In an age dominated by smartphones, the humble "dumb phone" is making a surprising comeback. Also known as feature phones or flip phones, these devices offer a minimalist alternative to the high-tech gadgets we’ve grown to depend upon.
The average person spends over five hours a day on their smartphone (about six days a month or 12 years over a lifetime), so it’s no wonder people are questioning the prominent role these devices play in their lives. In fact, 57% of Americans consider themselves “phone addicts,” and with nearly every American adult owning a smartphone, it’s evident that these devices have integrated into every aspect of our daily routines, influencing and monitoring our every movement, conversation, and thought.
As a result, people are turning to dumb phones. With only the most basic features focused on essential functions like calling and texting, dumb phones provide users with connectivity to the world without the distraction of more advanced features found in smartphones, like smart apps, social media, and sometimes even internet connectivity (think: retro candybar phones from 25 years ago.) And, with their simplistic design and lack of complex apps, dumb phones reduce the risk of malware and excessive tracking, making them a smart choice for those who wish to avoid spam and social engineering tactics.
Dumb phones have gained popularity amongst various groups, particularly older adults seeking minimalism and longer battery life, parents who want to provide their young children with cell phones without harming their mental health, young people who are striving to reduce distractions like social media, and privacy-conscious individuals seeking to minimize tracking and collection of their personal data.
This movement towards simplicity, security, and mindfulness is driving the resurgence of dumb phones. While the demand is still relatively new, the market has answered quickly with a wide variety of options to suit the diverse needs of different types of dumb phone seekers. Below, we offer our review of some of the best dumb phone models you can find on the market in 2024 to meet your needs.
Best “Dumb” Design
Price Range: $299
Carriers: Works for most carriers
The Light Phone 2 is celebrated for its sleek, modern aesthetic and comfortable E-Ink display, offering a minimalist alternative for those transitioning from smartphones.
Key Features:
- Sleek, minimalist design with an E-Ink display that mimics the comfort of reading from paper, reducing eye strain.
- Supports essential functions such as calls, texts, notes, directions, and music through proprietary Light Phone apps.
- Connectivity features include 4G, GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and hotspot capability, ensuring reliable performance.
- Battery life lasts 1-2 days under regular use, suitable for daily communication needs.
- Splash-proof construction enhances durability, though additional protection like screen protectors is recommended.
- Focuses on simplicity and minimalism to help users reduce screen time and focus on real-life interactions.
Cons:
- Less durable compared to some other models, requiring extra care and protection.
- Limited functionality might be too restrictive for users accustomed to more versatile devices.
- Higher price tag of nearly $300 may deter some budget-conscious buyers.
Buy it here: The Light Phone
Best Dumbphone for Kids
Price Range: $99 - $599
Carriers: Works for most carriers
Pinwheel offers five different phone versions at various price points, designed specifically for kids, with built-in parental guidance features.
Key Features:
- Companion parent app allows parents to manage safe contact lists, monitor text and call history, view GPS locations, and set screen time limits and tasks.
- Designed specifically for kids and teens, with durable construction and user-friendly interfaces.
- Hundreds of pre-screened, safe apps that can be customized to meet the child’s needs.
- Enhanced security features to prevent workarounds, ensuring a safe digital environment.
- Attractive design with a responsive touchscreen and sleek interface that appeals to younger users.
- Customizable settings allow the phone to grow with the child, adapting to their changing needs.
Cons:
- Limited ability to add or customize apps beyond what is provided by Pinwheel, which may restrict some users.
- High-end models can be quite expensive, reaching up to $600.
- The suite of apps may not fully achieve the goal of limiting screen time, despite the lack of social media apps and browsers.
Buy it here: Pinwheel
Best Flip Phone
Price Range: $329
Carriers: USA: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile. Canada: Rogers, Bell Telus
The Sunbeam Wireless F1 Pro series offers a range of 8 models designed for varying user needs, making it the most durable, reliable, and functional dumb flip phone available.
Key Features:
- Impressive battery life of up to 3 days under normal usage conditions.
- Equipped with a rear-facing camera and flashlight for basic photography needs.
- Supports 3G/4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile hotspot capabilities, ensuring versatile connectivity.
- Removable SD storage allows expansion up to 32GB, enhancing storage flexibility.
- Some models feature a touchscreen for easier typing and navigation.
- Hotspot capability in select models provides internet access on the go.
- Wide variety of models to cater to different preferences and needs, all priced affordably at $250.
Cons:
- Lacks video capture capability, limiting multimedia functionality.
- Native storage is only 16GB, though expandable with SD cards.
- Some models are very basic, lacking essential features like SMS, music, or navigation.
- Basic models may not perform as well as expected for limited functions.
- All models are priced the same despite differing capabilities, and $250 is considered mid-high range in the dumb phone market.
- Cannot add or modify apps, which might be a limitation for some users.
- Bulkier design compared to more compact flip phones.
Buy it here: Sunbeam Wireless
Best “Smart” Dumbphone
Price Range: $599
Carriers: Unlocked for all carriers except Google Fi
The Ghost Phone Pro offers a minimalist experience by removing online distractions while retaining essential smartphone features.
Key Features:
- Custom operating system for heightened security and stability, eliminating common vulnerabilities associated with typical Android OS modifications.
- Eliminates social media apps, browsers, and app stores to foster focus and reduce distractions.
- Supports essential functions like photography, texting, music, and GPS navigation.
- In-screen fingerprint reader for secure and convenient unlocking.
- The 6.1-inch high-definition screen provides a clear, vibrant display.
- 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth capabilities ensure robust connectivity.
- Generous 128 GB storage capacity to store photos, music, and important documents.
- Full touch screen and intuitive interface for a user-friendly experience.
- High-quality front and back cameras with a flashlight, capturing images up to 12MP and videos in 4K resolution.
Cons:
- Higher price compared to other dumb phone brands, though justified by advanced features.
- Might not fully meet the needs of users aiming to drastically reduce screen time.
- Battery life is shorter compared to other dumb phone options, lasting less than a day with intensive use.
- Only supports physical SIM cards, lacking eSIM compatibility.
Buy it here: Ghost Mode
Best Compact Phone
Jelly Series, by Unihertz
Price Range: ~$99-$250
Carriers: Most phones support bands that are also supported by most carriers. For Verizon users, you must activate a SIM card on a Verizon phone before putting it in your Jelly.
The Unihertz Jelly series offers ultra-small smartphones that many users choose for their compact size, aiming to limit distractions through form factor rather than app restrictions.
Key Features:
- Smallest Android touchscreen phones on the market, ideal for compact design enthusiasts.
- Various models with impressive memory options: Jelly 2E (64GB), Jelly 2 (128GB), Jelly Star (256GB).
- Equipped with front and rear cameras, with the Jelly Star featuring a high-resolution 48MP rear camera.
- Supports 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and navigation capabilities, providing robust connectivity options.
- Facial recognition supported on most models, enhancing security and convenience.
- Affordable to mid-range prices between $99-$220, offering good value for the features.
- Battery life can last up to 2 days, depending on usage, suitable for moderate use.
Cons:
- Lack of app restrictions means potential for high distraction levels, countering the goal of reducing screen time.
- Not as secure or private as other "dumber" phone options on the market.
- Jelly Pro model has limited functionality with only 32GB storage, an older Android OS, and a lower-resolution 8MP rear camera.
- Higher-priced models may tempt users to consider more capable smartphones instead.
- Some users report less than expected battery life, affecting usability.
Buy it here: Jelly Series
Best Budget Dumb Phone
Nokia 225 4G, by HMD
Price Range: ~$49-$89
Carriers: Unlocked for most carriers
Human Mobile Devices aims to deliver tough, fun, secure, fast, and affordable phones, with the Nokia 225 4G standing out as the best choice for an affordable dumb phone.
Key Features:
- Ultra-affordable price point at just $49, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Ergonomic design with a comfortable hand feel, featuring a curved, attractive build.
- Impressive battery life with 48 hours of active play time and at least 12 days of standby time on a single charge.
- Supports FM radio and additional audio playback, offering on-the-go entertainment.
- Equipped with 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, ensuring reliable connectivity.
- Designed with physical buttons for convenience and ease of use.
- Supports games and other apps to provide entertainment and utility.
Cons:
- Very limited internal storage, with up to 32GB expandable via SIM storage.
- No music streaming capabilities; only radio and limited audio file playback.
- Only rear cameras with extremely low MP quality and no video capture.
- Adjusting to T9 texting can be challenging for some users.
- Not as durable as expected.
Buy it here: HMD
Most Durable Dumb Phone
Price Range: ~$60-70
Carriers: T-Mobile, but can be unlocked for most carriers
Though discontinued, the Cat S22 Flip remains a popular choice for dumb phone enthusiasts, offering a durable design and a simplified Android OS with Google Play Store access.
Key Features:
- Ultra-affordable price point.
- Drop-tested up to 6 feet onto steel.
- Waterproof up to 5 feet for 35 minutes.
- Flip phone with a large touchscreen.
- Android 11 Go Edition OS for lighter, less bloated access to Google Play.
- Front and rear cameras.
Cons:
- Low-resolution screen and limited performance may restrict app use.
- Some users report glitches or the device heating up under certain conditions.
- Shorter battery life compared to some other devices.
- Cameras produce low-quality images and no video capability.
- Cannot listen to music without keeping the phone open.
Buy it here: Cat S22 Flip
Most Customizable Dumb Phone
Price Range: ~$250
Carriers: Must purchase the DuraXA Equip unlocked to work on anything but Verizon
The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme is a top choice among dumb phone users for its durability, reliability, and high level of customization.
Key Features:
- Up to 65 hours of usage time or 18 days on standby.
- Drop-proof up to 5 feet on concrete.
- Waterproof for 30 minutes at a depth of 6.5 feet.
- 16GB storage with a microSD slot for up to 512GB additional storage.
- 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile hotspot capable.
- Rear camera for image and video capture.
- Highly customizable interface with multiple programmable keys, including SOS*, Push-to-Talk*, Speaker, and Stop keys.
- Ability to add other apps (like Spotify) through a somewhat hacky process.
Cons:
- Not all apps are compatible with this phone.
- Low-quality image and video capture.
- Higher expense compared to some other flip phones.
Buy it here: Kyocera DuraXV Extreme+
Most Potential: Dumb Phone Up-and-Comer
Price Range: ~$399-$499
Carriers: Unlocked for most carriers
Available for pre-order now, the Minimal Company aims to redefine minimal phone standards with a device that combines a physical QWERTY keyboard and a unique operating system designed to minimize distractions. Its innovative blend of classic design and modern functionality positions it as a potential leader in the rising trend of dumb phones.
Key Features:
- Physical QWERTY keyboard and trackpad, reminiscent of Blackberry phones.
- E-Ink display for visual comfort similar to e-readers.
- 128GB internal storage, expandable with T-card.
- Rear and front cameras.
- Supports 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and access to Google Play Store for app downloads.
- Fingerprint unlock for added security.
- Ultra-durable design and materials.
- Unique minimalist digital interface with the MinimalOS.
Cons:
- Higher price point.
- Full access to the Google Play Store may not effectively limit screen time or distractions.
- Low megapixel cameras.
- QWERTY keyboard may not be ideal for users who prefer larger buttons or a touchscreen keyboard.
- Possibly less secure than some other dumb phone options.
Pre-Order it for October: The Minimal Phone
Not Ready to Give up your Smartphone?
Dumb phones are a great option for individuals looking to prioritize their security and privacy. With their limited functionalities, these devices inherently reduce the risk of malware, hacking, and data breaches. Unlike smartphones, dumb phones don’t support a wide range of apps that can collect and misuse personal data, making them a safer choice for users concerned about their digital footprint. Their simplicity means fewer vulnerabilities and less exposure to security threats.
But what if I want to enhance my privacy and security, without giving up my smartphone?
That’s where Cape comes in. Cape is a privacy-first cellular network that provides robust security on your existing smartphone. With Cape, you can enjoy all the benefits of smart apps and features, while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and security. How does it work?
With Cape, you can talk, text, and live with the peace of mind that your data is secure, all on your existing cell phone. Join our waitlist below to get early access to mobile freedom.
