Dumbphones: Back to basics (and peace and quiet)
Do you feel the urge to escape the constant stream of messages, likes and push notifications for a while? Or are you simply looking for a phone that does what it was originally designed for: making calls? You’re not the only one. The ‘dumbphone’ is making a huge comeback. Whether you’re looking for ultimate peace and quiet (a digital detox), an indestructible phone for festivals, or a reliable backup phone to keep in your glove compartment: here you can compare the best basic phones currently available at a glance.
7 products
Feature phones
15 products
Phones for the elderly
Why a ‘dumbphone’ is the smartest choice
In a world where smartphones are becoming ever bigger, more expensive and more intrusive, the dumbphone offers a breath of fresh air. It is the ultimate anti-smartphone. Models such as the popular Nokia 105 or the HMD 130 Music offer benefits you no longer find with an iPhone or Samsung:
- Focus & peace of mind: No social media, no email, no distractions. You’re reachable, but not ‘always on’.
- Unrivalled battery life: No need to plug it in every evening; you can easily get a week’s (or more) standby time.
- Indestructible & affordable: Dropped it? Don’t panic! And for the price of a single smartphone case, you can often get a whole new handset.
What type of user are you?
Not every basic phone is the same. To find the best deal, it’s important to know what you’ll be using it for.
- The Digital Detoxer: You want to kick your screen addiction. Go for a minimalist model without an internet browser, such as the Nokia 105 (2024). You’re still allowed to play Snake, of course.
- The Festival-goer: You’re looking for a phone that can get a bit grubby, lasts a long time and won’t be a disaster if you lose it.
- The Backup User: Are you looking for a handset for emergencies? Then make sure it supports 4G (see below), so you’ll remain reachable in the future too.
Please note: The importance of 4G support
You’ll see terms such as “2019”, “2023” and “2024” in our overview. Our advice: Choose a model with 4G (VoLTE), such as the Nokia 105 4G. The old 2G network is gradually being phased out. With a 4G dumbphone, you’re guaranteed better call quality and future-proofing.
Still unsure? Dumbphone vs. feature phone
A common misconception is that a ‘dumbphone’ is the same as a senior citizen’s phone or a feature phone.
- Dumbphone: Calls and text messages. That’s it. (What you see on this page).
- Feature phone: Looks like an old-fashioned phone, but may sometimes include Facebook or Maps (for example, via KaiOS). Take a look at the feature phones here if you do need a bit more functionality.
- Senior citizen’s phone: Specifically designed with large buttons and emergency buttons. Go to Senior citizen’s phones if ease of use is your priority.
Complete your feature phone: Don’t forget the SIM card
You can buy the handsets on this page as standalone devices (‘individual sale’). This means they don’t come with a contract and you’ll need to sort out a SIM card yourself. As you won’t be using TikTok or Instagram on a feature phone, a standard contract with lots of data would be a waste of money.
What should you look out for when choosing a SIM-only plan for a feature phone?
- Consider a voice-only plan: Just because a feature phone has 4G doesn’t mean you can use it to browse the internet. And you don’t need to pay for what you don’t need. So consider a SIM-only plan without data.
- Unlimited calls: Do you use your phone for hours-long calls (for example, for work or as a landline)? If so, opt for a Sim Only plan with unlimited calls.
- Flexibility: Do you only use your basic mobile for festivals or holidays? Then choose a monthly contract that can be cancelled at any time. These days, this is often cheaper and easier than the old-fashioned pay-as-you-go option.
