We’ve specified the maximum network speeds in our roundup and, for a future-proof option, we think it’ll be best to go with 4G. Three is also switching off its 3G network in 2024 and Vodafone will retire its 3G in June 2023.Ī basic 2G signal that works for voice calls but not data is still available across much of the UK, though. O2, Vodafone and EE all offer a 2G service for calls and text messages, but Three doesn’t. But, some basic phones don't work on 4G and, according to BT, there are between 2 and 3 million people using 3G networks in the UK. The government has announced plans to switch off all 2G and 3G mobile networks by 2033. Network connectivityīefore you buy, check the network you plan to use. We’ve noted which options have a storage card slot in our roundup. To store photos and music on the phone, you’ll need to buy a MicroSD memory card. Storage spaceĭumb phones don’t have much storage space - think megabytes rather than gigabytes. Most are in colour, but we have included one with a monochrome interface in our list. You’ll want it to be large enough to type your messages and see who you’re calling, and the options on our list range from a smaller 1.7 inches diagonally to just under 3 inches across. While smartphones are all screen, these basic phones need space for the keyboard and the display is much smaller. You’ll be getting either a traditional rectangular handset with a screen and buttons beneath it (these are known as “candy bar” phones) or a flip phone where the screen folds over the keypad in a clamshell design. Our list below is a mix of our hands-on testing and expert picks from our rigorous research. We also look at how the interface works and how intuitive it is to navigate the menus. We evaluate that all-important speaker sound quality for calls, check the screen brightness, and type away on the keypad. On the GH tech team, we test dumb phones by checking how easy they are to use compared to smartphones. Below, we’ve rounded up nine of the best non-smartphones to buy this year. ![]() Whether you have an older relative who struggles with new tech, you want a phone that reminds you of a simpler time, you need a backup handset for calls or you’ve had enough of the deluge of social media notifications at the dinner table. There’s a wide range of reasons why picking up one of the best dumb phones might be the right choice for you in 2023. Best budget smartphone for accessibility: Doro 8100.Best budget Apple iPhone: iPhone SE (2022) Echoamo M13 Pro Unlocked Cell Phones 6.8 inch Big Screen Unlocked Smartphone Bar Design 5G Dual Sim Smartphone Unlocked 64MP+13MP+8MP Triple Camera Cellphone 5800mAh, 4GB+128GB (Black) Echoamo M13 Pro is a powerful unlocked smartphone with a 6.Best budget Samsung smartphone: Samsung Galaxy A53 5G.Best budget Android smartphone: Google Pixel 6a/ Pixel 7a.And it doesn’t matter if you’re picking iPhone or Android, you don’t need to spend the over £1,000 it costs to get the newest release. You can pick up the 2660 Flip’s charging cradle for an extra £20.Looking to save money but loathe to miss out on your favourite apps or music streaming services? If you can't get by without Candy Crush or WhatsApp, you might be happier with one of the best budget smartphones or a refurbished handset instead of a dumb phone. ![]() Black, Blue and Red models are planned at launch.Īll three phones are set to launch in the UK and Europe later this year, with prices starting at £65 for the 8210 4G, £65 for the 2660 Flip and £75 for the 5710 XpressAudio. The outer screen is a 1.77in, 160×120 panel, while inside you get a 2.8in, 320×240 resolution display. Inside there’s another Unisoc processor to run the S30+ operating system, along with a modest 128MB of RAM and a VGA camera. It also has an optional charging cradle, so you can treat it like a landline if you really want. It’s a flip phone with big buttons, a dedicated emergency button, and built-in hearing aid functionality. It’s landing in Sand, Blue and Red colours.įinally, the 2660 Flip, whose target audience is closer to 80 than 8. The battery should comfortably last for weeks on end, with microUSB on hand for charging when the time comes. It even goes without any kind of camera – although you do get a 3.5mm headphone port. Powered by a Unisoc CPU, with a 2.8in WVGA screen and S30+ operating system, phones don’t get more basic. The quintessential candy bar phone returns with LTE support, an essential now that mobile networks are beginning to switch off their older 2G and 3G services. It’s arriving in Red/White and Red/Black colour combos. It’s basic, but that means it sips power, so battery life should absolutely stomp on the current crop of smartphones. You get a 2.4in, 320×240 resolution screen, VGA camera and Unisoc processor to run the basic S30+ operating system. Earphones aside, it’s an otherwise fairly standard candybar feature phone.
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