Not smart but clever? The return of "dumbphones"
Not smart but clever? The return of "dumbphones"
Why sales of very basic mobile phones, without apps and internet connection, are increasing.
Honestly, if I didn't need chat apps like Slack for my job I'd be pretty content with one of these. They'd still be good as secondary phones, but unless they can support chat apps (without other online apps like FB, IG, and even browsers - so good luck with that) they can't be my only/main device.
Yeah, same. I could live with a dumb phone as long as I can use WhatsApp and Telegram. In my country you just can't live without WhatsApp. I was expecting KaiOS to get good but it's not happening.
I also had hopes for KaiOS. However, devices with this system cost the same as smartphones with a touch screen, but had fewer functions. In addition, this system had a number of other problems.
That is seen as a feature by many people. A big part of why a lot of people use a feature phone — whether for a short jaunt or for their main device — is to disconnect. You're still accessible by phone for important things, but you're no longer beholden to the constant buzz buzz buzz of chat notifications rolling in.
I was following Light Phone for a long time but ended up not pulling the trigger. For me the hard thing to reconcile was whether ditching my smartphone would really make my life simpler or not. I really value having a good camera in my pocket to catch special moments instead of having to plan to take a camera with me. GPS maps means I don't have to think about getting where I need to go. Having apps for banking, utilities, etc. Helps me take care of things on the fly and not have to spend time sitting at a computer sorting my affairs.
But smartphones have that temptation to mindlessly scroll reddit, watch YouTube, and Google things you don't really need to. Sometimes having to use our restraint can be draining, so having a detox is definitely worth it. I'm happy for anyone who's found what works for them to simplify their life and be more present and happy.
I say one thing about smartphones though, they're getting to daggum big!!! I wish I could get a thin smartphone with edge to edge 4.5 inch screen. Small in my pocket, not big enough to entice over using, but capable for doing what I need. Someone make it!!!! Best ive seen is the iPhone mini 13. Might upgrade to that when my pixel 4a dies.
I added a data plan to my watch for the detox factor. It lets me stay connected in the ways that matter while leaving my phone behind when I’m looking for a screen break.
I've always wondered why they don't put at least an 8mb camera in feature phones these days. The components are small enough and cheap enough that it would be simple to do.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
And while sales figures are hard to come by, one report said that global purchases of dumbphones were due to hit one billion units last year, up from 400 million in 2019.
He adds that while it's true that dumbphones can't compete with the latest premium Apple and Samsung models when it comes to performance or functionality, "they can outshine them in equally important areas such as battery life and durability".
Yet the firm pledges that its phones "will never have social media, clickbait news, email, an internet browser, or any other anxiety-inducing infinite feed".
Tech expert, Prof Sandra Wachter, a senior research fellow in artificial intelligence at Oxford University, says it is understandable that some of us are looking for simpler mobile phones.
"One can reasonably say that nowadays a smart phone's ability to connect calls and send short messages is almost a side feature," she explains.
She adds that smartphones always "want to grab your attention" with notifications, updates, and breaking news constantly disrupting your day.
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I would be curious to try such a thing but how would one manage 2FA? I mean, so many things do require it and, well, not being an expert I'm not sure it can be installed used elsewhere than on a smartphone?
Dumb phones are just that, dumb. With passing a billion sales in a year you can imagine how long these "durable" phones last.