Is A Dumb Phone A Smart Choice?

What do Heineken, Mattel and Kendrick Lamar have in common? They’ve all tapped into the growing ‘dumbphone’ market, driven Gen by Z swapping their smart devices for the simplicity of classic flip phones. But in a world reliant on apps and data, ditching smartphones could potentially bring us more chaos than calm. Here, SIM-only mobile operator spusu offers guidance on what to consider before purchasing a dumbphone.

When HMD bought the Nokia brand back from Microsoft in 2016, many assumed the devices would be purchased by tech-averse users who weren’t quite ready to let go of the make’s long battery life and indestructability. Yet, HMD’s flip phone sales doubled by April 2023 and it’s Gen Z — the so-called ‘digital native’ generation — that are behind the resurgence. So, what exactly are dumbphones, and why do young people love them so much?

Dumbphones, also known as feature phones, are simple devices that focus primarily on offering basic telephone functions such as calls and texts. They usually lack a touchscreen and an internet browser, and the display often operates in black and white. With data from the Millenium Cohort study showing almost half of British teenagers feel addicted to social media, it’s little wonder that Gen Z are seeking out devices that don’t allow them to access these apps.

While these simpler alternatives offer plenty of benefits, swapping to a dumbphone may not be as straightforward as the device itself.

Dumbphone dilemma

If you’re looking to make the switch, it’s likely that either you or a relative will have an old device lying around, but the upcoming 3G switch off makes using an older model more challenging. Several mobile operators are hoping to phase out 3G by the end of 2024, meaning that soon, data services will be completely inaccessible even for dumb phones with a basic internet capability. Although you would still be able to call and text using 2G, the UK Government has agreed with the country’s four mobile network operators (EE, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three) to retire the service by 2033 and it’s likely this will happen much earlier.

Once both are switched off, you will not be able to make calls or send text messages with one of these older devices. Since mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) also use the same network infrastructure, the switch off will affect all users of older feature phones, regardless of who you take a contract out with.

Although purchasing a newer dumbphone device is a viable alternative, there are downsides to this option too. The growing popularity of dumbphones means that many new models are driven by trends and marketed as accessories. This includes HMD’s upcoming collaboration with Mattel to produce a Barbie-themed flip phone, which will launch later this summer.

While this kind of collectability is fun for consumers, there is a risk that devices that are highly trend focused will result in additional electronic waste (e-waste) after the trend has passed. The UK is already the world’s second largest producer of e-waste. Therefore, it’s important to consider the device’s potential lifespan if you’re thinking of switching to a dumbphone.

Additionally, the way smartphones are woven into our daily lives could make the dumbphone transition difficult. Living without social media takes some getting used to, but can be overcome with small adjustments, such as calling or texting friends instead. However, there are many features that you might not have considered as important but are an essential part of your routine.

For example, accessing work or education email accounts increasingly requires the use of an authenticator app, which is not possible with a dumbphone. Taking a quick snap to remind yourself of an important piece of information becomes much more difficult. If your mobile isn’t equipped with GPS, what will you use to navigate while driving? Of course, there are workarounds for these issues but essentially, a decision made to simplify your life could end up complicating it quite a bit.

Smart solution

Looking to embrace all the benefits of a dumbphone, without the unnecessary complications? Luckily, it is possible to find a best-of-both-worlds approach. There are several apps that allow you to create a simplified, black and white version of your home screen that shows apps in a list without their engaging, colourful designs, helping to reduce your screen time. In addition, it can also be useful to turn off notifications and set screentime limits.

While dumbphones offer benefits for our productivity and mental health, the challenge of navigating life without a smart device can make switching a better idea in theory than in reality. Striking the right balance between both is a much simpler, smarter solution.