In an age where your mobile phone is filled to the brim with applications and functionalities, minimalist phones are growing in popularity.
These phones allow you to disconnect from the digital world without making you feel totally unconnected from friends and family.
The right minimalist phone should offer you those functions of a smartphone that you truly cannot do without. For some people, this may mean simply being able to call and text other people.
However, others may prefer phones with slightly more functionality, including a camera and some basic apps.
Simplifying from a smartphone to a minimalist phone will allow you to spend less time on apps that take up a lot of your time. Instead, a simpler phone enables people to spend more time on their real life, whether that be dedicating more time to work or to family.
Though the market for minimalist phones is not nearly as large as that for smartphones, there are still ones that stand out from the rest.
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The 7 Best Minimalist Phones – Our Pick
1. Nokia 3310 3G
This phone is the new and updated version of the classic Nokia 3310, with upgraded features that better serve today’s needs. With a 2.4 inch screen, it is big enough to allow you to complete basic tasks like calling and texting but not so big that you can get lost in the endless scroll of the Internet.
The Nokia 3310 does not have a touchscreen, requiring you to physically tap in the information. However, it does come with some necessary basics for today’s phone. These include a 2-megapixel camera, 3G connectivity so that you can stay in touch digitally if necessary and a very long battery life. If used properly, one charge can last you up to a month.
It is, however, lacking wifi connectivity. This allows you to disconnect from the Internet when necessary. It also comes in four colors so that you have some control over customization. The biggest thing to recommend it, however? It comes equipped with Snake so that you can benefit from maximum nostalgia.
2. BLU Tank II T193
Launched in 2016, the BLU Tank II is a throwback to 2G technology. It allows you to disconnect from most of the Internet while still staying connected with friends and family.
This phone has all the basic features you need from a cellphone, including the ability to call and text others. It comes with a basic camera enabled. However, it has limited storage capacities for images. It also has a long-lasting battery, and an MP3/MP4 player, as well as FM Radio, for music lovers.
It also comes with Bluetooth capabilities, so that you send and receive music and images easily. However, 2G technology generally makes connection to the internet incredibly slow. This makes it the perfect choice if you’re looking for a way to disengage from social media!
3. Caterpillar CAT B35
The CAT B35 is dustproof and waterproof, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a phone that can survive rough use. It comes enabled with 4G, Bluetooth, and wifi, so it will also allow you to stay connected if you need to.
However, this phone is enabled with only minimal applications, making it a good choice if you’re looking for something that will encourage you to look up from your phone. It does have GPS, a voice recorder, and a 2-megapixel camera, which will allow you to fulfill all basic tasks that you may need your phone for.
4. The Light Phone II
This Light Phone comes in two colors, black and light gray, and is the size of an average credit card. It is completely stripped of features, allowing you to only call, text, and set alarms.
If you like, you can also opt in to some limited additional features, including a calculator, a simple music player, and a podcast player. However, it has no Internet connectivity, GPS, music, or games. While it does come with Bluetooth and wifi capabilities, you will never be able to connect to the Internet with this phone.
The phone also has very limited memory and can only store 9 numbers on speed-dial. This makes this the perfect phone for people looking for a device that is as stripped back as possible.
5. Nokia 8110
Like the Nokia 3310, the Nokia 8110 plays on nostalgia by replicating the design of the popular ‘banana phone.’ It is available in black and banana yellow and serves as a middle ground between smartphones and completely stripped back minimalism.
This phone only accommodates very limited applications. These include YouTube, Google Maps, Google Assistant, Chrome, Twitter, and WhatsApp. It’s a good choice for those who cannot go completely off-grid but are still looking to pare back their mobile usage.
6. Easyfone Prime A1 3G
The Easyfone Prime A1 is specially designed for use by senior citizens. It comes in a classic flip phone design, with large buttons for easy dialing. It is also very loud and is compatible with hearing aids, making it ideal for older users.
It comes with a cradle charge, which is easier to use for senior citizens than a wired charger. It has basic 2G and 3G capabilities, as well as an easy to access SOS assistance button that allows you to call for help in case of an emergency.
It also has a built-in FM radio for music lovers and a large button keyboard and large font display to make it easy to use and easy to see.
7. Palm Phone PVG100
The Palm Phone is a small phone designed to fit into the palm of your hand and weighs only 2.2 oz. It comes with two cameras and Google Play, which allows you to stay connected with your music, fitness, and communication apps.
However, the small screen size means that users spend less time in front of the screen, on their social media or email. It is water and dust resistant, which makes it ideal for active users.
It also comes equipped with a Life Mode. When switched on, it silences all incoming calls while your screen is turned off. When you turn your screen back on, you can return to being available by phone. This allows you to choose how connected you want to be with the outside world.
Summary
Minimalist phones can be a great way to stay connected with your friends and family while reducing your dependency on your phone.
The features that your minimalist phone should have will depend on your unique needs. However, if you’re looking to cut back on your digital time, make sure to choose one that has as few features as possible.