Words we will not leave unexplained
4G LTE / VoLTE — Voice over LTE. After the UK 3G switch-off, a phone that cannot do VoLTE on your network is a paperweight.
KaiOS — A lightweight OS on some feature phones. A few apps exist. It is not “Android with extra steps,” and it is not automatically a good idea.
LightOS / Punkt OS / MuditaOS — Purpose-built systems on premium slabs. Fewer features is the product.
PAC — Porting Authorisation Code. Text PAC to 65075 to move your number. See deals.
PAYG — Pay as you go. No contract. Usually the correct SIM for a dumb phone. PAYG UK.
T9 — Predictive text on a 12-key pad. Slow at first. Fine after a week. Not a personality.
Hotspot / tethering — Some minimal phones can share data to a laptop. Useful. Also a way to smuggle the internet back into your pocket. See two-phone setup.
SOS button — One-press emergency calling to pre-set numbers. Relevant on senior-friendly handsets.
Import / grey import — Buying a US or EU phone for UK use. Check bands and VoLTE. Light Phone is the usual example.
Related: About · Comparison · UK 4G