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Original poster

Has anyone gone back to a 'dumb' phone?

56 replies

PollyThePony · 23/04/2021 22:03

I don't like the term dumb phone, but it seems to be what they are called! As in not a smart phone.

I'm going for a sort of halfway house, which has WhatsApp and Google maps, but not a lot else and is very slow moving apparently, so not as fun / addictive as a smartphone.

It shouldn't be a big deal! It isn't a big deal really, but just wondered how other people have found it.

OP posts:
Original poster
PollyThePony · 24/04/2021 07:45

Bumping Smile

But realised earlier, that posting asking for experiences of switching to a dumb phone on a forum which many people access from their smart phones may be a non starter Grin

OP posts:
Thinnerlikeachickendinner · 24/04/2021 07:45

I would love this option too!

Thinnerlikeachickendinner · 24/04/2021 07:45

But I don’t know what it is - Nokia maybe?

SwayingInTime · 24/04/2021 07:47

I use an old iPhone and put content restrictions on using a screen time password that I don’t know. Sometimes I have to ask for it in an emergency (did yesterday) to solve an issue out and about and lo, I am back on mumsnet. Will reset today. Does rely on having someone to remember the passcode for you!

SwanShaped · 24/04/2021 07:47

It’d be great to do that. The convenience of a smart phone is good. But they are too addictive.

Blerg · 24/04/2021 07:49

No, I haven’t but I did think about it a couple of years ago. I was struggling with reading the news on my phone and other stuff making me depressed or anxious. In the end I decided I didn’t want to do without a camera to hand, maps and other convenient things.

I did start just leaving it in another room quite a bit. And did other stuff to address the anxiety. Sorry if that not relevant to you.

I didn’t know there was a halfway type of option.

Original poster
PollyThePony · 24/04/2021 07:52

I've ordered a Nokia 800 tough, which has WhatsApp and Google Maps apparently. I've watched some review videos and they aren't glowing tbh. One reviewer says it's the second worst phone he's ever reviewed, which I only saw after ordering it Confused. Oh well. The others say it does what it says it does, which is exactly what I want! I don't want an amazing phone, I want a phone which isn't amazing and does a couple of things I need it to. So fingers crossed this is what I'm hoping for. Happy to report back!

I'm not working for them either and feel free to check with HQ!

I also like that it's more or less indestructible.

OP posts:
Original poster
PollyThePony · 24/04/2021 07:53

It also has a camera and music player, but I don't think you can use audible with it, which is the one thing I'll miss. I'm thinking of getting a cheap mp3 player for that, or not and just having music out and about and listen to audible at home.

OP posts:
Original poster
PollyThePony · 24/04/2021 07:54

Camera is meant to be pants though, according to reviews. 2MP I think.

OP posts:
Temp023 · 24/04/2021 07:55

Why would you?

CarmelBeach · 24/04/2021 07:55

The battery power is brilliant on a dumb phone. We don't have a landline.

I have a separate ipad though.

SwanShaped · 24/04/2021 07:55

Let me know how it is!

PermanentTemporary · 24/04/2021 07:58

I can't really imagine it for me... I'm trying to find a dumb phone for my mum though. She's forgetful now and would find a smartphone a burden. She keeps losing phones though - i could actually do with it being quite substantial.

FourOnTheHill · 24/04/2021 07:59

I had a basic Nokia for a year while on maternity but it was pretty annoying in some circumstances. I started reading actual books again that year. I loved not feeling held to ransom by the phone all the time. I have an iPhone again now and it’s addictive. Tried taking Facebook off it and now I’m on bloody mumsnet all the time. Def considering a dumb phone again.

SwayingInTime · 24/04/2021 08:00

I am a Spotify addict mainly though and have never found a stand alone music player that does everything i need from that point of view.

Original poster
PollyThePony · 24/04/2021 08:01

I do have a laptop, so anything my phone can do, I can still do, so it shouldn't be a big deal really. It really wasn't long ago I managed fine without one! Even moved to a city abroad where my language skills weren't fluent and managed there completely on my own. Now I feel as if I'd be worried to manage my commuter town in the home counties without one Hmm

As to why, it's the endless, mindless scrolling I want to stop. Also shopping online and overspending. Also just not being able to be bored at all and to set a better example to dcs by not always checking my phone as I do a bit too much Blush

OP posts:
Billythecandlestickmaker · 24/04/2021 08:01

Oh op, let me know how you get on.
I loose hours on my stupid phone. I've known to waste a whole day on mumsnet etc.
I would love a dumb phone, that I could access what'd app, Google maps and prehaps shpock only.

I deleted all SM quite a while ago, but instead discovered news apps and mumsnet!
I wish smart phones had never been invented.

Original poster
PollyThePony · 24/04/2021 08:02

@PermanentTemporary

I can't really imagine it for me... I'm trying to find a dumb phone for my mum though. She's forgetful now and would find a smartphone a burden. She keeps losing phones though - i could actually do with it being quite substantial.
I nearly bought from a brand called Doro which makes phones for older people. Might be worth a look. I wanted their Clamshell phone, but think it was a bit too far for me as very basic.
OP posts:
MrsTophamHat · 24/04/2021 08:04

There definitely should be a market for this.

I'm currently sitting half watching 'This Is My House' with a new book I want to start next to me.

But... I am on my phone. It's pathetic really!

molojoko · 24/04/2021 08:05

www.humanetech.com/take-control

Original poster
PollyThePony · 24/04/2021 08:12

Thanks @molojoko. I think those are great ideas. I did used to block Mumsnet sites on my phone which were distracting me too much. (Sorry Mumsnet - I love you too much Grin)! I can still look at them on my laptop.

I think I need to go further. Also looking forward to a much cheaper contract and less fragile phone which needs charging less frequently. My chargers have broken twice with my smart phone and I have been through too many of them die to breakages (my fault as I kept leaving them unattended with toddlers about). The nokia you can apparently run over with a car and it's fine!

OP posts:
Original poster
PollyThePony · 24/04/2021 08:18

Due to*

OP posts:
kickergoes · 24/04/2021 08:27

No way, too much of the world is going "smart" just yesterday I was in a restaurant (terrace) that required an app to order (not Wetherspoons!) I need an authenticator app on my phone for my work's MFA, all my loyalty cards and payments are loaded on there so I don't have to carry a purse any more. The amount of times I use Google maps or need access to my emails for something...I'd be literally and figuratively lost!

kickergoes · 24/04/2021 08:28

Although I completely relate to your reasons, maybe they should make a "dumb" setting for inside the house?!

CarmelBeach · 24/04/2021 08:35

@kickergoes

Although I completely relate to your reasons, maybe they should make a "dumb" setting for inside the house?!
There is a way to desmart your phone in that sense

But it doesn't compare to the days of battery power you get from a Nokia.

Tbh my ipad can be just as addictive. You have to just decide to put it away...which I will do when I've had my coffee, honest!

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