly contracts from only £9.50 and laptopsdirect is now selling the vast majority of emporia’s mobile phone devices.

 Chris Millington, the UK and Ireland MD of emporia said: “We are really pleased with the progress we have made in the short period of time since our launch, despite the widespread impact and uncertainty caused by Covid-19.

 “Our products are particularly well suited to helping older people overcome the feeling of isolation and separation from family and friends by offering easy-to-use communications technology. Working with key partners and retailers that are able to reach this audience has been critical in helping older users stay safe but to keep in regular contact. Our detailed training guides that accompany all smart devices have really provided an incredible tool to help many users to gain confidence and maximize their use through applications like WhatsApp.

 “Sales through retail partners is a key part of our growth strategy and is particularly effective in these times. Plus, we are working with outlets who serve the retiree segment particularly well.  We look forward to accelerating this positive momentum in the coming weeks and months with further new partnerships to be announced and as the economy starts to regain some normality.”

For more information on emporia’s products, please visit: www.emporiatelecom.co.uk  

Review – The emporia smart 3 mini. #Tech #Emporia #Smart3Mini

We have an abundance of smartphones to pick from today however when it comes to phones for the older generation there is not so much out there and we have a huge demographic here too with the older population and the market potential is huge here for manufacturers to tap and emporia have a range of mobiles to just do that.

Ok so we have Doro which we do not see much of anymore and Nokia who recently released some detox phones which keeps things simple but emporia have gone about it in a different way which makes like much easier for the older generation who now want access to smartphones but with the current offerings out there they are to complex or be it a sales person will try shove an iPhone down your neck. First look at the walkthrough below and see what we are dealing with.

To start you get everything in the box including really good user guides and you also have tutorials on the device, The phone has a light skin on top with a tiled effect which reminds you of Windows Phone plus you have access to the play store too and here is how it differs from your standard Android experience with no convoluted mess or sub menus or having someone look for a feature buried in a sub menu and simplicity is key here as well as the big tiled visual approach.

Build quality and looks are typical however it is a sturdy device and feels solid in my opinion it does have bezels all round which is a step away from the current trend but it is not a phone to make a statement with and is well balanced and in line with low to mid tier devices on the overall look.

The phone is not a powerhouse but mid tier with a decent camera and video function that will do fine for the target market but is no way near flagship but this is not a flagship device but a device to make life easy, I did try load some heavy apps on this to see if they would buckle the device and they did some would not even open but for the likes of social media,email general browsing and a few apps you will be fine with a full days battery too, Again this would depend on user.

The menu layout is really simple to follow and again you have a really good user guide included in the box should you have issues or check the video above for more, On the top you have a battery status indicator and a settings wheel with a notch effect and your signal bar then you have a big wallpaper box which can be changed and you four shortcuts and of course these can be changed to whatever suits you best.

Swiping to the right gives you four contact spaces again tiled and an option for your own number and to finish off that page you have a voicemail and emergency contact tile which is where you place what number suits you best and this is complemented by a button on the rear of the phone to call someone quickly in an emergency. Swiping to the left gives you a list of apps and again you can change these if needed to suit your personal needs.

Your “all apps tile” will give you access to the apps drawer and here is where you can pick if you need to make one into a shortcut on the previous screen.  When it comes to performance I did find the device laggy sometimes but there is updates coming for it so hopefully that might iron that out. Performance overall was fine sometimes the camera was laggy too and I would advise buying an sd card for storage if you plan to take many photos or video. You can see the performance of the camera below and judge for yourself.

1 / 7

 

Whilst this phone is not flagship and can be laggy at times it does what it is meant to do for its target market and more with all the mods and cons you tend to find on your typical smartphone today but in a simpler format for a generation that is moving to smartphones to stay connected with family and friends around the world without the convoluted mess you find in your average smartphone today. It does the job really well makes life easy with big tiled icons and numbers and a simple menu structure and offers security with a one push button to call an emergency number on the back,decent battery life and camera to boot. It is a job well done and executed.

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