What is a dumb phone?
Also known as feature phones, dumb phones typically only allow users to make calls and send messages. Unlike smartphones, which aim to do pretty much everything, dumb phones stick to the basics and don’t usually include internet access or any social media apps.
Sometimes they have a low-quality camera, radio or very simple, retro mobile games (such as Snake). Dumb phones tend to favour an old-fashioned keypad, rather than the touchscreens that we have become accustomed to on smartphones.
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What should I look for when buying a dumb phone for my child?
There are a number of things that you should consider before buying a dumb phone for kids.
What are you using it for? Are you looking for a simple phone for your newly independent tween to take out with them? For an ageing relative who isn’t too hot on technology but needs a simple method for keeping in touch? Or are you just seeking a social media detox? If so, a dumb phone is a great choice. However if you are looking for something that can prove useful for interactive learning in the classroom or your child needs a bus or train timetable app to get around, then you a smartphone may be a better option.
Type: Would you prefer an old-fashioned ‘brick’, also known as a candy bar phone, or would a flip phone, where the device effectively folds in two, be better suited to your needs?
2G or not 2G? Many mobile providers still provide 2G networks, which work perfectly well with dumb phones. The exception is Three, which includes iD Mobile, Smarty and Superdrug Mobile. According to Ofcom, all the mobile providers have confirmed to the Government that they don’t plan to offer 2G services beyond 2033 although, as of yet, no dates have been set for the switch-off. EE has said it will switch off 2G ‘later this decade’. You can buy a dumb phone with 4G capability, but this may cost you a little more.
Price: A big plus for dumb phones over smartphones is cost. The cheapest dumb phone on our list will leave you with change from £20. Good luck bagging an iPhone for that price.
What is the best dumb phone for kids?
Mumsnet parents recommend the Nokia 105 2G as the best dumb phone for kids. With its low price point, long-battery life and lack of distractions, we rate it as the best first phone for kids.
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How we chose our recommendations
Our expert writers and journalists spend hours researching the very best quality products for our Swears By articles.
All the dumb phones on this list have been tried and tested by Mumsnet users who have recommended their favourite based on factors including durability, price and performance. We include these so you know that real people are behind our recommendations.
Finally, we collated all that information and then looked at other online reviews to see which dumb phones have received the best recommendations among both consumers and experts.
This article is not intended as a countdown of the ‘top 10’ best products, but rather a list of tried-and-trusted recommendations so you can be safe in the knowledge that you’re getting honest and reliable advice when choosing the best dumb phone for kids.
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000, and, in that time, we've investigated, tried and reviewed thousands of products.
We strive to provide honest and independent advice you can trust, and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find amazing products that real parents love.
About the author
Laura Cooke is a Content Editor at Mumsnet, with a special focus on toddler play, child play and outdoor play. She is a mum of two and lives in Sussex.
Laura is a freelance journalist and has written for a range of publications including The Daily Mirror, the i, Metro, Stylist and Happiful.