A couple of years ago, I wrote in my hobby website (https://ancheta.ca) “5 Useful ways for your old smartphone“. Actually, I’ve listed more than 5 useful ways for older smartphone. Several new smartphones has come out since that time and all the more dust-accumulating older smartphone has more useful ways.
Here are some that I have actually used;
- Surveillance camera or baby monitor. I’ve used Alfred and Presence smartphone applications (for iOS and Android). Both applications work well with older smartphones (iPhone 4 and Nexus 4). Both applications allow you to store video when motion is detected. Online storage is limited for the free account, so make sure you delete unwanted video files. Paid subscription allows you more features and more storage.
- GPS. Google Maps and even iOS Maps allows you to download maps to be used with the map application offline (no internet connection required). However, Here Maps is the best offline navigation application I’ve used. Regional (state/provincial) maps can be downloaded separately. I’ve used this application when we visited Italy last summer. I downloaded the regional maps of Italy, and Barcelona (Spain) before we left for our trip. It helped us a lot finding our way to St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps in Rome. It also helped us identify landmarks while riding the HO-HO (Hop-On Hop-Off) bus.
- Activity Tracker. Why buy another device when your old smartphone is capable of monitoring your activity (walk, run, bike, etc.). There are many applications that you can use. It is also surprising that these applications were bought by sports apparel companies (like Adidas bought Runtastic, Under-Armour bought Endomondo, etc.). Most applications allow offline operation and upload only when data connection is available. All of them has a social-media sharing feature.
- Turns your ‘non-smart tv’ into SmartTV. There is a caveat on this one. It is assumed that you have ChromeCast or Roku Stick attached to your ‘non-smart tv’ (flat-screen tvs that are about 5-6 years old). With ChromeCast or Roku application installed in your older smartphone, you will be able to stream Netflix, YouTube, etc. to your old flat-screen tv. Your smartphone also becomes the remote control. I’ve used ChromeCast for almost 2 years now. It has worked well with an iPhone 4 or Nexus 4.
- Your Backup phone. I don’t know if this is necessary, but just like your vehicle’s spare tire, it is best to have a spare and not need than not having one when you need it (like when your main phone rans out of battery).
- Bonus, Starter phone for your child. Your child regardless of age does not need a new and shiny phone if you, the parent is paying for the service. Basic functions (calling, texting, browsing, email, and running some apps) of your smartphone are still working even after a couple of years. The iPhone 3G (over 7 years old) in my closet drawer still works!