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Over the past two decades, Smartphones It has become an integral part of our lives. According to Pew Research CenterAbout 91% of Americans own a smartphone. statesman Reports indicate that the number of smartphone owners globally is expected to reach 6.1 billion in 2029. For many, a smartphone is an always-connected device that keeps us connected to the world.
But there are also major downsides to owning one. If you’re concerned about the amount of time you spend on your phone, you’re not alone: some people are Feel addicted to their smartphones, checking their email and social media channels hundreds of times a day. You may find yourself scrolling through the news or wasting time on mindless apps and games instead of being productive at work or spending quality time with your family. Sure, you can simply limit screen time, but that requires willpower that you may not have.
This rise in obsessive behavior towards smartphones explains the resurgence of so-called dumb phones in recent years. Sometimes referred to as feature phones, dumb phones are essentially barebones cellular devices that lack the bells and whistles of modern smartphones. Some only let you call and text, while others have some additional features like a camera or music player. Dumb phones usually only offer basic features, minimal internet, and that’s about it.
If this interests you, read on. In this guide, we’ll highlight the different types of dumb phones on the market, what you should look for when buying one, and whether or not a dumb phone is right for you.
The difference between a dumb phone and a smart phone
A closed Nokia 2780 Flip (left) sits next to an Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max.
A smartphone is basically a small computer in your pocket. The dumb phone lacks the apps and features that smartphones have. More advanced dumb phones, or “feature phones,” offer a camera and apps like a calendar or music player. Some even have minimal internet connection.
Many dumb phones are reminiscent of phones with physical buttons from decades ago. Others have a T9 keypad where you press numbers with letters on the keypad and the phone “predicts” the word you want. There are even feature phones with touch screens and more modern interfaces.
What should you look for when getting a dumb phone?
The Nokia 2780 Flip has Google Maps for directions.
Which dumb phone is best for you will depend on why you’re getting it. Want to dispense with internet access altogether and do it cool? Then maybe a basic phone is what you want. Primary phones are also great if you just want a secondary backup phone for emergencies. Do you want at least some functionality, like Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities or navigation directions? Then look for “smarter” dumb phones that have these features.
Alternatively, if you think you still need some smartphone apps like WhatsApp or Uber, you can search “dumbed down” Android phones With smaller screens and keyboards (sometimes called Stupid Android phones). They’re not technically dumb phones, but they’re often seen as a compromise for those who can’t fully commit to a lifestyle change.
What are the different types of dumb phones on the market?
With an increasing number of people looking for alternatives to smartphones, a large number of newer dumb phones have appeared on the market. If you’re looking for one, we recommend the excellent Jose Briones product Discoverer of the dumbbellphonewhich allows you to filter and browse an amazing array of choices based on your preferences and network provider. We also suggest checking out r/dumbphones subredditwhere you’ll find a community of dumb phone enthusiasts who can help you on your dumb phone journey.
Here are a few different types of dumb phones that caught our attention.
Dumb phones are smarter
The Light Phone 3 has a 3.92-inch OLED display that works in black and white.
If you’re having a hard time giving up your smartphone, there are a few smarter smartphones on the market that might be a good gateway to a smartphone-free world. They often have touch interfaces and more features you find on smartphones, such as a music player or camera.
Perhaps the smartest dumb phone on the market right now Litephone 3which has a 3.92-inch OLED display and a simple black-and-white aesthetic. Its features include GPS for directions, Bluetooth, a fingerprint sensor, Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, a flashlight, a 50-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel front camera, and a music player. It also has 5G support, which is a rarity among dumb phones.
However, it is expensive at around $700, which is roughly the same price as a high-end smartphone. Light also sells Litephone 2which lacks cameras and a flashlight, but is much cheaper at $300 (about the price of a mid-range smartphone). It uses an E Ink display instead of OLED. However, some reviews said that the texting speed is too slow.
Another touchscreen phone that looks like an e-reader and is very popular with the dumb phone community is the Modita Compact. It has wireless charging, an 8-megapixel camera, GPS for directions, a music player, an e-reader, and basic apps including weather, calendar, and more.
Bare phones
Not a single element of the device escaped the pink.
On the other hand, if you’re ready for a complete digital detox, you might consider just a basic phone that lets you call and text and not much else. Just look back at phones from decades ago, and you’ll likely find one that fits this description.
One of the big brands that still makes basic phones is HMD Global, which also makes Nokia-branded mobile devices like Nokia Nokia 3210 and Nokia 2780 Flip. HMD Manufactures its own phone line Also, like the famous pink Barbie phoneComplete with a large Barbie logo emblazoned on the front. It even greets you with a cheerful “Hello Barbie” every time it’s turned on. However, we should note that HMD said so It’s coming out of the United Statesso the only way to get one may be through a third-party distributor in the near future.
There are still basic phones sold in the United States. the Item MP02 It’s one of the more interesting models, thanks in part to its uniquely slim design and clickable buttons. You can also send messages via Signal using it, although you’ll have to send a text message via the old T9 method.
Stupid Android phones
Android Go is designed specifically for budget phones.
Some dumb phone fanatics might argue that anything running Android doesn’t belong on this list, but if your main goal in leaving your phone is to break free from the social media algorithm, then a mini smartphone might be a good midpoint for you. Some examples are Uniphone S22 Flip Phone (formerly CAT S22 Flip Phone) and Dove R7 Pro Candy Bar (available outside the US), and both are Android phones but have traditional mobile designs (the Unifone S22 Flip Android Goa simplified version of Android).
This way, you can still access the “must-have” apps, and you may be able to withstand the temptation of social media better due to its smaller size and form factor (or at least that’s the theory).
Should you buy an old dumb phone or a used one? Will it work on the carrier’s 5G network?
There’s nothing wrong with buying an old or used dumb phone, but you need to make sure it works with your phone Mobile network. Not all phones work with all networks, and some US carriers aren’t compatible with all devices, so check their restrictions. For example, AT&T Whitelist of allowed devices And you generally can’t use something that’s not on that list.
As for 5G support, that’s pretty rare when it comes to dumb phones, mostly because they often don’t really need it (they usually won’t see the benefit of higher data speeds, for example). However, some have 5G support, like the Light Phone 3 Sonim XP3 Plus 5G and TCL Flip 4. If 5G support is important to you due to network congestion concerns, this is something you can keep an eye on.
What if I can’t give up my smartphone yet?
The Brick is a 3D printed box that you can scan with your iPhone to block almost any app you want, as well as its notifications.
Maybe you need your smartphone for work or emergencies, or maybe you don’t find any of the dumb phones out there very attractive. If you don’t mind exercising your willpower, there you go Wellness tools on both Android and iOS This can help limit screen time by allowing you to set app timers or downtime modes.
You can also disable and uninstall all your most addictive apps and use parental controls to limit screen time. And last but not least, there is Many applications and tools It is designed to help you reduce scrolling deaths, such as Brick and Delivery cancellation sign.