Top 5 Dumb Phones to Switch Off With

With technology keeping us connected to every aspect of life 24/7, it’s not hard to get overwhelmed and feel a little too plugged in. Whether you want to go completely off the grid or just take a little digital detox, a dumb phone can be a great way to switch off a bit.

Lauren Davies of bOnline comments: “Dumb phones are becoming increasingly popular. We are all so tuned into our phones which we use for everything from paying for groceries, to ordering online, checking social media and of course, making calls and messaging people. We are all attached to our phones, often understandably, but switching off and disconnecting from having things constantly available is no bad thing. Dumb phones are one way in which to detox.”

What Is a Dumb Phone?

A ‘dumb phone’ is exactly what it sounds like: the polar opposite of a smartphone. They offer limited features and capabilities, and provide essential functions like making calls and sending messages, aiming to deliver a less addictive and simpler experience compared to smartphones. Over time, users have increasingly shifted from feature-rich phones to these basic models.

Dumb phones lack internet browsing capabilities and applications, which helps in promoting digital deaddiction, mental well-being, and safety. According to research the sales of dumb phones are steadily increasing, accounting for about 10% of all mobile sales globally. Additionally, another study found that 17% of adults aged 18-29 use basic phones.

Though some may view this trend as a passing fad, dumb phones are proving to be a lasting choice. With smartphone usage reaching a saturation point, many people are growing concerned about the negative effects of digital exposure on mental health. Privacy issues and recurring data breaches have underscored the appeal of dumb phones, especially for those who value simplicity and minimalism.

Nokia 2720

Number one on the list is the Nokia 2720. It helps minimise distractions and enhances productivity with its practical features for making calls and sending messages. It is among the best mobile phones for seniors, featuring large buttons for ease of use. The standout aspect of this phone is its advanced capabilities while maintaining simplicity, such as high-quality voice calls, Bluetooth, video recording, easy-to-use navigation, and FM radio.

With the Nokia 2720, you get more than expected! This flip phone, which is prone to smudges, boasts extensive controls and a decent design. Available in various colours, it can store over 500 contacts in your address book. Features like a hands-free speakerphone, SMTP email messaging, a built-in music player, good battery life, and ample talk time make it even more appealing.

The phone weighs 90.3 grams and has a thickness of 17.9 mm. It comes with pre-installed games, MIDP 2.0 Java support, and a versatile media player that can handle MP3, AAC, MP4, and H.263 formats. Additionally, it includes an organiser, voice memo function, and predictive text input. The phone offers a standby time of up to 432 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours.

CAT B35

The CAT B35 mobile phone is full of practical features, along with its eye-catching design and durable construction. Despite its small, lightweight design, it offers nearly 12 hours of talk time and includes Google Maps for navigation. Equipped with two SIM slots, it supports 4G and Wi-Fi connections. This phone provides everything needed for a work phone, exceeding basic requirements to offer an experience that is one step closer to a basic smartphone.

Combining simplicity and convenience, the CAT B35 features a highly durable, rugged casing with IP68 certification. It is powered by a Dual Core Qualcomm 8905 processor and includes a built-in FM radio, 4G support, and 4GB of storage, which is expandable via a microSD card.

The phone weighs 130 grams and has a 5% screen-to-body ratio with a pixel density of 167 ppi. Its thicker design measures 1.4 cm, adding to its robustness.

Nokia 225 4G Dual SIM

A well-built, inexpensive, and efficient phone, the Nokia 225 4G Dual SIM phone is ideal for staying connected to colleagues and parents. This handy, compact, and sturdy phone offers features like a user-friendly design, the ability to sync contacts from Android, and old-school style elements. If you appreciate a retro vibe, this phone is perfect for you.

Featuring a flat keypad with a four-way rocker, the Nokia 225 4G has a decent display screen and a Unisoc USM9117 chipset. It comes in various colours and offers multiple ringtones to choose from. The phone includes simple games, FM radio, a single VGA camera, Bluetooth, and more.

The phone weighs 90.1 grams and is compatible with 2G and 3G networks. It also offers expandable storage via microSDXC, enhancing its practicality and functionality.

Nokia 3310

The Nokia 3310 is one of the best senior-friendly phones, designed to offer a great user experience with its features. This phone was a milestone at the beginning of the modern era. As one of the most budget-friendly options on the market, the Nokia 3310 features a large screen with chunky, round buttons for high convenience.

This compact and lightweight phone boasts a smooth, eye-catching finish and a removable, long-lasting battery. With the Nokia 3310, you can make calls, send messages, and enjoy MP3s and FM Radio. It offers simple functionality, a QVGA screen, a headphone jack, 16MB of internal memory, and a micro-USB charger.

The phone is pretty nostalgic and will probably remind you of your first mobile device, taking you on a walk down memory lane. Its excellent battery life makes it a perfect choice as a backup phone for holidays.

The phone weighs 85 grams and includes additional features such as a microSDHC card slot, Bluetooth with A2DP support, a camera, and a micro-USB 2.0 port. It offers a standby time of up to 744 hours and a talk time of up to 22 hours.

Doro 1370

The Doro 1370 is a super easy and inexpensive phone with a large display screen and long battery life. It boasts excellent sound quality with a vibrating ringer and additional features like alarms and reminders, making it one of the best options for the elderly due to its ease of use and maintenance.

Its sleek design and easy-to-navigate buttons make the Doro 1370 a must-have. The phone is hearing-aid compatible and connects to the network quickly. Although the memory is limited to approximately 60 messages, it offers ease of usage and a sturdy body that withstands a bit of rough use. The Doro 1370 is designed for the elderly, featuring a wide display screen, easily removable buttons, and an auxiliary button that enhances security.

The phone weighs 106 grams and has a 2.4-inch screen. Additional features include a primary sensor resolution of 3 megapixels, built-in sensors, and hybrid dual SIM capability.