Hold The Phone!

The texting window as well as the keyboard can be enlarged. And there's a technique to the inputting, which you learn over time. 

I think the best reason for him getting a phone is that it's great to have in an emergency. Call 911 and not only can you get help, they can lock on your phone signal and come to you even if you don't know where you are.

I will add that I like the 'universal' Directory Assistance that comes with my T Mobile cell phone.  A human comes on the line after you voice a few things like the state of the number you are asking about, etc.  They will look up anything you ask, even keep on trying if you haven't quite got the right name of a restaurant, etc.

One recent evening a bad wind storm, trees down all over taking power lines down, our power out.  Cell phone still worked.  Land line didn't work. 

With my cell phone I could call the power company and 911 and all that.  PLUS, neighbor and I pondered where will we eat?  Weren't sure who was open.  I thought of a Mexican place we liked, down the road, no idea the address or even the accurate name of the place.  Called that DA number, told the person what I THOUGHT was the name of it but unsure.  He immediately said "is it so and so, on so and so street?"  That was it!  He connected me right to it, the owner answered and verified they were open.  Yay!!

That's a good feature of cell phone if nothing else.

Candy

The biggest problem is finding your way around.   How did we ever live without GPS?

If your destination restaurant/showroom/attraction is buried deep inside one of the resort complexes you are going to have fun trying to find it without a phone.    But otherwise you're good.

I get free Netflix (on any device) and a 50% off AAA membership with my TMobile subscription. The phone itself (Motorola Android) was free as well. Total bill is $65 a month. Can't beat that.