Experts say smartphone owners are increasingly buying second handsets with limited features – but batteries that last for weeks
- Many users are now turning their backs on smartphones for basic devices
- Some will use a smart device and a ‘dumbphone,’ when more convenient
- ‘Dumbphones’ do little more than texts and calls, have better battery life
As smart phones continue to grow smarter, many people are now rejecting the increased connectivity and taking a huge step backward.
Embraced by average mobile users the ‘dumbphone’ is making a comeback, and it can only perform the most basic functions.
Ditching complex handsets, ‘dumbphone’ users actually have to use their phones as a phones, limiting functionality to calls and texts, and freeing up time otherwise spent glued to a screen.
While non-smartphones have become less visible in the last few years, they haven’t entirely been wiped off the shelves.
These basic phones, called ‘feature phones’ do little else above making calls or texts.
‘Dumbphone’ enthusiasts have numerous reasons for turning their backs on smart devices.
Many argue that smartphones are broken easily and can’t hold a charge despite the steep prices, and the advanced capabilities are unnecessary for the average person.
Some even choose to have the best of both worlds, using a smartphone or ‘phablet’ when needed and switching to a smaller, basic phone when it’s more convenient.
But, phones with limited capabilities aren’t just a way to escape the barrage of emails, or disconnect from social media.
Basic phones are known to maintain their battery lives much longer, making them more reliable, and these types of phones are also commonly given to children and elderly people.
They’re durable, easy to use, and cheap to replace.
Both Microsoft and Samsung still produce basic phones.
The Nokia 215, a brand that’s now owned by Microsoft, can hold its charge for 29 days – and the Nokia 515 can go to 38 days.
