Your search for a no-fuss, dependable mobile phone ends here. Perfect for digital detoxers, the tech-weary, or just whomever values simplicity over a screen-packed existence.
In today’s age of smartphones that are essentially high-powered computers in your pocket, there’s a growing niche for dumbphones (some people call them feature phones) — mobile phones that prioritise practicality and simplicity over internet connectivity and complex features.
It was, somewhat ironically, 2023’s TokTok revolution posting under #bringbackflipphones that brought this trend back to life.
So whether you’re looking for a digital detox, a reliable backup phone, or simply a device for calls and texts to replace the landline (remember those?), dumbphones offer a refreshing alternative.
This guide explores the top 8 dumbphones of 2024, catering to different needs and preferences.
- Coolest dumbphones you can buy in 2024
- Best dumbphones for Spotify users
- Dumbphones that support WhatsApp
- Choose to take your time back
- Additional considerations
Coolest dumbphones you can buy in 2024
These are the coolest ones you can buy, with a bit of nostalgia thrown in the mix. The CAT S22 is almost indestructible, apparently.
- Nokia 3310 (2020): The iconic Nokia 3310 got a modern refresh with a long-lasting battery, a durable design, and a familiar interface. It’s perfect for those seeking a no-frills phone for calls and texts. Plus it is only £59.99 from HMD (Nokia).
- CAT S22 Flip: For those who need a tough and reliable phone, the CAT S22 Flip is built to withstand anything. It’s dustproof, waterproof, and comes with a long-lasting battery. This one is also £59.99 from Clove Technology.
- The Boring Phone from Heineken and Bodega: No social media, no camera, but a tough shell and a cool see-through case. Only a run of 5000 made and you have to apply to buy.
Best dumbphones for Spotify users
While many dumbphones lack internet connectivity and music streaming apps, a few options cater to music lovers. Here are two popular choices:
- Punkt MP02: This sleek and minimalist phone prioritises design and functionality. The MP02 offers excellent call quality, an e-reader function, and a long-lasting battery. This one is more expensive, at £279 from Amazon.
- AGM M7: This feature phone runs on KaiOS, a lightweight operating system that allows for some app installations, including Spotify. It also boasts a durable design and a long-lasting battery. It is now priced at £97 from the US warehouse of AGM Mobile.
Dumbphones that support WhatsApp
If staying connected with loved ones through WhatsApp is important, here are some great dumbphone options:
- Nokia 8110 4G: This modern take on the classic Nokia banana phone features WhatsApp support alongside a long-lasting battery and a durable design. The yellow one is £95, but you can get the black version for a much more wallet-friendly £64, both on Amazon.
- Nokia 800 Tough: This is built to last, and is more for outdoorsy-types, but it does come with WhatsApp built-in. You can currently get one from Amazon for £107.99.
Choose to take your time back
If you want to take your time back but are afraid to make the leap to the dumbphone niche, you could always try another way. Turn off your notifications, for example, leave your phone in a different room, or go the more novel way and get The Lockbox V1.0 — made by The Virtus Project.
It essentially locks your phone away for a time, up to 48 hours, and you cannot open it in the meantime (well you can in an emergency but this can only be overruled twice a day). A very cool idea to stop being addicted to your phone.
Additional considerations
Beyond the features mentioned above, here are some other factors to consider when choosing a dumbphone:
- Battery life: Dumbphones are known for their exceptional battery life, but comparing models to find the one that best suits your needs is important.
- Camera: While not a primary function, some dumbphones offer basic cameras for capturing quick snapshots but it won’t be anywhere near the level you have come to expect form you iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. Most dumbphones have 2 megapixel (MP) camera, compared to an iPhone 15’s 48 MP, for instance.
- Size and weight: Consider the phone’s portability and whether it will comfortably fit in your pocket. Most of these phones are quite small too, so if you need larger buttons or bigger screen, you might want to stick with your smart phone.
With a variety of features and functionalities available, there’s a perfect dumbphone for everyone. Whether you prioritise cool design, long battery life, or WhatsApp support, use this guide as a starting point to find the ideal phone that fits your needs and preferences.
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