The Best Dumbphones for 2024!

[@mk-ej9wr]

The network compatibility always bothers me, there’s so many nice Japanese flip phones, like the Kyoceras but they won’t work in Canada 😢

[@dinoradbrad1366]

I wish they made a newer, more network available cat s22 flip

[@sargera1]

Wait for other OEM.their original OEM maker is gone

[@pietraop2975]

what does that mean

[@sargera1]

@@pietraop2975 the maker was bankrupt .the real maker not the cat brand U can buy one but who knows the parts avail for warranty

[@Dxrkknxghts]

I’m not sure if I’m misinterpreting your comment, but I purchased a CAT S22 and it is completely unlocked.

[@valkknight6589]

​@@Dxrkknxghtscan you use any provider also where did you buy yours

[@nirjarnhs]

I used to work a company in malaysia that assembled Kyocera phones. That's when i came to love this brand. Unfortunately this brand sells to limited number of countries. Good to see they're still in market and made it in your video.

[@mht718]

I just need a dumb phone for basic texting and call. As long as the ringer is loud, and key is big enough. Great review, I think I found one for my father. He's old school.

[@KEN_CHILLER]

I have been using the Kyocera Dura extreme on Verizon for over 2 years now. It’s an amazing phone. I don’t really miss much. It can do what I need it to do…my only negative is that I haven’t been to successful when trying to use it to use certain navigation apps should you try it. It’s better to just remember the turn by turn of grab an atlas. I have recently been thinking about trying a newer phone …but there’s really nothing this phone doesn’t offer. It’s dumb enough and smart enough…so it’s really been hard to part with. Nice and loud speakers too.

[@DPsmdg]

Try HERE Maps on the Kyocera. Its not a flawless experience but it does get you from point A to point B with turn by turn navigation when you absolutely need it

[@sargera1]

@@DPsmdg they still update? Back then their maps was OP even have a shilouette of buildings like semi 2.5d in streets with multiple height buildings

[@sherlock1895]

The Kyocera Dura is the phone I’ve been using for ages. It’s robust which I like. The only downside some folks may have is it’s a bit heavy. Other than that it’s a great phone. I would certainly buy another one. Cheers!

[@a1xmsk]

Unfortunately they closed their mobile phone business :(

[@yayabrooklyn]

I look forward to these each year. Thank you Jose for what you do for the community!!

[@bonddizzle]

I love my Tiq M5! life changing device for me. the 300 price was worth it just being able to plug my sim card in and go, no need to manually root the phone.

[@dmbiaglow]

What network is this compatible with in the US?

[@bonddizzle]

@@dmbiaglow It works on T-Mobile, Verison, and Spectrum.. I think all the major U.S. Bands

[@alohamac24]

Thank you so much! I am considering a flip phone and your summary of the various flip phones is helpful!

[@Palozon]

I desperately want a USB C light phone 2 refresh. Micro USB is a dealbraker for me, and ponying up another $300 to preorder the 3 when it's the only feature upgrade I care about is _very_ hard to justify.

[@JohnLedbetter-cb9ep]

You think 300 is a lot of money huh?

[@matthewadkins7973]

It is​@@JohnLedbetter-cb9ep

[@marciocapinto]

Qin F21 is the best choice in my opinion. It has everything you could ever need since it is powered by Android. On the other hand, Light Phone 2 is the best choice for the minimalist enthusiasts.

[@sivapetit1]

F22 pro is better

[@luimu]

@@sivapetit1 it's too big

[@akkoei8822]

would it work for uk carriers?

[@marciocapinto]

@@akkoei8822 it does work. F21 or F22 Pro they work global, except on the USA. For US users, it has specific network restrictions that needs to look after.

[@venox7106]

@@sivapetit1 IT'S BIG AF :3

[@lilyliciousss]

I loved my sunbeam but I looooooove my LP2. So glad to hear the company's keeping it ❤

[@RosarySteakWhiskey]

Finally bought a LP2 on reddit $180. It is about a year old however, it works great. Love it. Thank you Jose for all your videos. Extremely helpful.

[@daveperkinsjr]

someone needs to make an inexpensive flip phone with basic calling and one button on the keyboard to initiate voice to text function

[@butoikaruga]

my KaiOS Nokia 2720 is solid, I've used it as a standalone for more than a year, solid in many levels.

[@castirondude]

The best phone I ever had is the LG env3. But support for them has been dropped. I currently have the Sunbeam, Kyocera, TCL flip phones and they are good. I would say the Sunbeam is my favorite of the 3 because thr touch screen makes texting much easier. The TCL is amazing value for 1/10th the price. My current daily driver is the HIT K1 which has a physical QWERTY keyboard. The other one that's pretty good is the Sonim XP5s

[@Karilavish]

TCL 2 is one of the best , out of all the dumb phones I've owned TCL 2 and the summit are the best to have it's simple and easy to use

[@smy76]

Thorough and helpful as always. Thank you, Jose.

[@MoldAdvice1]

Based on your reviews I bought the Light Phone 2 actually 3 of them and watch a video of you reviewing the Sunbeam F1Pro Aspen and I bought it and it is by far the best phone I have ever owned and the company answer there phone and will do anything to help you out. Keep up the Great work Sir..

[@amaris145]

sorry Im dumb, which phone did you prefer? Trying to research a more simple phone to get as i recently broke my iphone but dont want to go back.

[@lordmarc4639]

Dec12th. My catS22 is ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤. If have boost 4g SIM card it works for the phone It’s a T-Mobile base 4g phone. But boost 4g sim works for it.

[@eurekaelijah]

I use a Punkt MP02 and love it. I enjoy how it feels in the hand and appreciate the good design. Expensive but secure and worth it especially considering how much we often spend on a smartphone. I'm in the US

[@CLP99th]

I've had the Kyocera for years now, I love that phone

[@yakityyob]

Thanks for a great presentation, Jose! I just purchased the CAT S22 and enjoyed your favorable review. I hope it turns out to be a good investment.

[@MsNikkiCrucio]

I wish we could purchase the Qin phones from you directly. The Aliexpress links change price almost daily and too much confusion on which one is for America and etc.

[@Bunni6006]

im so glad i found your channel. it would be nice if you could review sharp 601sh and Samsung folder 2 next time. i think those worth talking about too I'm also interested in their future and accessibility. thank you

[@JoseBriones]

I already have a review of the Samsung Folder out there. I'll see if I can get my hands on the Sharp

[@Bunni6006]

@@JoseBriones appreciated

[@mchristr]

I'm looking into the Wisephone II. It's not cheap at $359 but it has everything I need (useful apps), with none of the garbage (web browsing, social media, etc.).

[@lookingforwookiecopilot]

I'll just stick with my Nokia 2780, but too be frank, all these are just too big. I wish they'd just make small flip phones again. 😢

[@lakerskid2013]

For Straight Talk they have a Nokia 2760 model for $30 alongside a TCL brand as well but I do agree with how phones nowadays are getting too big. I’ve owned an iPhone 8 Plus for four years and I always thought that the 5.5” screen was plenty good enough but when I upgrade to the iPhone 15 it’s going to be 6.1” for that screen size. Smartphones nowadays are getting so big that they’re basically like mini tablets now.

[@aperson1181]

which phone has low SAR?

[@MP-lv5vk]

I always feel assured when I am prepared. But, I might always be calm.

[@omarklieber4649]

Thank you, Jose!

[@markanderson2350]

Thanks, Jose, for a helpful survey of what's out there. I know you have a video elsewhere on the AGM M9, but I wonder, What was your reason for not including it here?

[@JoseBriones]

No group texts. If you can live without that, it's a good device. Similar to the Nokia 225 4G and rugged.

[@sekibulja-fu3bv]

Another excellent video, thank you!!!

[@neurobioboy]

I like the form factor of the qin f21 (the pro too, and also the qin f22 pro and non pro). But I would not by anymore a xiaomi device as some people specialized in privacy and safety seem to suspect that xiaomi is seeking way too much for your data. The appeal of a dumb phone is also privacy protection. With xiaomi I can not be sure anymore. (That’s bother me because the qin serie is really awesome besides this)

[@alanl3292]

People who buy this phone don’t use the official chinese rom that come with it. Theres a large custom rom thread at XDA forum.

[@mmypainting]

My one big stumbling block is the key board, we need a regular screen keyboard that has all the letters and numbers.

[@johndumpling1896]

Have you been using the same LPII for 5 years? Does the battery still last long enough?

[@JoseBriones]

I used my black LP2 for 4 years. Last year I got a new one in white because of the Pglang collaboration. My original LP2 still has the same 2 day battery life as last year. I have it to a friend and he still uses it.

[@robertkrause3970]

One feature I miss from the old dumb phones would be the ability to turn off the phone, but still have an alarm go off the next morning. Nokia used to do that. Is there any of the newer dumb phones that can do that?

[@JoseBriones]

ThreadX devices can do this. Nokia, AGM, and Doro are three manufacturers that use that platform. Just look for any device without Android and check settings for automatic restart.

[@robertkrause3970]

@@JoseBriones Cool. thanks for the answer. So, I will give it another try with regards to my full wishlist for a non-addictive smartphone. If I wanted "alarm works when phone is off", "navigation while driving", "speak sms rather than type", "long battery life" "USB C" "Flashlight" "Calculator" "Compass" Non essential but nice to have: "Flip phone" and "Touch screen" - is there a phone that hits the spot or comes close to it?

[@JoseBriones]

Nope. There are no phones with those features at all. If you want the alarms thing you can’t have anything else essentially.

[@adriandearden7742]

I would love the Light phone 2 but regrettably it won’t work on 02 or EE here in the uk which is a real shame.

[@DexterHR]

Could you reccomend a dumb phone (doesn’t have to be flip) that support whatsapp, is avilable in EU and doesn’t cost more then 200€? Thanks!

[@JoseBriones]

TTFone is probably the only one that I can recommend. Maybe Xiaomi F21 if you find it locally.

[@Sane8388]

The Cat S22 in the UK keeps losing network :( It's a fantastic phone but also has a low battery life. I am going to order the Qin f21 or the 22 soon

[@orbital16]

Please make a review for Blackview N1000. It’s a KaiOS based feature phone with such big battery of 3000mah. Im planning to buy it but cannot confirm if it has hotspot function. Im more on using it as hotspot sometimes so its battery is quite interesting for me how it handles a day.

[@mymelodies7849]

What do you think of a wisephone?

[@JoseBriones]

It's a good option if you are willing to pay their fees.

[@ammy6065]

do you have any recommendations for cheap flip phones that support whatsapp?

[@JoseBriones]

CAT S22 Flip and NUU F4L are the ones that come to mind.

[@mayoraeryn]

Are there any that resemble, say, old Alcatel devices or even blackberry devices that you'd recommend? Never was a fan of T9 but I'm cool with using it if necessary

[@bokunogentoo4420]

Unihertz has a few phones that try to be like the late Blackberry smartphones with physical QWERTY keyboards, but I've heard mixed things about them

[@seejayfrujay]

I like the ones running aosp (I snagged a XV equip for cheap on ebay), since it is essentially a de-googled Android. So privacy GET. 👍

[@coastalcrescentdoula]

which basic phone(s) work with ATT and is WhatsApp supported?

[@JoseBriones]

Use the dumbphone finder: www.dumbphones.org/

[@bluebear123]

What phones work best with tmobile?

[@JoseBriones]

Depends on your area, but luckily most dumbphones work with T-mobile :)

[@TheCobraman22]

Hi Jose great content, keep it up!! :) What do you think about Alt Mive Style Folder? Will you review it?

[@JoseBriones]

I'll be trying to get one. Next Japanese review (dropping today or tomorrow) is the Freetel Retro II

[@AnonymousQwerty]

Is there a phone that only does texts and calls?

[@JoseBriones]

Nokia devices.

[@claudiameier666]

blackberry passport. no browser but you can use it as a phone

[@logicalschizoid_intp9698]

I have a tcl flip 3 and just to let everyone know: it's quite large. Not sure why it's bigger than other flip phones, but it's a steller phone to have.

[@a_mad_vin]

Do all the phones you've shown have hotspot? Thank you

[@JoseBriones]

All of the ones on this list, except for the Nokia's have hotspot.

[@dalemartin6435]

I’m still using my Ghost Mode for 3 years now. I think I will keep it….

[@nelsoncam123]

why does the ttfone tt970 resemble the original sunbeam f1? are they the same

[@JoseBriones]

Same hardware, different software

[@nelsoncam123]

@@JoseBriones yeah but sunbeam claims their own R&D

[@WorkInfoAccount]

i live in uk and i want a dumphone where it has no camera but can use whatsapp and soundcloud, what should i get

[@meowzic]

i am looking for a secondary utilitarian dumb phone great for gps, easy to text on, and any occasional information i need to look up. however i don't really want to spend more than $50. i see some of the japanese phones on ebay for $50 like the 902kc and AQUOS KEITAI 2. but would you recommend something specific for my needs? i am waay to addicted to my smart phone which has almost crippled my life. i live in the US and there are some carriers like red pocket thats only $10/mo with 1gb of data which would be great not having an expensive second expensive phone plan.

[@JoseBriones]

The thing with Japanese phones at that price is either they don't come unlocked or they don't work in the US. Try getting a cheap CAT S22 because its going to be closer to the $50 mark with good GPS.

[@andremedeiros2181]

great list!

[@maxchauvire9895]

Hello ! Do you know Dumbphones with tethering??

[@JoseBriones]

Check the dumbphone finder and filter by hotspot

[@papasquirrel5559]

I miss my Rugby 3, I know 3g is gone however, the battery lasted almost 2 weeks, took ok vid and never missed a beat. My Kyocera dura xe is tolerable but glitchy and slow as hell, plus it will only send a 14 second vid via mms when the Rugby sent a 45 second vid via mms no prob..

[@motomium]

Thanks a lot 👍

[@saksvgm7919]

the instant someone makes the slide or flip out physical keyboard on a 4g phone im buying it. the samsung intensity 2 was so sick and i would still be using it if possible

[@maroonring]

Jose you should review the Freetel Mode 1 Retro II

[@JoseBriones]

I have one coming in the mail :). Review probably by end of Sept or earlier pending on when it gets here

[@Incognito980]

I am so excited to see this review! I hope it can work in the USA

[@sunriseboy4837]

Battery life 3-5 days...my 15 year old Samsung GT3309 would last at least ten days without even blinking. And I'm glad I got rid of that contraption. 2024 and this is the best they can come up with. Like I said my old Samsung was streets ahead of this clunker!

[@leroyschlabach3697]

Can you tell me a way to remove the internet from an alcatel 4051s flip phone.

[@exrayZap-ry1gh]

i have an ipad pro wifi only and i used my old iphone as a hotspot but the phone battery died. and i need a new phone....COULD a 'dumb' phone be used as 'hotspot'?? and also i assume they all use Android OS would 'messenger' used on apple phone be compatible with android OS? Thanks for the video!

[@JoseBriones]

Hotspot yes. The messages app is not compatible for iMessage or SMS forwarding.

[@lolcathost]

Hey Jose, you gotta check out the Kyocera Gratina model

[@JoseBriones]

Will do :)

[@sargera1]

If they make one like that 601sh sharp that be awesome Old time gratina are bonkers since they are semi waterproof too(even their ads use it poolside then oops it got into pool, just lift wipe n use it like nothing ever happened)

[@lolcathost]

@@sargera1 for real man even i heard that, gonna be visiting japan just to buy this beauty :)

[@qskar8763]

Can you tell me which of the phones shown are bluetooth compatible

[@JoseBriones]

All of them

[@opal_skies97]

Thoughts on the lg classic flip in 2024?

[@JoseBriones]

Great phone if you can find it at a good price.

[@smileforsillyz]

Hi! Can you listen to music on any of these without having to import it? Other than CAT flip phones? I live In america

[@Nobody-rj2me]

It's quite hard to listen music on any of them if you don't have them...

[@marcusviews8889]

Please talk more about what you can do with the phone if it has a calculator or good camera and else. I don’t really care about costumer service on dumb phones

[@rosyposyinacozy]

this video was very informational!! i've heard great things about kyocera flip phones :) though i was wondering how you would review the kyocera kyf42c, which i have also heard good things about. it runs android 10 so i believe it would be an okay option in 2024! 💜

[@JoseBriones]

I'll check it out.

[@alexandervanpatten100]

Does anyone know if unlocked Kyocera or Sonim phones will work on European networks?

[@LRsaturnine]

but do any of them offer wireless hotspot capability

[@JoseBriones]

Most of them do. The Nokias are probably the only ones that don't

[@Kabirio93]

Thank you for what you are doing. Its sad that any of them has an e-sim card. Its a dealbreaker when traveling and using services alike Airalo.

[@VictorSerrano-t4g]

Hola Jose,, el flip phone con la mejor app de navegacion en California?

[@JoseBriones]

CAT S22

[@kcflat8320]

KaiOS' downfall is unfortunate. Meanwhile androids with those form factors are not really widely available with great support, which is also unfortunate. I just hope that a manufacturer will bring an excellent product.

[@GarageBanter]

What’s your take on the timestamp issue with the Nokia devices regarding the text messaging? I have the Nokia 215 and the text messages being all over the place is driving me crazy haha!

[@JoseBriones]

This is an issue on the models when used in certain timezones. It is sad that they choose to not fix it

[@adrianparker-e9f]

can you use a dumb phone to contact someone on a smartphone ?

[@JoseBriones]

Yes

[@adrianparker-e9f]

@@JoseBriones Thanks !👍

[@rachelbankier]

This was so helpful! Thank you so much! How do I determine which phones will work (unlocked) for my carrier and area? I am with Freedom Mobile in Canada. Thanks!

[@CrossStix]

Check the frequency bands. Looks like for Freedom Mobile LTE (4G) band 4 & 7 at minimum, however band 13 & 71 are also used. Band 66 may also be useful. Finally for 3G UMTS, band 4 is needed.

[@JoseBriones]

Check the dumbphonefinder.com for a break down. But most of the ones I mentioned here work in Canada :)

[@Incognito980]

Jose, what are your thoughts on the upcoming launch of the HMD/Nokia Barbie phone? Some people think its just a reskin of the other model. Im hoping it has some good features and specs!

[@JoseBriones]

It is going to be a reskin of the 2660 sadly. I hoped for more, but I guess they only care to market their phones instead of improving them.

[@Incognito980]

@@JoseBriones awww that is so disappointing:( well I'll have to do some research based on your suggestions on this video. Thanks for spearheading dumb phone culture!!

[@Sillygoose-v4c]

What prevented the Hit k1 Qwerty from making the list?

[@JoseBriones]

Unreliable software and hardware.

[@Sillygoose-v4c]

​@@JoseBriones Any examples? One of the only resources for it is your review and you talked about how there's a dedicated team of developers, has that changed?

[@JoseBriones]

There is a team, but they have been pretty quiet so far. I am hoping they get to release some of the updates promised, but they haven't so far.

[@timebomb1251]

Can you do a video of what it's like texting on a keitai phone? I've been considering getting one but the texting experience is what's making me hesitate.

[@tiny_LittleBananaGuy402]

Does the Nokia 225 have Any social media apps like Facebook, KZbin or other? also how are you doing

[@JoseBriones]

It has shortcuts for the browser with those website, but there are no apps connecting you to the web in any form. It's just icons

[@tiny_LittleBananaGuy402]

@@JoseBriones so it does,but it’s just a icon,no?

[@Laura-w3y4k]

I am interested in one of the Sunbeam Flip phones but I can't see where there is a speakerphone button on it. Do you know if it has a speakerphone? Thank you for your videos. Very informative.

[@JoseBriones]

It does have a speaker :). Once you are in a call, you can press one of the arrow buttons and put it on loud speaker.

[@Laura-w3y4k]

@@JoseBriones Great! Thank you very much

[@dolmane496]

Anyone got any recommendations for a phone that can get Apple Music but doesn’t do anything else other than make phone calls and messages?

[@JoseBriones]

Sadly that does not exist. Maybe an Apple watch is best for you

[@issahumps]

An iPod touch

[@dolmane496]

@@issahumps Can't get phone calls or messages without wifi :( as far as I'm aware anyway. I've just deleted everything off my phone, made it black and white, and turned off animations/transitions. Makes it boring enough to almost be a dumb phone, but retains nice-to-have features like checking buses and stuff if I need to

[@Seboubou]

HMD is rocking it with the Nokia 3210 and Barbie phone

[@pepijnschoneveld599]

Hi everyone. I have a question. I want a dumbphone to only use calling, texting and whatsapp next to my Iphone when I want. I bought the TT Phone 970 but I cant link it with my whatsapp because it hasn't 'Link device' in the beginning screen. Does anyone knows how to do that. And is the Cat S22 not to addictive because it stil has Instagram and all the other stuff that's on my addictive Iphone? Thanks

[@bettyboop3206]

I'm waiting for a flip phone that is BIGGER, easy to text on, has maps and an excellent camera. Not a folding screen, but a hinge. The cat s22 is thicker, easy to hold but the screen is tiny. I find the thin phones difficult to hold. If the cat s22 screen went to the edge it would be so much better!

[@JoseBriones]

Only Japanese phones and the FIG Kosher phones have larger screens so far in the market.

[@synGOD]

Between a Nokia 2780 and a TCL flip 2, that most likely won’t be modded to load apps, which one would you recommend?

[@JoseBriones]

TCL Flip 2

[@royal2b1]

Hey, thanks for the informative video - out of all them, which would you recommend for someone with Verizon unlimited prepaid plan looking for out of box solution? (Mod friendly for WhatsApp & google maps at least)

[@JoseBriones]

Kyocera, TIQ Mini M5, or something like the Jelly Star

[@RaumfuerSpiele]

Hey, which is the best dumb phone for making good pictures? I want something dumb, but I don't want to make bad pictures. Doesn't matter if the phone is new or old. I just need good pictures. Thank And maybe an alternative to the Wisephone 2? As I heard this phone is a scam, but the idea is good.

[@JoseBriones]

In the US? Xiaomi F21, Light Phone 3, TIQ Mini M5, Jelly Star

[@RaumfuerSpiele]

@@JoseBriones in Europe. Where can I buy the f22 pro without Google?

[@דביר-ח1ס]

Thank you very much brother, What's the best thing you have to offer at Shaal Israelis? Some of what you proposed here was not sent to Israel..

[@Salvador_esquire]

Do you have the link of the guide to be able to customize the the xiam qin f21 pro

[@Try-To-Feel-the-song]

I want to buy Kyocera Dura extreme phone i live in india can any one tell me how can i buy this phone

[@JoseBriones]

eBay will be the only way.

[@pietraop2975]

I guess I may just have bought it rn

[@AadarshRai2]

Please god someone launch S23 flip with better battery.

[@ekko-knekko]

It also desperately needs better optimization, it drains the battery it has like crazy!

[@dobbs8463]

How does the Nokia 2720 hold up?

[@JoseBriones]

It's ok if you can find it for cheap

[@dobbs8463]

@@JoseBriones is there a flip phone you'd recommend that can still use cash app?

[@nanabai329]

I trued the cat s22 but it was so heavy for my hand as a girl. I live in nyc so i must have maps and whatsup to keep up with family wverything else can be done on my tablet and laptop. Is there anything you would recommend please that works with tmobile.

[@JoseBriones]

Some of the japanese or korean devices could be an answer. The Alt Miv Style Folder or the Kyocera 903 are options.

[@nanabai329]

Thank you

[@andrey-13i]

Thank you

[@sillytoffee]

Im a big fan of my AGM M9. Not sure why it never gets any attention

[@Shimeshone]

Hello, I'm in Europe and i'm looking for à Phone with only whatsapp with why not waze, maps or Spotify, but i don't want browser, social medias or youtube. Is there something for me ?

[@JoseBriones]

You can't have that exclusive set up sadly. A Kosher phone would be the closest to that. Check K-Mobile in the UK and ask them if they could load WhatsApp for you. You have to learn to customize your own phone for this setup to be possible and not install extra apps you don't want. Something like the TTFone 970 can help with that.

[@Shimeshone]

@@JoseBriones Thanks for your answer, but would you know if I could remove the apps on the TTFone? Because the K-mobile is only available to students in the UK from what I understand.

[@rociocastillo3354]

I just need maps, whats app, and Android auto lol

[@JoseBriones]

Try the Xiaomi F21 or the Freetel Mode Retro