Gadgets

Gadgets: smartwatches and portable routers

This section brings together smartwatches and bands and portable routers — devices that sit alongside the phone rather than replacing it.

Because the operator is the seller, they can be taken in the same order as the phone and go onto the same bill as the subscription. For a portable router that matters especially: the device and its data SIM are arranged in one place.

What to choose and what for

• Smartwatch — notifications on the wrist, heart-rate and sleep tracking, workout logging. Check compatibility with your phone's system first.
• Fitness band — cheaper and longer-lasting than a watch, but with a smaller screen and no apps.
• Portable router — internet for several devices where there is no fixed line: at a country house, on site or while travelling.

Does a smartwatch work with any phone?

Not always. Some watches work fully with only one operating system and lose features — or will not connect at all — with the other. Check the stated compatibility in the specifications before buying.

What does a portable router do that phone tethering does not?

It shares internet with several devices without draining the phone's battery or tying it up as a modem. It has its own data SIM, so the phone stays free for calls and apps.

Can I buy a gadget in instalments?

Yes, in monthly instalments over 24 months. The monthly figure appears on each product page next to the full price.