One Year With the World’s Simplest Phone

After a year of owning and using the Punkt MP02 I wanted to talk about the pros and cons of using a dumbphone like this, and whether it's something that you could adopt as your full-time cellphone. Let me know what you think in the comments!
*Yes I know that more basic cellphones have existed, but this is arguably the most basic one available now. Look up John's Phone if you haven't seen it!
Jose's Channel (dumbphone reviews) : / @josebriones
Links:
PUNKT MP02
(USA link) amzn.to/3OKN5RY
The mic I use: (Canada Link) amzn.to/42D1bd... Link) amzn.to/42K6IPO
The camera I use: (Canada Link) amzn.to/3ODxN1... Link) amzn.to/42CjkIt
Disclaimer
All Amazon links placed in the description section are Amazon Affiliate links, and I receive a small commission on any purchases made through this link. Thanks for your support!

[@hanspuelinckx5602]

I have a tablet to do all of my admin/bank/editing&social stuff but when I leave the house I use a simple Nokia which I bought new for 10€(!) 2 years ago.The reason? It's light,the battery lasts forever but most importantly:Whenever it makes a sound I know that it's either a call or a text:nothing else!Gives my mind so much peace!Nice channel Spencer!Grts!🙏✌

[@doctoruttley]

Exactly, couldn’t agree more 👌🏻

[@stevemuzak8526]

I can't go that far but I delate all my social medias. Best decision ever.

[@YogiTheBearMan]

Next step for me was get rid of all feed related apps on my phone. Such as news, anything designed for endless content.

[@endezeichengrimm]

That's all you need on a regular phone. Just keep the bare minimum apps and it does the same thing as this punkt phone does.

[@stevemuzak8526]

@@endezeichengrimm I need my old Motorola phone with full keyboard. It was awesome!

[@endezeichengrimm]

That was a cool feature. @@stevemuzak8526

[@whatamalike]

Same. I mean youtube is kinda a social media if you engage in comments (which I do, but as minimally as possible lately) and I've never had tiktok, insta or snapchat but I've nuked Facebook and twitter/x accounts. Now I just use discord and WhatsApp.

[@WeAreBullets]

i love how all our collective consciousness decided that the other phones are obviously called "dumb phones". and it's funny cause "dumb" tech probably just allows us to make ourselves smarter without relying so much on the "smart" tech.

[@dreamterry]

I'd like us to call these phones "Wise Phones."

[@bsnf-5]

Owning no phone in 2024 is hard. The thing with this kind of devices is that you will most likely start using other devices more. Like pc, laptop, TV, videogame console, and so on. Pretty much everything that has internet. So in the end, it won't make that much of a difference. The time you would be scrolling on your smartphone, will be spent on another device. To truly detach yourself from internet and social media, has to be a decision within yourself. No magicial device will make it happen, it has to be like you mean it and work hard to change your day to day schedule.

[@Punktgroup]

Hi Spencer! We love this review, thank you so much for this and for mentioning our website resources too!

[@spencers-adventures]

Thank you! Really appreciate all the work you folks put into your products and resources. Would love to collaborate with you in the future!

[@ABunchOfSpanners]

I did similar to you last year Spencer, I wrote up a high level "feature list" that I needed for my phone (2FA for work, train travel app, whatsapp for older family members) and bought a Cat S22 Flip for £50/$60. It's changed my life, I get everything I need out of my phone without being distracted. It also has Google Maps, which is helpful if I really need directions.

[@councilofmanpodcast]

Can you access online banking through it? I've been considering this switch, but my only concern is access to online banking.

[@blues03]

@@councilofmanpodcast I was seriously thinking about one, but it doesn't have a fingerprint sensor and I use a password generator for my passwords. Not hand-typing that. Currently using an older smartphone now and it works well enough for me.

[@Alomah79]

@@councilofmanpodcast I am currently using the Cat S22, and it actually has google play store on it. I just have my basic apps for banking and other stuff. I am enjoying not having social media and other distracting apps on my phone. It also has a touch screen for texting.

[@DayoClinckspoor]

Jo Spencer, before I watch this video, I felt how much I appreciate your work lately. I am happy to click your videos. keep up the good work.

[@octavibg]

the punkt works perfectly for me. i dont use whatsapp or other social media very often but even so i used to be many minutes or even hours checking my smartphone. Lets check mail, or lets check my whatsapp or some youtube videos. I now carry my wallet, my phone and my ipod again and i read more, i look more at other people and landscapes instead of facing down to the smartphone and i feel liberated honestly. i could do that with any other dumbphone, i use punkt because i like the design. I got it for 170 euros second hand. Batery lasts for three days with data, wifi and bluetooth disconnected (why do i need those? If I use data tethering i can plug it into the computer or ipad to recharge while tethering data). I now call my mom and friends much often also. I have my smartphone and i use it to authenticate some webpages and banking but i realy use only my dumbphone.

[@corporatemcmahon2815]

Nearly hard to switch fully. Many important things are on a daily life on a smartphone. Sadly. I respect the approach. But Maps, bank app, and unfortunately whatsapp is a must. I don't care about social media. But messaging is key. I wish I could use that phone to be on peace.

[@JoseBriones]

Great overview of the features, lifestyle, and how it all works with life :) Good stuff!

[@spencers-adventures]

Thanks buddy, I’ve got a lot of value from your work, so I appreciate the kind words!

[@clavius5734]

I believe some level of constraint is key to reducing distraction. By adding features to a dumbphone, you again adding back reasons to check it, play with it and just generally take up a spot in your conscience. I carry an old Nokia that just does calls (ok, and sms), so that I can connect when really needed, but the intent is to not use or see it. When I go abroad or to a town I don’t know, I pack my smartphone. I feel people focus too much on having one or the other.

[@semectual]

A "dumb" phone gives you more control in live like a manual transmission in a vehicle.

[@nataliadamascena]

Great video, Spencer! Do you think you’ll ever make the full switch once you find the ideal dumb phone? And is it even possible to find an ideal model? I’d love to do the same one day!

[@spencers-adventures]

I’m hopeful I will one day be able to make the switch! That being said it’s tough to live in a “smart” world and not be using a smart device. I’ll make a video about that friction for sure, and expect more reviews on these types of phones as I continue my search. Appreciate the comment!!

[@doctoruttley]

Love my MP02. Calls, text, calculator, address book, basic calendar, hotspot/tether. 👌🏻👌🏻 Never change…just bigger battery. 🔋

[@romanista77]

I've been considering the light phone for a while. But, it's hard to commit to something that may not work in Canada. Good to know the Punkt works. I use Signal for everything!

[@spencers-adventures]

Hold out for the Lightphone if that’s the one you’re after! They’re about to get supported in the coming months and will be supported in Canada upon release 👍

[@romanista77]

@@spencers-adventures Nice, thanks for the recommendation!

[@nikko2434]

I tried the hybrid smart dumb phone duoqin f22 pro. But I still use social media due to relatively big screen So far the the Unihertz jelly 2e works for me. Smaller or maybe as small as a pager, all the apps are there but I cannot use it for long. Just message, navigation, music and radio. I just figured out too that our version of dumb phone should work in a life that we are are designing too.❤

[@bravestarr19]

I have the Punkt the new grey used it for 3 months but switched to the light phone 2 because it has GPS so I can use it as my daily driver.

[@PaperAirplaneFactory]

Why is the phone $300

[@wa2d10l9]

Because they wanna rip you off 😂

[@hllymchll]

same with the light phone. it was a complete joke and hardly ever worked. I mean basic functions. and they don't allow returns. go figure. I wrote a reddit comment saying I was upset I couldn't return the phone and the owner replied and was salty toward me saying they don't make enough money to allow returns... yeah... okay buddy edit: also I'm a tech savvy web developer, so my issues weren't user error in my case. don't get a light phone

[@EdouardTavinor]

not many are made. mass produced products are cheap because they're mass produced. it's one of the problems of capitalism. if you have the money to invest in large-scale production facilities you can produce things very cheaply.

[@spencers-adventures]

@@EdouardTavinor this is the answer! These companies are a lot smaller than Apple, Google, or Nokia. They employ few people already and they do their best to bring a unique product to market, but that’s not going to be cheap. Nowadays everyone wants the perfect device with no ethical corporate issues and it also needs to be $50. A phone of any kind has so much technology in it that it shouldn’t be able to exist for the price of a low range fountain pen. Someone is getting exploited down the line. Thanks for the comment!

[@doctoruttley]

$300…that pretty inexpensive. It’s quality built.

[@macjim]

I’ve had two of them and on both occasions, I returned them as I just couldn’t get the personal hotspot to work with my iPad. I’m now waiting on the light phone 3 as I have it pre-ordered and should have it early next year. I love the MP02 as it’s a nice design but the software sucks. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@bosthebozo5273]

another insightful thought-provoking video Spencer, thank you

[@JohnSmith-ex9mv]

I need this BAD. I live in middle of Nowhere, Rocky Mountains and Big Tech is already bullying my one horse town into a becoming a cyberpunk dystopia. The 4/5g signal is always going down in the middle of town and you can't get a job at the one location grocery without doing an online application, and this is a 500ish population mountain town on top of it.

[@Fight4Liberty]

I agree with you I believe eventually more people will draw a line and say this is going too far and then try some alternatives, I’m not getting the new Apple headset.

[@mjmolby]

Ive been using a cat s22 for a while now. I feel its a good middle ground as it has smart phone features but its pretty inconvenient to use a lot of those features so it creates some resistance. On top of that i went and stripped out all the google backend stuff (privacy related stuff) breaking some things. I mostly use open source applications that are super simplified. I also dont install any social media apps. What i like about it: has gps, has expandable storage, i can listen to audiobooks/music via Bluetooth, built like a tank. Cons:because its so robust, its pretty chunky, can sometimes pinch the hell out of your palm or fingers when closing, if youre running a vpn, it can get pretty hot, its still a smartphone.

[@Marsk1tty]

I had a similar experiencing debloating my samsung and having some stuff break. I'd rather use FOSS software and I'm willing to accept some inconvenience, but google maps is pretty excellent for navigation and checking business hours. If my phone were rootable and able to be flashed witha custom rom, I'd definitely go that route instead of trying to fully debloat android

[@Alomah79]

I have the Cat S22 also, it's inconvenient to use most of the apps due to the screen size. but for me it is the perfect middle ground for me. I have been more busy doing hobbies that I enjoy.

[@matthai100]

want to see more of these yes!

[@stevejohnson1321]

For me, a new $50 galaxy made a lot more sense. I just shut off all the alerts and tracking that I didn't want. The battery charges slowly, but lasts days.

[@thelthrythquezada8397]

Light Phone II also has a MEH battery life, I can have it for about 2.5 days, but it you have that hot spot on for 5 mins you are down a big hit. One of its draw backs, and the fact I can see pictures, I don't take pictures so I don't need the camera feature, but people send me text with pictures and I can see that. But other than that, I love the thing.

[@dreamweaver9610]

I've considered the Punkt but its hard to justify the value for money. I get it's a niche product but you're sacrificing many features and get nothing in return as far as quality, made in China like everything else. The lack of a 3.5mm jack is another sticking point if you like hands free calling.

[@spencers-adventures]

These are all fair points, it’s definitely a very niche item!

[@CrabRango]

I'd love to hear more about dumb devices! Been loving your channel :]

[@hdtravel1]

I prefer the Light Phone 2 - thanks for sharing - time for everyone to break free from smartphone addiction !!

[@experiencexnow]

If this had sat nav it would be perfect

[@onurpinarphoto]

Thank you, Interesting video and very attractive phone! Recently, I deleted all of my social media apps and it's been a liberating experience. I live in a big city. Google maps is quite essential so I'm sticking to my phone as dumb as I can have it at the moment.

[@StoriesByTommy]

Love the dumb phone review! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It is tricky living in the time we are in. Love the idea of just having a dumb phone but it is tricky with modern society. Just feels like so much is built around operating things with our smartphones. I guess the trick is just to try and find the healthy balance.

[@stevecoble6128]

The light phone II has gps, podcast, music, and hotspot. It seems like the updating it gets will make it the best dumb phone option.

[@mar_cel]

I would just like to use thepunkt phone, but sadly i need the microsoft authenticator application. And did not found any workaround. But i think the best sollution will be a dumb phone and an ipad mini.

[@spencers-adventures]

I think you may be right about that combo!

[@shes_lucy]

if i could get a maps app on a dumb phone i think i would immediately make the switch

[@stevemcgee99]

Wisephone 2 will have that this summer, apparently.

[@cristinaclaudio9697]

I would like to see your reviews on both the lightphone 2 and the cat 22 phones .. im leaning more towards the lightphone 2

[@renzokukenleneyoyo522]

I have both... there are issues with the cat22 keyboard, at least my unit... briefly pressing a number (7 in my case) y types multiple sevens... this started happening a month after bought. The light phone II is a little too raw when writing SMS... I want to try a punkt but it is still pending.

[@MattAitia]

Great video brother!

[@weird-guy]

This type of phones is just a way to get free money from rich hipsters, any normal person would just buy the cheapest feature phone or just get a apple watch if you want to be fancy, a even smart move is just deleting the apps on your smartphone usually social media.

[@spencers-adventures]

I think the security focus is the only thing that sets this apart from other basic phones, and the fact that it’s kind of a high end “artsy” device with its design. I like what Punkt stands for as a company so I respect it, and if you can get it used like I did it’s only like $150USD

[@weird-guy]

I understand, but if you aren´t a person of interest i think pigeon/signal isn´t that important, if you like it the money is yours not mine, personally i´m not paying 90+ euros for it, a cheap phones costs 20/30 euros and besides grandparents everyone has a smartphone. You got content outta of it so is worth it either way, keep well.

[@spencers-adventures]

I'm with you buddy. I appreciate the comment, take care! @@weird-guy

[@polaris911]

I prefer carrying a smartphone and just look at it less.

[@YogiTheBearMan]

For the price of this thing, might as well use a smartphone just minimize the apps installed

[@spencers-adventures]

That’s a good way to go, but it’s tough since companies are dedicated to keep you distracted. It’s an addictive device by design, so it’s not all up to the “users” willpower, though it’s a bonus if you can fend it off!

[@doctoruttley]

Good luck. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@LarsDahlin]

I do have a John's Phone. Brilliant gadget.

[@spencers-adventures]

That’s device deserves a video for sure. I’m impressed you have it - very cool!

[@MagicalFishy]

I’m having a tough time with wanting to downgrade to something like this. I don’t want to lose the security of MFA, access to my bank accounts, and GPS/Maps… plus I play a decent chunk of Pokemon GO. But other than that, I HATE my iPhone. I have two older vehicles and have to drive long distances.. would be super sketchy if I got lost.

[@spencers-adventures]

I have a phone I’m reviewing now which covers most of these bases you’ve mentioned. Keep yours eyes peeled next month for a video on that!

[@Alomah79]

Look into a Cat S22 or the Unihertz line of phones.

[@teddybearisms2505]

Nobody uses signal, i wish it had caught on. That's said, if they wanted to make a dumb phone that caught on, i would base it more on the kobo design, so you can have a keyboard.

[@dynamiketiger]

Love it:)

[@WildWildWeasel]

Thing is severely overpriced, a Nokia 2780 Flip does the exact same job for MUCH cheaper and comes with USB-C

[@congregationGlobal]

Thanks

[@dormioTV]

I have a CAT S22 flip and its nice. Its a smartphone in flip form but the screen is so small and inconvenient that it makes me use it like a dumb phone. It still has modern features of course like the play store and GPS, so when in a pinch its useful.

[@MagicalFishy]

How is the security of the device? I’ve heard that is comes preinstalled and ready to go… there is no initial setup? Seems sketchy to me.. 🤔

[@dormioTV]

@@MagicalFishy Honestly security and privacy don't look great. Its preinstalled with all of Google's apps. Thats the one thing I don't like about it, but I can't bring myself to care since I don't use it for anything but calls/text/emails.

[@MagicalFishy]

@@dormioTV Gotchya! Thanks for the info, that helps.

[@Alomah79]

I have the same phone and I am glad that I picked this one out over other flip phones

[@WriteSign]

...but you said it was more about "the romance of asking people where things are" instead of staring at the screen, following a line... & isn't the point of the Punkt to NOT have the smart phone crap? Like to get away from social medias? Strange to mention the "downsides" that are a major plus to the point of it. I've got the Lightphone 2. I really like it BUT texting is really hard for me because I have big fingers that touch screens Don't like :( Does force me to take it slow though... guess that's a good thing.

[@RicardoBryanOfficial]

Great video as always, but I don't think it's surveillance capitalism. It's totalitarianism and goverment overreach. That's why I am more conservative in that regard. I want a small goverment who will not intervene as much in my personal life and let me do my own thing and have my own responsibilities. The funny thing is that people most of the time subscribe this idea to right wing companies(capitalist companies), but most of those big corporations are actually left leaning. This is inline with their whole philosophy of governing and regulating every part of your life. Nonetheless I think our society would greatly benefit overall in using our phones way less than we're doing right now. Keep up the great work!

[@johnblackmouth]

I just leave my iPhone at home and use my Apple Watch. Get messages from all my messaging apps have GPS. Make calls listen to music on Bluetooth etc.

[@pixelgaming7261]

0:24 Dude it even looks like a calculator.

[@titus9895]

would be good if they added push authentication to this, OTPs sucks I hate typing in a code every time I have to log into a service for work

[@KEN_CHILLER]

Both the volume and battery life are impractical.

[@kavisidhant]

How do you deal with spam calls?

[@archiearran8841]

Serious Q: is there any reason that this phone is 399USD?

[@spencers-adventures]

I think it’s definitely a designer item in the pricing, hence why I bought it used. However I like the ethic of the company and the fact that they’re so loud about distraction and privacy protection, so I don’t mind supporting their work

[@ghtddkc]

I would like an equivalent of Dumbphone (simply messages app & Maps) but is impossible to find in Europe. Any other dumbphone reccomandeation?

[@spencers-adventures]

I have another review coming next month that I’m working on, keep your eyes peeled!

[@Alomah79]

Cat S22, it is a flip phone that does have an app store on it, but due to the screen size make it annoying to use them.

[@user-ii3yh1rw8w]

It's a German word so its pronounced 'poonkt' (meaning full-stop / period).

[@omarjimenez8895]

I would love to use an old flip phone or something but at the same time i feel it's not realistic. Even without the KZbin, games, mindless scrolling i still very much need my banking apps, WhatsApp, a good camera, my smart home apps, my suite of Google apps, and yes I'll admit i don't really want to TOTALLY abandon KZbin For the longest time i felt the Blackberry Key line of phones were the perfect solution. They're were still smartphones through and through, full android, a touch screen, premium build, but the screen was too small to spend hours on and the keyboard took up half the phone. I have everything i need but in a form factor that allows me to detach a little. The perfect solution in my opinion. Sadly they gave up after the Key 2 LE and these crappier clones/successors aren't really doing it for me

[@spencers-adventures]

I am reviewing a phone that has almost all the features I’d want from a smartphone but the feel of a dumbphone and I’m liking it so far. Review coming next month likely!

[@omarjimenez8895]

@@spencers-adventures looking forward to it! I know this isn't a phone review channel but I'd still love to see more of this dumb phone content

[@Alomah79]

I am currently using the Cat S22, I also have the Unihertz Titan. It is a smartphone but has a small screen and a physical keyboard. I switch between the 2

[@EdouardTavinor]

apropos gps: maps are still a thing :) (at least, i hope they are: i haven't seen one in a while)

[@TheDesius]

how did they come up with that price I have never seen a dumb phone over 50 dollar. especially since the battery is also horrible i dont see how anyone could think this is a reasonable price

[@knallkiste5151]

That's why I bought a cheap Nokia. The Punkt seems more like a lifestyle designer product. I bet 60% of the price is just for paying the designer and because of the name of the brand. I think its just its own market: For people who don't want to look poor but also want to have a dumb phone. With a Punkt you might have more self esteem when your naturally insecure. That's how premium brands work.

[@bojack3827]

Nice idea but its far too stripped down as alot of people use WhatsApp, Google Maps etc.

[@shanemitchellspencer]

Why Punkt vs Lightphone?

[@spencers-adventures]

Lightphone not broadly supported in Canada, so can’t reliably use it here. However I’d be very much interested in trying it out when they get set up here. I know Joe from Light has been working on getting certified with Telus for a while now

[@DeathFlame500]

I feel like you can own a modern smart phone but learning self control

[@xoxeverythingeuphoriaxox]

Does this work with boost mobile

[@buddhas_nightmare1333]

I used it for a couple months the battery life was abysmal!! I returned it and was highly disappointed because I really wanted to like the phone but for that price we should be getting days if not weeks in battery life.

[@maciejprzeworek2146]

Could you test Light Phone 2?

[@spencers-adventures]

I want to, I’m going to look into it for when it’s certified to work in Canada!

[@bravestarr19]

@@spencers-adventures It works in Canada on Koodo, Virgin Mobile, Bell, Telus, Lucky mobile

[@adamwragg4606]

I'll take a pass on that but I like the design, could be OK as a backup phone? You put your sim into it I assume? Oh god someone has had an implant into their head?! Lol

[@martinetcheverri2351]

motorola f2 !

[@dylancarter8790]

There’s a 4G Nokia flip that runs kaiOS I think it’s called and it comes with WhatsApp and I think a maps app

[@ahriboy]

KaiOS devices should be sold cheaper. However, devs must make their versions for that OS, especially Signal and Matrix client devs

[@weird-guy]

i think WhatsApp is no longer suupported

[@toddanthny123]

Why tf is it so expensive???

[@GamingManiacMan]

Very small company with a product that isn't mass produced

[@beas_spanish_class]

If you reeeeeally need the job, sure you’re going to decline the offer because they require you to have a smartphone 😂 Come on…

[@spencers-adventures]

That’s why you need to build resilience financially! Then you CAN walk away if your job doesn’t align with your values. That’s a future goal of mine for sure. Thanks for the comment!

[@mothbythesea]

Yes. I quit a WFH job after 3 days because the amount of tech they wanted me to rely on, to be at their beck and call, surveying my every move including being on camera the entire work day. Jobs like that can shove it. If something doesn't align with your values, you come up with a different solution.

[@joel.rundle]

£260!!!!!?????!!!1?!

[@lweleven3423]

Ridiculous price tag for a basic phone

[@PaulAlvarez1]

Sounds like a great phone that you can’t use.

[@felipesoares5900]

Effing thing costs 300 dollars. What a rip off.

[@ThePlacehole]

Yep, huge price tag tiny battery life. Exact opposite of what you need. Boo!

[@doctoruttley]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Fennek_Kaipii]

299€/$ to pretend "disconnect" lifestyle with a subpar performing product... Truly mesmerizing how deep hipsters are willing to reach into their wallet or dept to fake being "disconnected"... It really disgusts me, how someone can talk seriously about this, without hitting a wall, or atleast cracking some jokes on how fake that is and how highly monetized this lifestyle item is... Instead we get touchy on the simple design and whatever... oof...

[@spencers-adventures]

It’s an intentionally designed item by a small (admittedly boutique) company, and I purchased it secondhand for less than half the price of new. I think there’s many different devices which can achieve what this phone does but it is a good option and can be acquired at a fair price. Digital disconnection isn’t just a fad, it’s a response to our hyper connected world and people looking for options to aid in the fight against distraction is completely understandable. If you think the price of the phone is too much, then there are tons of other options at lower price points available which are also really great. Take care

[@iamtafara]

what d u mean its a cool looking device ? that thing ugly as sin

[@ozzymandius666]

Over $700. Terrible reviews. I think a Nokia would be better.

[@spencers-adventures]

The terrible reviews are from people who want it to be a cool looking smartphone though. I feel like that’s a lot of peoples problems with it, that they want a dumbphone that is actually smart in so many ways. This is a device that’s uncompromising to the mission of the company and the idea of a dumbphone. The battery life is bad and the price is definitely aimed at people who appreciate that’s it’s a designer product, I agree it’s not competitive at all price wise to other phones of the same category.

[@Iznenadan]

SO HOW LONG IS THE GODDAMN BATTERY LIFE?!?!? If you're mentioning it say how long it is. Jesus Christ, it's only one sentence.

[@generationalstewardship]

It's like a child lock for adults.