Best Dumb Phones in 2025: Top Cell Picks to Buy
Find the top dumbphones with features like GPS or camera, and support for Verizon and AT&T
The best dumb phones are:
Light Phone 2
Sunbeam F1 Pro (Juniper)
Nokia 2780 Flip
Your Phone (yes, you can turn your existing phone into a dumb phone! it's the best way to save money)
#1 - Light Phone 2
A sleek, minimalistic flip phone designed to help you disconnect by offering just the essentials—calls, texts, and a handful of tools—while deliberately omitting distracting apps and internet access.
Summary:
Price: $299.
Features: calls, text messaging (not WhatsApp), podcasts, music (not Spotify), alarm, calculator, calendar, voice memos, notes, contacts.
Battery Life: up to 7 days standby, and 6 hours talk time.
Compatible U.S. Carriers: Light, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Ting, Mint, US Mobile.
Special Note: the next generation Light Phone 3 is available for pre-order
Pros:
Zero App Ecosystem: No browser, email, or social media by design
Minimalistic Design: E-ink display reduces eye strain, encouraging less use, ideal for detox.
Compact and Simple Design: A clean, matte design with a small e-ink screen. PCMag praised its “clean, minimal design” that’s “boring by design” so you pay less attention to the phone.
Cons:
Limited Functionality: The Light Phone II’s extreme minimalism means no camera, no messaging apps (e.g. no WhatsApp/Signal by default), no web browser, and only rudimentary maps
Not Ruggedized: The Light Phone’s build, while solid, is not truly rugged or shock-proof. It’s only splash-resistant, not waterproof. Dropping it on a hard surface could still damage it.
Small Screen: Limited size makes texting challenging, as noted in reviews.
#2 - Sunbeam F1 Pro (Juniper)
A thoughtfully designed flip phone that prioritizes simplicity and focus, the Sunbeam F1 Pro offers essential calling and texting features while eliminating internet access and distracting apps for a truly disconnected experience.
Summary:
Price: $359.
Features: SMS (not Whats App), voice messaging, picture messaging, camera, picture gallery, music player (not Spotify), sound recorder, file manager, touch screen, weather, Waze navigation, HERE navigation, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, hotspot, text-only email.
Battery Life: up to 8 days standby, and 9 hours talk time.
Compatible U.S. Carriers: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
Pros:
Choice of Feature Set: Unlike one-size-fits-all phones, Sunbeam offers multiple levels of “dumbness.” You can choose what feature set to include and exclude. For the options, see their website. Juniper is the version with most amount of features.
Distraction-Free Philosophy: The F1 is built to limit distractions. It has no social apps, no browser, and no app marketplace on any model.
Solid Build & Durability: The F1 has a rugged, well-built chassis. Reviewers noted its “solid construction” and thoughtful design. As a flip phone with a small 2.8″ screen and physical keypad, it’s inherently sturdy – there are no fragile large touchscreens to crack.
Cons:
Adjustment Curve for New Users: If you’re coming from a smartphone, using a keypad and small screen can feel like a leap back in time. Texting is slower and more labor-intensive than on touchscreens.
Mediocre Camera: The Daisy and Orchid models include a 2 MP camera, which is very basic by today’s standards. Photos are low-resolution and “soft, smeary” in quality – fine for a quick snapshot or contact photo, but nowhere near a smartphone camera.
#3 - Nokia 2780 Flip
The Nokia 2780 Flip is designed for users seeking a straightforward, easy-to-use phone, particularly seniors or those preferring basic functions over smartphones. It features a flip design with large buttons and accessibility options, making it user-friendly.
Summary:
Price: $89 (not expensive)
Features: SMS, MMS (picture messaging), HD voice calls (VoLTE), 5 MP rear camera with LED flash, picture gallery, music player, FM radio, voice recorder, physical keypad with intuitive menu, Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi (with hotspot), basic web browser, text‑only email, GPS (Google Maps), file manager, USB‑C charging.
Battery Life: up to 18 days standby, and 7 hours talk time.
Compatible U.S. Carriers: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
Pros:
Affordability: Competitively priced for those looking to downgrade from smartphones without sacrificing essential connectivity.
Simple Interface: The phone's intuitive design, with large buttons and dual screens, makes it easy to use, especially for seniors or those new to feature phones.
Long Battery Life: With up to 18 days standby and 7 hours talk time, it reduces the need for frequent charging, a significant advantage for users.
Accessibility Features: Includes bigger buttons, hearing aid compatibility, and real-time text (RTT), ensuring it's accessible for all users. Good for seniors, elderly or kids.
Cons:
Limited Features: Lacks advanced utilities compared to smartphones, which may frustrate users needing more than calls, texts, and basic apps.
Camera Quality: The 5 MP camera is basic, requiring good lighting for decent images, and is not suitable for high-quality photography.
Build Quality Concerns: Several reviews highlighted concerns about durability, with some describing it as feeling cheap or plastic-y.
#4 - Your Phone
You can make YOUR phone into a dumbphone by removing distracting apps, disabling browsing, and simplifying notifications for a minimalist digital detox life.
Yes, these are real screenshots of the Apple iOS 17+ Assistive Access feature!
How To Turn iPhone Into Dumb Phone
There are two options to turn your iPhone into a dumb phone:
Option 1: choose an app (like Refocus) that turns your iPhone into a dumb phone
Option 2: perform a series of steps to convert your iPhone into a dumb phone
How To Turn Android Into Dumb Phone
Click here for directions on how to convert an Android smartphone into a dumb phone.
Why Are People Buying Dumb Phones?
People are switching to dumb phones to reduce screen time, minimize distractions, and improve mental health by avoiding constant smartphone notifications. They also value dumb phones for privacy protection, as these devices have limited connectivity and fewer apps, reducing the risk of data breaches. Additionally, dumb phones are often more affordable, with no need for expensive data plans, appealing to budget-conscious users.
Dumb phones are better because:
Less distraction: Without social media or unnecessary apps, they promote focus and presence.
Better mental health: Reduced screen time lowers anxiety and stress.
Longer battery life: Simpler operations mean batteries last days or weeks.
Lower cost: They are generally cheaper to buy and maintain.
Enhanced privacy: Fewer apps and connectivity reduce exposure to cyber threats.
Why Are Dumb Phones So Expensive?
While many dumb phones are affordable, some are expensive due to their niche market status and premium features. Limited production volumes increase costs, as manufacturers produce fewer units compared to smartphones. Premium models may include rugged designs, better security, or additional functionalities like cameras, justifying higher prices. Targeted marketing for specific groups, such as seniors or minimalists, also contributes to elevated costs.
