I’ve just had the pleasure of using the Doro 8050 for a while and I have to confess, I’m becoming a bit of a convert!
I’ve reviewed a couple of phones recently. I’ve been very impressed with the way that some manufacturers now acknowledge that the majority of ‘smartphones’ are aimed at the younger generations. Many put a big focus on the online community, social media, camera spec and app choice.
A Specific Market
Doro have recently made it their objective to produce phones that are specifically aimed at older or new smartphone users. They may not want many of the features offered by the market-leading smartphones. And they may not also want to pay the sort of price tags that high-end phones come with.
Nevertheless, I think their latest mobile, the Doro 8050 has hit the market spot-on. It’s a chunky, tough, yet ‘useful’ feature-packed phone. The sound quality is exceptionally good and, thanks to their innovative ‘EVA’ interface, all the phone’s features are easy to find and use. It actually runs on the Android platform, so there are still thousands of additional apps from Google’s Play Store that can be added if required.
It has a perfectly competent camera in addition to a front-facing ‘selfie’ camera. Both offer excellent quality and resolution without all the tweaks and settings often bundled with many phones.
Doro 8050 Remote Access
With the elderly in mind there are some additional features, such as the remote access facility, that could be a godsend. A remote user can help with setting up, add contacts, and even change some settings without having to be there. This is a really handy addition to Doro’s range, as I know from experience how frustrating it can be for some older users when they have never used this sort of technology.
In common with some of their earlier models, they still have the ‘SOS’ button on the back of the case. This clever feature will text a relative a pre-prepared message in an emergency, together with the user’s geographical position. It’s a very reassuring function that will put both the user and their relatives’ minds at rest.
The Doro 8050 comes with a convenient docking tray. It means that the user doesn’t have to struggle with plugging the unit in to charge each night. They simply have to set up the dock and simply place the phone into it when it needs a charge. It takes away all that fiddly plugging-in.
Excellent Value
I really admire Doro’s approach to making phones more accessible for new or elderly smartphone users. They’ve done it in a smart, attractive, intuitive and cost-effective way. Coming in at around £200 it’s a tremendous piece of kit that I’d thoroughly recommend to anyone who might be apprehensive about stepping into today’s smartphone world.
I have recently taken a 8050 on, being a newbie to smart phones at 74.
Quite the worst decision I ever made!!
Took it back three times!! as it refused to turn on when requested, despite being 80/90 per cent charged.
Had to unlock my old phone whilst waiting for a new one, which cost me £15, alledgedly being refunded on my next bill.
Found the navigation difficult along with the jargon which caused a lot of grief.
Totally frustrated with the whole experience of a ‘smart phone’ I have now reverted to my old Doro 6520 and a sim only scheme.
No complaints against the retailer, who did all they could, but it turns out to be a fault in the charging connector which drains the battery overnight, even when switched off!!
Offered a different, higher spec model, but I have lost total confidence in smart phones as a result.
The sales pitch of the easiest phone for the older person just does not ring true!!!