In a surprising turn of events, the best dumb phones, reminiscent of the early 2000s, are making a comeback among younger generations. Also known as feature phones, are stripped-down mobile devices that prioritize essential functions like calling and texting. Unlike smartphones, they offer a simpler user experience by eliminating the distractions of social media and excessive screen time.
In this article, we are going to explain the recent surge in the popularity of dumb phones, the best dumb phones that are currently available, and the driving forces behind their renewed appeal. If you are interested in rather original phones, you can also check out the Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola Edition.
Before begin, if you’d like to jump ahead and check them out, here are the best dumb phones that we think surpass the other currently available ones:
- Nokia 2760 flip phone
- Easyfone Prime A6
- Nokia 225 4G
- AT&T Cingular SmartFlip IV
- Punkt MP02
- Nokia 6300
- Doro 7010 Dual Sim
- Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1
- Nokia 8110 4G
Below, you can check out all the specific information about each of them!
Which are the best dumb phones and why are they so popular right now?
The rise of dumb phones can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there is growing concern about the impact of smartphone addiction on mental health, particularly among younger individuals. As Jose Briones, a dumb phone influencer, pointed out, “I think you can see it with certain Gen Z populations — they’re tired of the screens. They don’t know what is going on with mental health and they’re trying to make cutbacks.”
Moreover, dumb phones provide an opportunity to consciously choose how and when to use technology, as Joe Hollier, co-founder of Light, explains: “What we’re trying to do with the Light phone isn’t to create a dumb phone, but to create a more intentional phone — a premium, minimal phone — which isn’t inherently anti-technology. But it’s about consciously choosing how and when to use which aspects of technology that add to my quality of life.”
Secondly, the popularity of dumb phones can be attributed to a nostalgia-driven desire for simplicity in the digital age. Lars Silberbauer, chief marketing officer of Nokia Phones and HMD Global, notes that “People want to go back to the early 2000s or the ’90s, I think that’s a remembrance of a happier time, a time where things were a bit simpler.”
Whatever the reason may be, it is undeniable that the best dumb phones are now going to seize some of the marketspace, although how long the trend will last remains uncertain. Nevertheless, if you are interested,below is a list of the best dumb phones that are currently available.
Nokia 2760 flip phone
- Release date: March 2022
- Technology: 4G
- Screen size: 2.8-in, 240×320 pixel + 160 x 128 on door
- Rear camera: 5MP
- Front camera: No
- OIS: No
- Battery life: 18 days standby / 3.4 hours talk (swappable)
- Weight: 136g
- Dimensions: 110 mm x 19.5 mm x 58 mm
- Storage: 4GB
The Nokia 2760 is a modern flip phone with a low cost, making it a cost-effective option. It features a 5MP rear camera, screens on both the inside and outside of the flip, and support for Bluetooth 4.2 and M4/T4 hearing aids. The phone has a swappable battery, a USB-C connection, and a headphone jack. It offers VoLTE 4G technology and is hearing aid compatible. While it lacks hotspot functionality and has limited storage, it provides a simple and affordable choice.
Easyfone Prime A6
- Release date: January 2021
- Technology: 4G
- Screen size: 1.8-in TFT
- Rear camera: No
- Front camera: No
- OIS: No
- Battery life: 96 hours standby, 5 hours talk time
- Weight: 82g
- Dimensions: 115 x 52 x 14.5 mm
- Storage: Supports 16GB microSIM (not included)
The Easyfone Prime A6 is designed for seniors, offering simplicity with big buttons, large fonts, and easy-to-use functionality. It includes an SOS button for emergencies, hearing-aid compatibility, and does not have a camera to keep things simple. This phone is suitable for older users who want a device for basic communication without the complexity of modern technology.
Nokia 225 4G
- Release date: October 2020
- Technology: 4G
- Screen size: 2.4-in, 240×320 pixel
- Rear camera: 0.3MP
- Front camera: No
- OIS: No
- Battery life: 20 days standby / 6 hours talk
- Weight: 118g
- Dimensions: 125 x 51 x 14mm
- Storage: 128MB
The Nokia 225 4G offers a simple and affordable option for those who want to avoid the distractions of a modern smartphone while still enjoying some smart features. It allows for calls, limited text messaging, and browsing YouTube and Facebook. The phone has a color screen, suitable for playing Nokia’s games, and includes an FM radio for entertainment. It has excellent battery life and supports Bluetooth connectivity.
AT&T Cingular SmartFlip IV
- Release date: March 2020
- Technology: 4G (UMTS, LTE, Wi-Fi)
- Screen size: 2.8-in, 240×320 pixel
- Rear camera: 2MP
- Front camera: No
- OIS: No
- Battery life: 72 hours standby / 10 hours talk
- Weight: 130g
- Dimensions: 105 x 54 x 19mm
- Storage: 4GB
The AT&T Cingular SmartFlip IV runs on KaiOS 2.5, allowing it to run apps like Facebook and Whatsapp. It features a 2MP camera and offers HD calls, Wi-Fi, and 4G LTE support. The keyboard makes typing easy, and contacts can be synced with Google and Outlook. It supports popular apps through the KaiStore, but note that Google Assistant must be triggered through the phone rather than using voice activation. It provides a balance between a basic phone and a smartphone-like experience.
Punkt MP02
- Release date: November 2018
- Technology: 4G
- Screen size: 2-in, 320×240 pixel
- Rear camera: No
- Front camera: No
- OIS: No
- Battery life: Up to 12 days standby / 4 hours talk
- Weight: 100g
- Dimensions: 116 x 53 x 13.5mm
- Storage: 4GB
The Punkt MP02 is a minimalistic dumb phone that focuses on simplicity and reducing distractions. It supports 4G technology and features a monochrome display. The phone emphasizes privacy, offering encrypted calls and communications. It lacks a camera but boasts a stylish and compact design. Contacts can be synced via Bluetooth, and it supports basic features like texting, calling, and a calendar.
Nokia 6300
- Release date: January 2021
- Technology: 4G
- Screen size: 2.4 inches, 240×320 pixels
- Rear camera: 0.3MP
- Front camera: No
- OIS: No
- Battery life: 25 days standby / 7.5 hours talk
- Weight: 105g
- Dimensions: 131.4 x 53 x 13.7 mm
- Storage: 4GB
The Nokia 6300 is a hybrid dumbphone with smart features. It strikes a balance between basic voice functionality and limited access to services like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube. Its standout features include a long-lasting battery life of up to 25 days on standby and 7.5 hours of talk time. It also supports 4G connectivity and has 4GB of storage, expandable up to 256GB with a microSD card. This phone can even be used as a mobile hotspot.
Doro 7010 Dual Sim
- Release date: 2021
- Technology: 4G
- Screen size: 2.8 inches, 240×320 pixels
- Rear camera: 3MP + Flash
- Front camera: No
- OIS: No
- Battery life: 330 hours standby / 7 hours talk
- Weight: 112g
- Dimensions: 133 x 56 x 17 mm
- Storage: 4GB + MicroSD
The Doro 7010 Dual Sim is marketed as a dumbphone designed for seniors. It features a 2.8-inch touchscreen, 4G connectivity, and a 3MP rear camera with flash. While it offers physical keys, they are not particularly large. However, it supports popular applications like Facebook and WhatsApp, making it suitable for older individuals who rely on these services. With 512MB of memory and a 1.1GHz processor, it can handle apps reasonably well, though it may not be ideal for demanding tasks.
Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1
- Release date: December 2019
- Technology: Inmarsat satellite network
- Screen size: 2.1 inches
- Rear camera: No
- Front camera: No
- OIS: No
- Battery life: 160 hours standby / 8 hours talk
- Weight: 318g
- Dimensions: 169 x 75 x 36 mm
The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 stands out as one of the best dumb phones for remote locations. It utilizes the Inmarsat satellite network, which allows it to reach areas where traditional networks might not have coverage. It lacks data transfer capabilities due to limited bandwidth but offers reliable voice communication. The phone features IP65 compliance, a reflective screen with Gorilla glass, a dedicated location-sharing button, and an SOS button for emergencies. Its network of geostationary satellites ensures global coverage for making calls.
Nokia 8110 4G
- Release date: February 2018
- Technology: 4G
- Screen size: 2.4 inches, 240×320 pixels
- Rear camera: 2MP
- Front camera: No
- OIS: No
- Battery life: 25 days standby / 11 hours talk
- Weight: 117g
- Dimensions: 133.5 x 49.3 x 14.9 mm
- Storage: 4GB
The Nokia 8110 4G is a dumbphone renowned for its cool retro design. Its flip-phone style, reminiscent of the iconic phones from the Matrix movies, adds a touch of nostalgia. The phone is lightweight, and compact, and features a slider keyboard, minimizing the risk of accidental pocket dials. It offers a 2MP rear camera and supports 4G connectivity. However, its plastic build may be prone to scuffs, and the processing speed could be improved. The Nokia 8110 4G serves as an affordable backup phone with an attractive price point.
Hopefully, you can find a dumb phone that suits your taste in our list of best dumb phones available. If not, no worries. Although the trend is rising currently, there is currently no way that smartphones will get out of our lives.
Featured image: The Light Phone
