Telecoms reviews

As well as providing mobile phones for business, we also have a selection of business tablets and iPads in our shop. The tablet market is flooded with options, ranging from ultra-premium devices such as the iPad 13, to some budget-friendly alternatives. If you’re looking for a really affordable tablet that balances work and entertainment, the TCL Tab 10 (Gen 2) 64GB is worth considering. With a wallet-friendly price tag, a decent display, and productivity-focused features, it aims to be a cost-effective solution for business users and casual consumers alike. But does it truly deliver? Let’s find out.

Design & Display

The TCL Tab 10 (Gen 2) sports a 10.1-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. While it doesn’t compete with high-end tablets in terms of sharpness, the screen is more than adequate for emails, presentations, and light media consumption. The tablet’s slim and lightweight build makes it comfortable to carry around, which is ideal for business professionals on the go. The bezels are noticeable but not intrusive, keeping the device functional without excessive bulk.

Performance & Software

Powered by a MediaTek MT8766B processor and 4GB of RAM, the TCL Tab 10 (Gen 2) isn’t a powerhouse but handles essential tasks well. Running Android 13, it provides a clean and familiar interface with access to Google’s productivity suite, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive. While multitasking is possible, demanding applications or excessive tab-switching can introduce some slowdowns.

Business Use & Productivity

For business professionals seeking a budget-friendly work tablet, the TCL Tab 10 (Gen 2) offers some compelling advantages:

• Microsoft Office & Google Workspace Compatibility: Whether you’re editing spreadsheets, drafting emails, or joining a virtual meeting, this tablet supports productivity apps effectively.
• Decent Battery Life: With a 6,000mAh battery, the tablet lasts through a typical workday with moderate use.
• Expandable Storage: While the built-in 64GB of storage might feel limiting, the microSD card slot allows expansion, making it easier to store business documents and media files.
• USB-C Charging & Connectivity: The USB-C port supports easy charging and file transfers, and with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, connecting accessories like wireless keyboards and headphones is seamless.

However, business users needing heavy-duty processing, extensive multitasking, or professional-grade applications may find the performance limiting.

Entertainment & Extras

Beyond work, the dual speakers provide a reasonable media experience, though the audio isn’t particularly immersive. The 5MP rear and front cameras are serviceable for video calls but don’t expect high-quality photography. The lack of a fingerprint sensor means you’ll rely on PIN or pattern unlock for security.

Verdict: A Smart Budget Buy?

The TCL Tab 10 (Gen 2) 64GB is an affordable, entry-level tablet that caters well to business users who need a simple device for email, meetings, and document editing. While it won’t replace a high-end productivity machine, it serves as a reliable secondary device or a budget-friendly option for those who need basic business tools without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, no-frills work companion, this tablet is a solid choice. It is available for purchase at a great price on our website, making it an even more attractive deal for budget-conscious buyers. The TCL Tab 10 (Gen 2) 64GB is available to purchase with pricing options ranging from £8.95 to £27.95 excluding VAT, depending on the selected contract length, network, and data allowance.  You can browse our full range of business tablets here.

The Nokia G42 5G is a strong contender for businesses looking to provide a mobile workforce with affordable, functional smartphones. Combining durability, reliable performance, and affordability, this device offers several advantages that make it an excellent choice for teams working on-site or out and about. Here’s why:

Affordability Without Compromise

At an affordable price point, the Nokia G42 5G starts at just £13.95 per month, and allows businesses to equip their entire workforce without breaking the budget. This makes it particularly appealing for companies with large teams, such as delivery drivers, technicians, or remote sales staff. If a phone is lost or damaged, the replacement cost is minimal, reducing financial strain on the organisation.

Built for Real-World Use

Durability is a key feature. The Nokia G42 5G is designed with a tough plastic frame and Gorilla Glass protection, making it resistant to drops, scratches, and general wear and tear. Whether it’s used on a building site, at a client’s premises, or while travelling between jobs, this phone is built to handle everyday challenges.

Moreover, Nokia’s focus on repairability ensures that damaged components like the screen or battery can be easily replaced. This minimises downtime, keeps costs low, and ensures employees remain operational.

5G Connectivity for Enhanced Productivity

Staff working remotely or away from the office often require fast and stable internet connections to stay productive. The Nokia G42’s 5G capability provides rapid download speeds, smooth video calls, and quick access to cloud-based tools, even in busy network areas. This ensures employees can remain efficient and responsive, regardless of their location.

Battery Life to Keep You Going

For employees constantly on the move, battery life is crucial. The Nokia G42 features a 5,000mAh battery that can last up to two days on a single charge. This is ideal for those working long shifts or visiting multiple locations where charging points may not be readily available.

Additionally, the 20W fast charging capability means devices can be quickly recharged when required, helping to minimise downtime and keep staff connected.

Reliable Performance for Daily Tasks

Powered by a Snapdragon 480+ chipset and 6GB of RAM, the Nokia G42 handles essential business apps like email, navigation, inventory systems, and CRM software with ease. While it’s not designed for heavy multitasking, it delivers reliable performance for day-to-day operations, ensuring employees can work efficiently without distractions.

Simplified Device Management

Running on Android 13, the Nokia G42 comes with the promise of three years of software updates and two years of security patches. This commitment to long-term support ensures that devices remain secure and functional for years to come—an essential consideration for businesses managing large fleets of phones.

Additionally, Nokia’s clean Android interface, free from unnecessary bloatware, makes it easy for IT teams to configure and manage multiple devices with minimal effort.

A Sustainable Choice

In today’s eco-conscious business environment, the Nokia G42’s sustainable design is a welcome bonus. Made with 65% recycled materials, it allows businesses to make a greener choice while supporting their workforce.

Potential Limitations

While the Nokia G42 5G is an excellent business tool, it does have its limitations. The 6.56-inch HD+ display, while suitable for most tasks, may feel underwhelming compared to higher-resolution screens. Similarly, the camera system, while functional, is not designed for photography enthusiasts. However, it is more than sufficient for scanning documents or capturing site photos for reports.

Final Thoughts

The Nokia G42 5G is an excellent choice for businesses with large, mobile workforces. Its affordability, durability, and 5G connectivity make it a great fit for employees working on-site, out on the road, or at client locations. Designed to be practical and cost-effective, it offers everything a business needs to equip its staff without overspending.

For business organisations looking for a reliable, easy-to-manage solution to empower their teams, the Nokia G42 5G delivers exceptional value. It ensures your workforce stays connected, productive, and ready to tackle the challenges of a busy workday.

Visit the shop to browse our full range of budget friendly Android business mobiles, or read some of our other reviews on affordable business mobiles, the Xiaomi Redmi 13, Samsung A16, and the iPhone 14

Released in 2022, the iPhone 14 may no longer be the newest kid on the block, but it remains a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a reliable, powerful smartphone. For Business users, Apple’s design updates for this model may not have been revolutionary, but the combination of solid performance, high-quality cameras, and a familiar design make it a worthy contender even today. 

Have a look in our Business Mobiles Shop for the latest deals on the iPhone 14.

Design and Display

The iPhone 14 retains the iconic flat-edge design introduced with the iPhone 12, featuring a durable Ceramic Shield front cover and aerospace-grade aluminum edges.  Available in vibrant colors like Blue, Purple, Midnight, Starlight, Yellow, and Product Red, there’s lots to choose from.  The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display delivers crisp details, vibrant colors, and excellent brightness. While the design lacks the Dynamic Island feature of the iPhone 14 Pro models, most users will find the notch unintrusive.

Performance: Power for Everyday Needs

Powered by the A15 Bionic chip (the same as the iPhone 13 Pro), the iPhone 14 offers smooth performance that handles multitasking between apps, managing notifications, or browsing websites – the experience is consistently smooth. While newer models feature the A16 or A17 Bionic, the A15 remains highly capable for daily tasks and is still powerful enough to run demanding apps and graphics-heavy tasks, like games and video streaming, without a hitch. Apple’s commitment to software updates ensures this phone will stay fast and secure for several more years.

Camera: Perfect for Everyday Photography

The iPhone 14’s dual-camera system includes a 12MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, with improved low-light performance over its predecessor. Daylight photos are sharp and vivid, and night photography delivers impressive detail with Apple’s Night mode. Action mode provides smooth video stabilization for dynamic shots, making it great for recording memorable moments on the go.

Battery Life: Reliable All-Day Power

Battery life is another strong point. Using the iPhone 14 for business can be used all day without needing to recharge, even with plenty of messaging, browsing, and snapping photos. This makes it ideal for long commutes, or journeys to and from client meetings, where you may not have access to charging points. It’s designed to handle long sessions of media use and app multitasking, and MagSafe charging makes topping up more convenient, though it doesn’t charge as fast as some newer models.

For business professionals who are always on the go, dependable battery life is critical. The iPhone 14’s ability to last through long workdays filled with meetings, emails, and travel means you won’t have to worry about your phone dying at a critical moment.

Why It’s Still Great in 2025

Despite being over two years old, the iPhone 14 holds its ground for many business users in performance, camera quality, and usability. It’s a great option for users looking for a premium experience without paying top dollar for the latest model. Its combination of reliability, performance, and business-friendly features makes it a smart choice for professionals. Apple’s ecosystem of accessories and software updates ensures the iPhone 14 will stay relevant for years to come.

Staff Comment

Andrea has been using the iPhone 14 for about 18 months, and it comes highly recommended from her as a fantastic everyday device. It still looks new and fresh, performs just as well as it did on the first day, the screen quality is amazing, it’s so clear and bright, and the scrolling and switching between apps is seamless.  The battery life is still great despite regular use throughout the day (charge once a day, sometimes less). The camera is brilliant and really quick to capture, and the images are so clear, even in low light. It can even manage to function perfectly well when I’ve got 52 (much to the horror of my children) Google tabs open. So all in all, a wonderful little phone which shows no signs of tiring.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 14 is a testament to Apple’s philosophy of refining and perfecting rather than reinventing. If you’re looking for a solid, dependable smartphone with excellent performance, stunning photography, and future-proof updates, it remains a smart investment. For anyone upgrading from older models like the iPhone 11 or 12, this phone delivers a noticeable leap in power and polish. While newer devices may offer slight improvements, the iPhone 14 strikes a sweet balance between price, performance, and premium quality.

As with many Apple models, the iPhone is available to purchase in different models. We have the iPhone 14 for business, as well as the iPhone 14 Plus for business users which features a larger screen and longer battery life.

If a different iPhone model has caught your eye, take a look in our dedicated Apple Section of the business mobile shop, or if  Samsung is your thing we have a shop section dedicated to Samsung phones for business; or all the other Android business mobiles we stock, including Google Pixel and Motorola models, can be bought online.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite 32GB presents itself as an affordable and compact option for professionals seeking a versatile device for business purposes. Below, we’ll explore its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your business needs. 

Businesses tend to use them for engineers out on the road, any operatives out on the road,  sales people, automotive diagnostics, front of house reception, and retail stores. Great for when you just need a larger screen to track jobs, complete reports or share images or presentations. A budget tablet can make some real economies and take some wear and tear.

Contracts start from an attractive £9.95 a month  (plus VAT).

Positive Features

1. Portability and Design The A7 Lite is designed with portability in mind. Its 8.7-inch display and lightweight construction make it easy to carry around, whether you’re commuting or traveling for business. The metal frame provides a premium feel and durability, which is a plus for frequent use.
2. Affordable Price Point For budget-conscious professionals or businesses looking to equip a team with tablets, the A7 Lite offers an economical solution. It delivers essential features without the hefty price tag associated with high-end models.
3. Battery Life With a battery life that comfortably lasts a full workday, the A7 Lite ensures you remain productive without constantly searching for a power outlet. This is particularly useful for long meetings, conferences, or travelling.
4. Multi-Tasking Capabilities The tablet runs on Android 11 with One UI 3.1, providing a smooth and intuitive interface. It supports multi-window functionality, allowing you to run multiple apps simultaneously. This feature is beneficial for tasks such as checking emails while referencing documents or browsing the web during video calls.
5. Connectivity Options The A7 Lite offers both Wi-Fi and optional LTE connectivity, ensuring you’re always connected, whether in the office or on the go. This flexibility is crucial for staying in touch with clients and colleagues and accessing cloud-based applications and data.

Downsides

1. Performance Limitations Equipped with a MediaTek MT8768T processor and 3GB of RAM, the A7 Lite is suitable for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications or heavy multitasking. Professionals who require high performance for graphic-intensive tasks or extensive data analysis might find this tablet underpowered.
2. Display Quality The 8.7-inch display, while adequate for general use, has a resolution of 1340 x 800 pixels, which is lower than some competitors in the same price range. This can result in less sharp visuals, which might be a drawback for users who need to review detailed graphics or presentations.
3. Storage Constraints With 32GB of internal storage, the A7 Lite may require frequent management of files and applications. Although expandable via microSD card up to 1TB, the base storage might be insufficient for users who need to store large files or numerous apps.
4. Camera Quality The tablet’s cameras (8MP rear and 2MP front) are basic and may not meet the expectations of professionals who rely on high-quality video conferencing or need to capture detailed images for work purposes.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite 32GB is a practical choice for business users who prioritise portability, affordability, and essential functionality. It excels as a secondary device for on-the-go tasks, note-taking, and light multitasking. However, for professionals requiring robust performance, high-resolution displays, or extensive storage, it may fall short.

Overall, the A7 Lite is a dependable companion for everyday business activities, offering good value for its price.

If the A7 Lite is not for you, there are other tablets available in the Tablets and iPads for Business section in our Business Mobiles Shop, brands include Nokia and TCL,  the Apple iPad Air 13 inch or the iPad Air 11 inch, as well as other models of Samsung including the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9

The latest offering from the South Korean giant Samsung is the A16. The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G stands out as an affordable yet feature-packed smartphone that caters to budget-conscious users. Samsung continues its tradition of offering devices for every price range, reinforcing its market dominance in the mid-tier segment. The A16 is available from as little as £14.95 per month on O2 from Simpatico – take a look here to see the cost for each of the four networks with a variety of different data plans.

Key Features and Performance

The A16 features a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, an upgrade from the A15’s 6.5-inch screen. It delivers vibrant colours and sharp visuals but is capped at a 90Hz refresh rate, which feels limiting compared to competitors offering 120Hz at this price point. Its sleek design, measuring 7.9mm thin, is another improvement over its predecessor, the A15, which was bulkier. The A16 also has an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, adding durability without increasing cost.

Performance-wise, the A16 is powered by the Exynos 1330 chipset in the UK, with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. While it handles daily tasks and light gaming effectively, it struggles with heavier multitasking that an S range phone would find a breeze. The phone’s software, One UI 6.1 on Android 14, is polished and user-friendly. Long-term users of Samsung phones like this reviewer will be comfortable with the user interface which offers heaps of time-saving shortcuts, gestures and features to make your daily life easier. Samsung’s commitment to six years of updates is a standout feature, future-proofing the device for long-term use.

Camera and Battery

The triple-camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro shooter. Let’s be honest, a phone at this price point is never going to incorporate a camera comparable in quality to an Samsung Galaxy S24 or an iPhone 16 Pro. While daylight performance is good, the dynamic range and detail fall short compared to higher-end devices; portrait mode and low-light photography could be improved, although macro shots are surprisingly detailed for this class of phone. The front-facing 13MP camera delivers acceptable selfies but lacks the richness of higher-tier options – but you’d be paying much more for the privilege.

Battery life is a strong point however, with a 5000mAh capacity offering a full day of use under moderate conditions. However, the 25W charging speed is slower than some rivals that provide up to 66W in similar price brackets.

The Samsung A16 compared with the A15

Compared to the Galaxy A15, the A16 offers tangible improvements in design, screen size, and processor efficiency. However, the enhancements are incremental rather than revolutionary, maintaining the A series’ reputation for reliable mid-range devices without drastically redefining expectations.

Samsung’s Market Position

Samsung is the second most popular handset manufacturer in the UK with about 30% of the market. If you are considering an Android-powered phone, then a Samsung handset will almost certainly feature in your list of choices. They are well-designed, robust and the A16 offers a surprising level of quality for what is essentially a budget handset. The Galaxy A16 exemplifies Samsung’s strategy to maintain a foothold in every market segment, ensuring its relevance amidst competition from brands like Xiaomi, Sony or Motorola. By offering long-term software support, Samsung also positions itself as a trustworthy choice for budget buyers seeking longevity in their devices.

The A16 isn’t flawless—it faces stiff competition in the camera and performance departments. Yet, its robust build, long software life, and respectable feature set make it a compelling option for anyone seeking a reliable low to mid-range smartphone.

The Fairphone 5 has been dubbed the most environmentally friendly phone on the market right now, and so today we’re reviewing how accurate that really is. Spoiler; it really is all it chalks up to be, but if you’re a new phone addict, this might not be for you.

What is the Fairphone?

Fairphone is a smartphone company branded as sustainable and ethical, and is based in Amsterdam. The Fairphone 5, their most sustainable phone to date, was released in 2023.

Why might businesses be interested in the Fairphone mobile?

Businesses might like to have more environmentally friendly mobile phones because they are genuinely concerned about their carbon footprint. The Fairphone, marketed as more sustainable than others, will help companies to achieve this. An extra bonus is that it will help businesses to meet corporate social responsibilities.

If the environmental benefits aren’t exciting you, how about the fact that Fairphones are designed to last longer (at least five years). This could offer a more cost-effective way to replace your business handsets, making them an economical choice with added green kudos.  The Fairphone would also be more brand-congruent for organisations and charities with an environmental focus.

For those businesses with an environmental focus, you can to see our other tips on how to make your business mobiles more green.

How is it sustainable?

Fairphone won Best Mobile Innovation for Climate Action at the Mobile World Congress in March 2024. In their 2023 Impact Report, they shared some stats for us:

• 76% of the 14 focus materials used are sustainably sourced in the Fairphone 5. 
  • (To compare to the current iPhone 15 Pro, whereby 20% of this phone’s materials are sourced sustainably or are recycled)
• 29 tons of e-waste was avoided in 2023
• 944 tons of CO2e was avoided
• 100% of their suppliers use 100% renewable electricity 
• They use fairtrade gold and silver, a first for any smartphone company

The company sells replacement parts of all kinds, including internal parts such as the USB-C port, and even the camera; the phone is modular by design so when the time comes for an inevitable breakage, the phone can easily be opened up and parts replaced at home by yourself. This process greatly reduces the amount of e-waste produced from consumers throwing away their old phones at the slightest lag or crack.

The Fairphone 5 comes with eight years of software updates, and a 5 year warranty, so the idea is that you are not destined to trade in your phone after 2 years, but are actively encouraged to keep it for as long as possible.  The longer a smartphone is kept in use, the lower its impact on the environment.

Undeniably, the Fairphone is far more sustainable than that of any smartphone produced before it, and aims to encourage and demonstrate how smartphones can be produced far more sustainably than that of current manufacturers such as Samsung or Apple. 

Any downsides?

If you’re big of upgrading your phone regularly when a new model has been released, the Fairphone is probably not for you: it’s designed to be with you for a long time. 

In a BBC review of the Fairphone in November 2023, it was highlighted that despite 76% of the 14 focus materials being sustainably sourced, a total of 40 materials are actually used in the manufacturing of this phone, and so progress is needed to ensure the usage of more sustainably sourced material – the mining of rare earth elements used by all mobile phone companies has a significant environmental impact.

How does it actually perform?

As far as the actual phone functions, it does everything you would reasonably expect it to do. The few minor complaints include an occasionally sluggish performance, a less than exceptional camera quality, and slightly less dust and water resistance than that of current competitors. 

On the upside, because the back of the phone is not made of glass, it is less prone to breakages.  And the new Fairphone 5 has finally been given an OLED screen, unlike previous models, giving the screen a bright and sharp look, and it has a battery capacity that can last all day.