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 😢

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@yayabrooklyn]

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

[@daveperkinsjr]

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

[@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 :(

[@katsmisadventures]

this channel is a godsend. your work is amazing! i am going down the dumbphone rabbithole, still figuring out which one i want (and if i'm even considering switching to start with...). but either way your work is very useful and pedagogical!

[@alohamac24]

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

[@lilyliciousss]

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

[@blackdevildog6416]

My buddy had the Kyocera ruggedized flip phone for a couple of years. He's as blue-collar as it gets, and he carried it in all weather conditions year-round for three years. He replaced it simply because he wanted a few more features at one point. It absolutely tanked all of what was thrown at it. He still uses it occasionally depending on what job he's doing. I HIGHLY recommend the Kyocera if you live a rough lifestyle and are extremely rough on everything you own. I've been using a naked iPhone SE for a couple of years, a naked iPhone 8 before that. Both held up great, but I certainly stand by "dumb" phones being the smartest option anymore.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@qLeila]

Where do you buy these phones? In europe it feels almost impossible to get your hands on a decent flip phone

[@smy76]

Thorough and helpful as always. Thank you, Jose.

[@butoikaruga]

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

[@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.

[@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.).

[@erad05]

Interessant, vielen dank fur deine recherche!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@OfficialBods]

I have the Alcatel 3082 4G, its basic with message, calling, calendar, camera and an mp3 player. It works really well and can customize the wallpaper and ringtones to you liking, its only £30 and i use it all week without charging it once

[@omarklieber4649]

Thank you, Jose!

[@MP-lv5vk]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@sekibulja-fu3bv]

Another excellent video, thank you!!!

[@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

[@davidburrowsyt]

Great vid! No mention of the Punkt? :(

[@JoseBriones]

Punkt does not update their devices and the MP02 has long-standing issues. That’s why it didn’t make it to the list.

[@andremedeiros2181]

great list!

[@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.

[@mmypainting]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@CLP99th]

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

[@motomium]

Thanks a lot 👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@summernightlavvy9771]

I wish verizon supported more feature phones, samsung makes phenomenal feature phones over seas and it feels like the market is ready for them to be introduced back

[@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..

[@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.

[@aperson1181]

which phone has low SAR?

[@qskar8763]

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

[@JoseBriones]

All of them

[@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

[@viktoriyaarnaudova7702]

I had the same issues the first two days. It looks better when I turn on the 3g instead the 4g and turn it off while I'm home (only WiFi). Also I installed "Before Launcher" for simple interface. We will see how it goes.

[@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

[@briannagherman9439]

I bought a light phone 2 at the end of 2024 and I no longer want it. There is nothing wrong with it and it works perfectly, I simply do not want it anymore. I am selling it for $200 and I will sell it with the case and screen protector as well.

[@trufflefry]

what color is it?

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@dalemartin6435]

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

[@möth39E]

to show my ignorance. what would be the best phone. i'm trying to avoid Chinese malware and apps i can't take delete. any way i should go?

[@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 :)

[@silviarozsa6800]

Hi Jose, I'm from Brazil and I'm looking for a "dumbish" phone with Whatsapp and gps for use of any map app. Which one do you recommend??

[@michielkeller1884]

I would like to see the smallest flip phone you can use with a 4g network. Samsung used to make a great pebble shaped flip phone that is small in your pocket. So nice to take with you as the phone for calling. I really dont need extra functions. I like it to be small. And for young people as well. It is always presented now as a phone for old people and therefor has bigger shape. But there are also people who like the small form factor and that you can put it next to your keys. Simply a nice thing that works for a week and does its job with a 4g network.The old small ones only work at 2g network. Does it exist? I can only find the bigger shape flip phones. Somebody knows a recent small model?

[@JoseBriones]

Currently there are no VoLTE small flip phones. The smallest ones are the Nokia 2780 and Sunbeam F1, but they are not super small.

[@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. 👍

[@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.

[@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

[@coziedotcom]

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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@andrey-13i]

Thank you

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@mymelodies7849]

What do you think of a wisephone?

[@JoseBriones]

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

[@rachelchristiana..]

im not fully clear in any of theses are able to work with spotify, do you know?

[@JoseBriones]

If it is based on Android, they can have Spotify. CAT S22, Xiaomi are good examples.

[@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

[@bluebear123]

What phones work best with tmobile?

[@JoseBriones]

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

[@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...

[@Sir_Blubber]

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

[@Sir_Blubber]

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

[@coastalcrescentdoula]

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

[@JoseBriones]

Use the dumbphone finder: www.dumbphones.org/

[@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.

[@jamusonwilliams9917]

why are none of Unihertz's phone on your roster? It had better be because you don't know about them, but that seems extraordinarily unlikely considering the fact that you're neck deep in this dumb phone niche.

[@JoseBriones]

I have mentioned them in the past as good options. I also have reviews for some of them :)

[@maxchauvire9895]

Hello ! Do you know Dumbphones with tethering??

[@JoseBriones]

Check the dumbphone finder and filter by hotspot

[@opal_skies97]

Thoughts on the lg classic flip in 2024?

[@JoseBriones]

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

[@alexandervanpatten100]

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

[@leroyschlabach3697]

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

[@Salvador_esquire]

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

[@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..

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@pixelgaming7261]

Doro has some nice devices. I have the AGM M8 though.