Use a dumb phone to simplify your life and eliminate the distractions of modern smartphones.
With the rise of technology and the increasing dependence on smartphones, it is no surprise that some individuals are seeking to simplify their lives and disconnect from the digital world. As a result, many are turning to dumb phones for basic mobile phone functionality without the distractions and complexities of smartphones.
Unlike their more sophisticated counterparts, dumb phones don’t possess fancy features like the internet and advanced computing, making them an ideal choice for those who seek a more straightforward communication experience.
What is driving the demand?
In recent years, the demand for dumb phones has steadily increased due to changing consumer preferences and broader societal trends. The rise of movements like the Luddite Club, founded by New York City teenagers in 2022, has played a significant role in this trend. This group has gained popularity by swapping smartphones for flip phones, inspiring others to follow suit. Additionally, influencers have documented their journey to reduce screen time using dumb phones, further fueling the trend. As a response, companies like Light and Punkt are selling phones restricting users to texts and calls, capitalizing on the movement.
Apart from reflecting changing consumer preferences, dumb phones offer several advantages over smartphones. These include longer battery life, affordability, fewer disruptions, increased durability, enhanced privacy and security, a simplified user interface, and better physical and mental health. They also promote a minimalist lifestyle and improved human relationships by reducing digital distractions.
In this article, we will explore the best dumb phones currently available in the market and their features, so you can make an informed decision if you are considering going back to basics.
Nokia 8210 4G: Relive the nostalgia
Nokia 8210 4G (Image courtesy of Amazon )
The Nokia 8210, launched in 1999, was a compact and lightweight feature phone that outshone bulky phones of its time. Now, 23 years later, HMD Global, Nokia’s brand licensee, has released the updated version, Nokia 8210 4G, with modern features like 4G technology and a camera.
Nokia 8210 is available in two vibrant colour options, blue and red. The phone features the classic Nokia 8210 body design but with updated looks, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a simple yet functional dumb phone. Its 2.8-inch display includes a user-friendly zoom UI interface, allowing users to adjust the scale of the viewed area for more or less detail and easy browsing of different documents. With a slightly larger screen than other feature phones, users can enjoy a better viewing experience.
The Nokia 8210 boasts impressive features, such as a powerful Unisoc T107 chipset, which ensures a smooth user experience. The 48 MB RAM enables seamless switching between apps. The device also boasts 128 MB of internal storage, allowing for the storage of many photos, music files, and other data. Additionally, the phone has a microSD card slot, which can hold up to 32 GB of additional storage, giving users plenty of space for their data. Additionally, it comes with a one-year replacement warranty for added peace of mind.
Nokia claims that the device has the ability to remain idle for up to 27 days without requiring a recharge, making it a suitable option for users who only use their phone occasionally, such as for emergencies or as a backup. The cost of the Nokia 8210 is set at £64.99 (approx. US$80).
The Light Phone 2: A minimalist design
Light Phone 2 (Image courtesy of The Light Phone )
The Light Phone 2 represents an ideology of extreme minimalism, which is a reflection of the vision of its founders, Joe Hollier and Kai Tang. They aimed to create a device that could be used as sparingly as possible, thus allowing people to have more time to engage in activities that they truly enjoy. This philosophy of “going light” is at the core of their design. The phone’s simple and unembellished appearance is deliberately crafted to discourage users from becoming excessively reliant on it.
The Light Phone 2 replaces the traditional dial-pad buttons with a small e-ink touchscreen, similar to a Kindle. Its basic functions include call, text and alarm, but additional tools can be added through a special Light dashboard on a computer, which the company is adding over time. These include a podcast player, an MP3 music player, and a directions tool that utilizes the phone’s GPS.
The phone provides only fundamental communication features due to its restricted app selection. Notably, social media and email applications are not included among its offerings. The phone’s limited app selection can benefit those who prefer a simple, streamlined communication experience.
With fewer diversions, users can focus more on their conversations and avoid getting caught up in the endless scroll of social media feeds or the constant influx of email notifications. The Light Phone 2 is sold at a price of US$299 and is available in two color options—black and light gray.
Doro 6820: Simple yet functional
Doro 6820 ( Image courtesy of Doro )
Doro is a Swedish technology company that specializes in designing mobile phones tailored for the needs of seniors and individuals with accessibility requirements. Among Doro’s range of devices, the Doro 6820 is a highly functional flip phone that combines simplicity with functionality. The handset’s large buttons and easy-to-read black-and-white display make it easy to navigate, and the user-friendly clamshell design ensures it can be easily tucked away when not in use.
The phone is designed with superior sound quality and a convenient assistance button. If you encounter an urgent situation, you can easily press the button on the phone’s rear to immediately alert your previously chosen emergency contacts.
In addition to its essential communication features, the Doro 8210 offers a charging dock that is more user-friendly compared to traditional charging cables. The Doro 6820 is available at a price of £95.00 (approx. US$118).
The Doro 8210 is intentionally designed to avoid the complexities and interruptions that often come with modern smartphones, allowing users to focus on the essential features they need to stay connected.
These are some of the best dumb phones available in the market that are gaining popularity due to their simplicity and minimalistic approach. With the increasing dependency on smartphones and the constant need to stay connected, it’s refreshing to have a device that helps us disconnect and be more present in the moment.
Despite their affordability, these simple phones boast impressive battery life, user-friendly interfaces and a lack of distracting features, making them a practical choice for anyone seeking an uncomplicated mobile experience. So, if you want to simplify your life and embrace minimalism, it’s worth considering switching to a dumb phone.
Also read:
- The Most Anticipated Foldable Phones of 2023 You Won’t Want to Miss
- Is iPhone 14 Really Worth It?
- Top 3 Affordable and Little-Known Smartphones to Bring Home in 2022
- The Most Bizarre Gadgets of 2023 That Will Blow Your Mind!
Header image courtesy of Pexels
