Do any new mobiles have torches these days?

C19th Fox · 11-08-2012, 23:32

My trusted Sony Ericsson K750i is now showing signs of obsolescence as it is not compatible with Windows 7 and its web browser struggles to understand some of the code used by a lot of websites these days.

It is therefore time to start looking for a replacement. I have been looking at a range of so called Smart phones and one feature that many of them seem to be missing is a torch. The K750i has a very powerful torch which doubles up as a flash for the camera, and the number of times that torch has come in handy makes a torch a must have for any replacement.

I am on PAYG, send less that 20 texts a year and rarely make calls from the mobile, but have made use of it using the handsfree facilities inbuilt into my car. I get most use out of my existing phone when on holiday and doubt that that would change with a smart phone as I have a computer if I want to use the internet at home.

I am after suggestions for a replacement (either new or reconditioned) that will be compatible with a Windows 7 PC, has a decent camera, and is able to browse the internet when overseas. The text on the screen needs to be a reasonable size. It must have a torch and must be fully compatible with my 2007 Toyota Prius. Carphone Warehouse suggested the Nokia Asha 300 but I have ruled that out as it cannot share its phonebook with that in my car.

alan1302 · 11-08-2012, 23:43

What sort of price range are you looking at?

nvingo · 11-08-2012, 23:46

There are apps on Android that can activate the LED (camera illumination) on demand. I would expect such apps exist on other platforms, so choose a handset with the features you want that has a camera LED, then add the relevant app.

C19th Fox · 11-08-2012, 23:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvingo

There are apps on Android that can activate the LED (camera illumination) on demand. I would expect such apps exist on other platforms, so choose a handset with the features you want that has a camera LED, then add the relevant app.

I would prefer to have something that was designed by the manufacturer with torchlight use in mind and not be battery draining. No doubt when I make the change to a smart phone I will get into Apps, but as I need to understand what the potential risks are concerning viruses that might come with Apps, I would rather leave that until after I have I have had some use out of the phone.

C19th Fox · 12-08-2012, 00:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by alan1302

What sort of price range are you looking at?

No more than £150 for new and £100 for pre owned but obviously I would want a far higher basic spec for pre owned.

I am on O2 on PAYG and want to keep the same No having had it from the days of BT Cellnet and Genie.

Stuart_h · 12-08-2012, 00:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by C19th Fox

I would prefer to have something that was designed by the manufacturer with torchlight use in mind and not be battery draining. No doubt when I make the change to a smart phone I will get into Apps, but as I need to understand what the potential risks are concerning viruses that might come with Apps, I would rather leave that until after I have I have had some use out of the phone.

so you want an LED torch .... that doubles up as a camera flash .....

But you dont want an LED camera flash that can double up as a torch

Daveoc64 · 12-08-2012, 00:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart_h

so you want an LED torch .... that doubles up as a camera flash .....

But you dont want an LED camera flash that can double up as a torch

...and it can't drain the battery.

I suggest that the OP buys a smartphone and gets a magic wand.

Darth-Habib · 12-08-2012, 01:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by C19th Fox

No more than £150 for new and £100 for pre owned but obviously I would want a far higher basic spec for pre owned.

I am on O2 on PAYG and want to keep the same No having had it from the days of BT Cellnet and Genie.

You can transfer your number to a new network.

You need to ask o2 for your PAC code, and then give it to your new network.

The first post in this thread tells you what to do

"I want to keep my mobile phone number. What should I do"

http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1437536

psionic · 12-08-2012, 01:21

Or just attach a small maglite torch to your keyring?
http://www.maglite.com/Maglite_Solitaire_AAA.asp

Lummo · 12-08-2012, 01:22

Most smart phone manufacturers nowadays will not include specific torches on their phones, because they know people will just download apps to use the camera flash as a torch. I do it on my iPhone 4S and don't find it a big battery drain.

Simon Rodgers · 12-08-2012, 01:52

My Samsung has a torch light feature on it and it often comes on when the phone is in my pocket with the keylock on. That annoys me a lot.

niceguy1966 · 12-08-2012, 04:12

My HTC has a 'flashlight' app (from HTC) installed as a factory default. Obviously it will drain the battery eventually, it doesn't run on fairy dust.

I'm pretty sure this is included on all Android phones from HTC as part of their sense GUI.

Stiggles · 12-08-2012, 07:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lummo

Most smart phone manufacturers nowadays will not include specific torches on their phones, because they know people will just download apps to use the camera flash as a torch. I do it on my iPhone 4S and don't find it a big battery drain.

The S3 has one built in. It's called assistive lighting.

Richard1960 · 12-08-2012, 09:07

Blimey a K750i i used to have one of those years ago! and yes the torch feature on it was very useful.

You do not see many/any smartphones these days with such a feature,the only phone i have come accross with this feature is my spare a dust proof/water proof samsung i use when going near the Norfolk Broads.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-B271...7&sr=8-3-fkmr3

c4rv · 12-08-2012, 09:35

AS someone previously mentioned HTC definitely has touch app included with standard configuration. There are plenty of torch apps on android so any android phone can be turned into a torch.

As for viruses, the main issue is for those who decide to root their phone (gain admin access which google had not planned for android users) and then install apps from dubious sources. If you stick to google market and don't root your phone then the risks are very minimal.

Also you wasting a MASSIVE potential of your phone if you refuse to download apps, that is what smart phones are for.

TBH, you sound like you would be better off getting a small torch, I believe you can pick up small LED ones from the 99p store these days.

citizenx103 · 12-08-2012, 09:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by C19th Fox

I would prefer to have something that was designed by the manufacturer with torchlight use in mind and not be battery draining. No doubt when I make the change to a smart phone I will get into Apps, but as I need to understand what the potential risks are concerning viruses that might come with Apps, I would rather leave that until after I have I have had some use out of the phone.

Oh my god, my GRANDMOTHER has an iphone and has no problems.

You strike me as so risk averse you're going to end up with something rubbish just because it complies in a small way with your requirements.

Look, just get a smartphone - it doesn't matter which - install an app and get on with it.

whoever,hey · 12-08-2012, 10:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by C19th Fox

I would prefer to have something that was designed by the manufacturer with torchlight use in mind and not be battery draining. No doubt when I make the change to a smart phone I will get into Apps, but as I need to understand what the potential risks are concerning viruses that might come with Apps, I would rather leave that until after I have I have had some use out of the phone.

Thats crazy. All smartphones do what you want but your afraid of it for some reason. Its like your afraid of breaking it or something.

fmradiotuner1 · 12-08-2012, 10:15

I really find the light can be bright on the Galaxy S2.
Can be use full if in a really dark place however it eats the battery.

niceguy1966 · 12-08-2012, 10:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by C19th Fox

I would prefer to have something that was designed by the manufacturer with torchlight use in mind and not be battery draining. No doubt when I make the change to a smart phone I will get into Apps, but as I need to understand what the potential risks are concerning viruses that might come with Apps, I would rather leave that until after I have I have had some use out of the phone.

Just writing to agree with previous posters. Don't worry about virus's on smartphones. The risk is so close to zero for a normal user that you'll be struck by lightning before you get a virus.

With Apple, they control all the apps you can instal and make sure they are virus free. With Android, Google are more open, but if you stick to installing apps from Google Play (like the vast majority of people do) then you are really really safe.

You have to try really hard to get a virus on a mobile phone, it isn't something that happens on a regular basis like with PCs.

Either don't get a smartphone, or get one and install the apps you need (like a torch). There is no point choosing a phone based on one feature that literally every phone can have if you install an app.

Welcome to the new world of mobile phones. Have fun, it's a great place to play and very safe.

MGS4SnakeRulez · 12-08-2012, 11:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by C19th Fox

I would prefer to have something that was designed by the manufacturer with torchlight use in mind and not be battery draining. No doubt when I make the change to a smart phone I will get into Apps, but as I need to understand what the potential risks are concerning viruses that might come with Apps, I would rather leave that until after I have I have had some use out of the phone.

That's a really pathetic way of looking at it. I've never heard of a virus on a smartphone and just in case you can get an antivirus app anyway. You make it sound like a life or death decision when it's not. Technology moves on. Keep up or be left behind but don't moan when older phones no longer do what you want.

Older/basic phones now are aimed at people who want a bare basic phone and nothing more. All the bells and whistles go into smartphones now cos that's where the money is and you can even buy smartphones these days for 50 quid (T-Mobile Vivacity for example)

alan1302 · 12-08-2012, 13:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by niceguy1966

You have to try really hard to get a virus on a mobile phone, it isn't something that happens on a regular basis like with PCs..

You have to go out your way to get a virus on a PC as well

niceguy1966 · 12-08-2012, 15:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by alan1302

You have to go out your way to get a virus on a PC as well

My wife has managed a few times, and so has my dad. No one I know has had a virus on their phone.

wavy-davy · 12-08-2012, 15:34

Wouldn't it be easier to get something like a solar powered torch keyring from Poundland?

alan1302 · 12-08-2012, 16:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by niceguy1966

My wife has managed a few times, and so has my dad. No one I know has had a virus on their phone.

You still can't just get a virus generally speaking on a PC - you need to install something or allow something to run you shouldn't do. Any time I have helped someone get rid of a virus it was there own fault.

niceguy1966 · 12-08-2012, 16:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by alan1302

You still can't just get a virus generally speaking on a PC - you need to install something or allow something to run you shouldn't do. Any time I have helped someone get rid of a virus it was there own fault.

I never said it wasnt their fault! But it is still much harder on a phone than on a PC.

11-08-2012, 23:32	#1
C19th Fox Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Spalding, Lincs Posts: 1,059	Do any new mobiles have torches these days? My trusted Sony Ericsson K750i is now showing signs of obsolescence as it is not compatible with Windows 7 and its web browser struggles to understand some of the code used by a lot of websites these days. It is therefore time to start looking for a replacement. I have been looking at a range of so called Smart phones and one feature that many of them seem to be missing is a torch. The K750i has a very powerful torch which doubles up as a flash for the camera, and the number of times that torch has come in handy makes a torch a must have for any replacement. I am on PAYG, send less that 20 texts a year and rarely make calls from the mobile, but have made use of it using the handsfree facilities inbuilt into my car. I get most use out of my existing phone when on holiday and doubt that that would change with a smart phone as I have a computer if I want to use the internet at home. I am after suggestions for a replacement (either new or reconditioned) that will be compatible with a Windows 7 PC, has a decent camera, and is able to browse the internet when overseas. The text on the screen needs to be a reasonable size. It must have a torch and must be fully compatible with my 2007 Toyota Prius. Carphone Warehouse suggested the Nokia Asha 300 but I have ruled that out as it cannot share its phonebook with that in my car.

11-08-2012, 23:43	#2
alan1302 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: West Yorks Posts: 6,180	What sort of price range are you looking at?

11-08-2012, 23:46	#3
nvingo Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: wisbech, cambs / norfolk Posts: 3,834	There are apps on Android that can activate the LED (camera illumination) on demand. I would expect such apps exist on other platforms, so choose a handset with the features you want that has a camera LED, then add the relevant app.

11-08-2012, 23:57	#4
C19th Fox Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Spalding, Lincs Posts: 1,059	Quote: Originally Posted by nvingo There are apps on Android that can activate the LED (camera illumination) on demand. I would expect such apps exist on other platforms, so choose a handset with the features you want that has a camera LED, then add the relevant app. I would prefer to have something that was designed by the manufacturer with torchlight use in mind and not be battery draining. No doubt when I make the change to a smart phone I will get into Apps, but as I need to understand what the potential risks are concerning viruses that might come with Apps, I would rather leave that until after I have I have had some use out of the phone.

12-08-2012, 00:11	#5
C19th Fox Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Spalding, Lincs Posts: 1,059	Quote: Originally Posted by alan1302 What sort of price range are you looking at? No more than £150 for new and £100 for pre owned but obviously I would want a far higher basic spec for pre owned. I am on O2 on PAYG and want to keep the same No having had it from the days of BT Cellnet and Genie.

12-08-2012, 00:44	#6
Stuart_h Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 3,474	Quote: Originally Posted by C19th Fox I would prefer to have something that was designed by the manufacturer with torchlight use in mind and not be battery draining. No doubt when I make the change to a smart phone I will get into Apps, but as I need to understand what the potential risks are concerning viruses that might come with Apps, I would rather leave that until after I have I have had some use out of the phone. so you want an LED torch .... that doubles up as a camera flash ..... But you dont want an LED camera flash that can double up as a torch

12-08-2012, 00:59	#7
Daveoc64 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bristol (BBC1 West) Posts: 15,143	Quote: Originally Posted by Stuart_h so you want an LED torch .... that doubles up as a camera flash ..... But you dont want an LED camera flash that can double up as a torch ...and it can't drain the battery. I suggest that the OP buys a smartphone and gets a magic wand.

12-08-2012, 01:17	#8
Darth-Habib Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 455	Quote: Originally Posted by C19th Fox No more than £150 for new and £100 for pre owned but obviously I would want a far higher basic spec for pre owned. I am on O2 on PAYG and want to keep the same No having had it from the days of BT Cellnet and Genie. You can transfer your number to a new network. You need to ask o2 for your PAC code, and then give it to your new network. The first post in this thread tells you what to do "I want to keep my mobile phone number. What should I do" http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1437536

12-08-2012, 01:21	#9
psionic Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Crystal Palace TX Posts: 19,702	Or just attach a small maglite torch to your keyring? http://www.maglite.com/Maglite_Solitaire_AAA.asp

12-08-2012, 01:22	#10
Lummo Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 6,737	Most smart phone manufacturers nowadays will not include specific torches on their phones, because they know people will just download apps to use the camera flash as a torch. I do it on my iPhone 4S and don't find it a big battery drain.

12-08-2012, 01:52	#11
Simon Rodgers Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 3,771	My Samsung has a torch light feature on it and it often comes on when the phone is in my pocket with the keylock on. That annoys me a lot.

12-08-2012, 04:12	#12
niceguy1966 Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 12,488	My HTC has a 'flashlight' app (from HTC) installed as a factory default. Obviously it will drain the battery eventually, it doesn't run on fairy dust. I'm pretty sure this is included on all Android phones from HTC as part of their sense GUI.

12-08-2012, 07:35	#13
Stiggles Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Dundee, Scotland Posts: 9,293	Quote: Originally Posted by Lummo Most smart phone manufacturers nowadays will not include specific torches on their phones, because they know people will just download apps to use the camera flash as a torch. I do it on my iPhone 4S and don't find it a big battery drain. The S3 has one built in. It's called assistive lighting.

12-08-2012, 09:07	#14
Richard1960 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 13,433	Blimey a K750i i used to have one of those years ago! and yes the torch feature on it was very useful. You do not see many/any smartphones these days with such a feature,the only phone i have come accross with this feature is my spare a dust proof/water proof samsung i use when going near the Norfolk Broads. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-B271...7&sr=8-3-fkmr3

12-08-2012, 09:35	#15
c4rv Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Essex Posts: 16,218	AS someone previously mentioned HTC definitely has touch app included with standard configuration. There are plenty of torch apps on android so any android phone can be turned into a torch. As for viruses, the main issue is for those who decide to root their phone (gain admin access which google had not planned for android users) and then install apps from dubious sources. If you stick to google market and don't root your phone then the risks are very minimal. Also you wasting a MASSIVE potential of your phone if you refuse to download apps, that is what smart phones are for. TBH, you sound like you would be better off getting a small torch, I believe you can pick up small LED ones from the 99p store these days.

12-08-2012, 09:55	#16
citizenx103 Guest Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 1,327	Quote: Originally Posted by C19th Fox I would prefer to have something that was designed by the manufacturer with torchlight use in mind and not be battery draining. No doubt when I make the change to a smart phone I will get into Apps, but as I need to understand what the potential risks are concerning viruses that might come with Apps, I would rather leave that until after I have I have had some use out of the phone. Oh my god, my GRANDMOTHER has an iphone and has no problems. You strike me as so risk averse you're going to end up with something rubbish just because it complies in a small way with your requirements. Look, just get a smartphone - it doesn't matter which - install an app and get on with it.

12-08-2012, 10:12	#17
whoever,hey Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 30,072	Quote: Originally Posted by C19th Fox I would prefer to have something that was designed by the manufacturer with torchlight use in mind and not be battery draining. No doubt when I make the change to a smart phone I will get into Apps, but as I need to understand what the potential risks are concerning viruses that might come with Apps, I would rather leave that until after I have I have had some use out of the phone. Thats crazy. All smartphones do what you want but your afraid of it for some reason. Its like your afraid of breaking it or something.

12-08-2012, 10:15	#18
fmradiotuner1 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: TheEssexSunshineCoast Clacton Posts: 15,220	I really find the light can be bright on the Galaxy S2. Can be use full if in a really dark place however it eats the battery.

12-08-2012, 10:45	#19
niceguy1966 Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 12,488	Quote: Originally Posted by C19th Fox I would prefer to have something that was designed by the manufacturer with torchlight use in mind and not be battery draining. No doubt when I make the change to a smart phone I will get into Apps, but as I need to understand what the potential risks are concerning viruses that might come with Apps, I would rather leave that until after I have I have had some use out of the phone. Just writing to agree with previous posters. Don't worry about virus's on smartphones. The risk is so close to zero for a normal user that you'll be struck by lightning before you get a virus. With Apple, they control all the apps you can instal and make sure they are virus free. With Android, Google are more open, but if you stick to installing apps from Google Play (like the vast majority of people do) then you are really really safe. You have to try really hard to get a virus on a mobile phone, it isn't something that happens on a regular basis like with PCs. Either don't get a smartphone, or get one and install the apps you need (like a torch). There is no point choosing a phone based on one feature that literally every phone can have if you install an app. Welcome to the new world of mobile phones. Have fun, it's a great place to play and very safe.

12-08-2012, 11:06	#20
MGS4SnakeRulez Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 16,705	Quote: Originally Posted by C19th Fox I would prefer to have something that was designed by the manufacturer with torchlight use in mind and not be battery draining. No doubt when I make the change to a smart phone I will get into Apps, but as I need to understand what the potential risks are concerning viruses that might come with Apps, I would rather leave that until after I have I have had some use out of the phone. That's a really pathetic way of looking at it. I've never heard of a virus on a smartphone and just in case you can get an antivirus app anyway. You make it sound like a life or death decision when it's not. Technology moves on. Keep up or be left behind but don't moan when older phones no longer do what you want. Older/basic phones now are aimed at people who want a bare basic phone and nothing more. All the bells and whistles go into smartphones now cos that's where the money is and you can even buy smartphones these days for 50 quid (T-Mobile Vivacity for example)

12-08-2012, 13:32	#21
alan1302 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: West Yorks Posts: 6,180	Quote: Originally Posted by niceguy1966 You have to try really hard to get a virus on a mobile phone, it isn't something that happens on a regular basis like with PCs.. You have to go out your way to get a virus on a PC as well

DS Forums

Do any new mobiles have torches these days?

12-08-2012, 15:11	#22
niceguy1966 Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 12,488	Quote: Originally Posted by alan1302 You have to go out your way to get a virus on a PC as well My wife has managed a few times, and so has my dad. No one I know has had a virus on their phone.

12-08-2012, 15:34	#23
wavy-davy Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NW England Posts: 6,792	Wouldn't it be easier to get something like a solar powered torch keyring from Poundland?

12-08-2012, 16:24	#24
alan1302 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: West Yorks Posts: 6,180	Quote: Originally Posted by niceguy1966 My wife has managed a few times, and so has my dad. No one I know has had a virus on their phone. You still can't just get a virus generally speaking on a PC - you need to install something or allow something to run you shouldn't do. Any time I have helped someone get rid of a virus it was there own fault.

12-08-2012, 16:51	#25
niceguy1966 Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 12,488	Quote: Originally Posted by alan1302 You still can't just get a virus generally speaking on a PC - you need to install something or allow something to run you shouldn't do. Any time I have helped someone get rid of a virus it was there own fault. I never said it wasnt their fault! But it is still much harder on a phone than on a PC.