Dumb smartphones, aka smart feature phones, are basic phones with support for a few commonly used apps, like WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, and Google Maps. Think of them as a bridge between regular smartphones and completely dumb phones. They’re great for people who want to avoid distractions but still need to stay connected. This list includes the best dumb smartphones you can buy.
Good to know: need to go fully basic? Try one of the best dumb phones you can buy in 2024.
Best Overall: Nokia 6300
Price: $70
The Nokia 6300 seems like the ideal balance between the nostalgic design of the 2000s and the most basic modern social apps. With a tiny 2.4″ screen and a decent keypad, it can handle calling and texting. And thanks to KaiOS, you have access to apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Google Maps, YouTube, and other Google services.
In terms of connectivity, it has all the necessary features: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G and LTE. So that you don’t miss listening to tunes the old-school way, there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack as well. The 512MB base storage may not be enough for your music collection, but you can expand that via a microSD card.
Best Flip Phone: Nokia 2780 Flip
Price: $90
Another KaiOS-powered dumb smartphone, the Nokia 2780 Flip, will appeal to fans of the popular flip phone feature. The sleek and stylish design of this flip phone is further complemented by the secondary 1.77″ screen that allows you to glance at the clock and some notifications. The main display is a 2.7″ 320 x 240 resolution screen.
You get an above-average 5MP main camera and 4G VoLTE support. Having a USB-C port and flashlight is rare for dumb smartphones and is appreciated. This flip phone can work for those who don’t want to get distracted by all the features of the best smart flip phones but still need important apps, like WhatsApp and Facebook. If that sounds like you, go get this one.
Best Touchscreen Flip Phone: Cat S22 Flip
Price: $66
Caterpillar makes phones, if you didn’t know that already. The Cat S22 Flip targets outdoor workers and anyone else looking for a highly durable and long-lasting dumb smartphone. This 4G flip phone has a 2.8″ touchscreen with an above-average 640 x 480 resolution and 1.44″ secondary screen for a quick notification check.
Besides the touchscreen, the highlights are the military-grade waterproof, dust-proof, and shockproof ratings. If you’re a hiker or commute long hours to work or school, the fantastic durability, combined with the 2,000 mAh battery, can be a game-changer for your routine. Also, thanks to Android 11 Go, you get a built-in Google Assistant, plus a programmable button to launch your favorite app.
Even the cameras and storage of the Cat S22 Flip are better than many other options on this list.
Best Budget Dumb Smartphone: AT&T Cingular Flex
Price: $35
While the AT&T Cingular Flex, as you can surmise, works only on the AT&T network, this 4G phone gets you an incredibly attractive deal under $40. KaiOS allows you access to apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, and the popular dual-display flip design keeps things simple, yet efficient. Compared to the best budget Android phones, you’re getting much more functionality for much less price.
The buttons are large for easy typing. Other features include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a 2MP camera with an LED flash. The Cingular Flex covers almost all the bases of a dumb smartphone. Even the 1,500 mAh battery lasts sufficiently long. You also get 4GB of storage and 4G VoLTE connectivity.
FYI: need a safe option for kids? Check out the best kids cell phone options.
Best Rugged Dumb Smartphone: Cat S42
Price: $64
The Cat S42 features the signature rugged features seen in all Cat phones. While not a feature phone, the Cat S42 is still a basic phone in terms of the underlying OS. Powered by Android 10, it supports all popular apps you’ll need for basic functionality. But the focus here is on the rubberized design that’s waterproof, dust-proof, and drop-proof.
A large 4,200 mAh battery keeps this ultra-durable phone going for as long as your workday demands. The 5.5″ 720p IPS display works with gloves or wet fingers, perfectly adapting to any working conditions. You also get a 13MP primary and 5MP front camera for capturing important moments. The specs of this phone might be a bit elaborate for a dumb smartphone, but it’s made for people who are smart enough to not get distracted by them.
Best for Seniors: Alcatel SMARTFLIP
Price: $46
While we’ve covered the best smartphones for seniors separately, the best dumb smartphone for seniors is probably the Alcatel SMARTFLIP. An extremely affordable and easy-to-use flip phone, it’s locked to AT&T. It has 4G LTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, a 2.8″ display, hearing aids support, and large buttons, making it super-convenient for older users.
This pocketable compact build includes an external 1.44″ display, that can be used to see who’s calling without flipping the phone open. The phone also provides 4GB of storage and a 2MP camera for clicking some casual photos. Battery life is considerable, and you can expand the storage via a microSD card. KaiOS (again) provides access to apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, for seniors to stay connected to friends and family.
Smartphones are probably the most used devices in 2024, as they’re with us nearly every moment. And while the best gaming phones or best camera phones may receive the lion’s share of the hype and coverage, dumb smartphones serve an essential and rapidly rising market: those who want to reduce the amount of digital influx in their daily lives.
Image credit: Unsplash
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