With the soaring costs of the iPhone 14 Pro Max and other top-tier smartphones in 2022, tech consumers have begun to rethink the value of using dumbphones and non-smartphones as an affordable alternative. For instance, the new Nokia 2780 Flip Phone is drawing rave reviews for providing customers with long battery life, HD call quality, and easy-to-use accessibility features at a cost of just $90.
While non-smartphones are often geared toward older generations who dislike the muss and fuss of modern smartphone technology, the best dumbphones to purchase in 2022 tend to offer a versatile range of fashion and functionality.
Alcatel GoFlip 4
When it comes to the best and most affordable (roughly $76) flip non-smartphone for senior phone users and children specifically, the Alcatel GoFlip 4 is hard to beat. An efficient go-between for the old basic cell phone and new-age smartphone, the GoFlip 4 comes with 4GB RAM, supports 3G, and comes with a few basic apps like navigation, and email, as well as a 2MP wide-angle camera.
With a sleek premium black design, large keypad buttons, easy-to-grip edges, a strong battery, and separate key functions, the Alcatel GoFlip 4 is compatible with all carriers, making it ideal for purchase in 2022 no matter which cell phone service a customer uses.
Easyfone Prime A6
For those looking for an efficient non-smartphone this Christmas, the Easyfone Prime A6 is a good option. Extremely pared down to feature the basic functions needed to make phone calls and simple text messages, the giant buttons with back-lighting and number-talking features, large fonts, high volume setting, and rudimentary OS make it extremely easy to use.
Moreover, the Easyfone Prime A6 comes with a 1050mAh battery, a simple charging stand, and comes with such basic apps as a calculator, calendar, FM radio, alarm, audio player, and a very cool SOS button for emergencies regarding the hearing-impaired. It even brings back the retro speed dial option, allowing users to pre-program up to eight telephone numbers at a time and reach them with a direct dial.
Nokia 2780 Flip Phone
While the Nokia 2760 Flip Phone is worthy, the newfangled 2780 Flip non-smartphone is even more ideal to use in 2022. For just $90, consumers can enjoy a 1450mAh battery to accommodate nearly seven hours of talk time and roughly 20 hours of standby time, 512 GB of internal storage, FM radio, audio playback, a flashlight, a 5MP rear camera to rival the best and most affordable camera phones, and more.
All the specs and stats add up to create a simple-to-use and affordable cell phone that will not bog users down with endless buttons, distractions, flashy apps, and the like. Supportable with all major carriers and able to store up to 1,000 contacts, the Nokia 2780 is arguably the best overall flip non-smartphone to use in 2022.
Nokia 225 4G
For non-smartphone users who dislike the flip phone functionality, most agree that the Nokia 225 4G is one of the best budget-friendly candy bar alternatives. For less than $50, users can find the same excellent battery power and lasting durability as most Nokia flip models at a fraction of the cost.
With six hours of talk time and 20 hours of standby time, the Nokia 225 4G is perfect for those who want to limit as many smartphone distractions while still enjoying a few modern perks such as FM radio, Facebook, and YouTube. While the texting feature leaves something to be desired, the bare essentials of cell phone technology come in one sleek, non-flip form.
Nokia 3310 3G
Continuing its reign as the 3G leader nearly a decade after almost everyone on Earth had the handset in tow, the Nokia 3310 is still an ideal non-smartphone option in 2022. A tried and true classic for good reason, the brand's once-flagship phone is supremely effortless to make and take calls, read and write texts, and even listen to basic MP3 audio files.
While many modern-day non-smartphones are aimed at older consumers who dislike the shiny baubles of smartphone technology, the Nokia 3310 has smaller and more narrow buttons, making it much more ideal for youngsters in remote locations than seniors at home. With a 2MP camera and 6.5 hours of talk time, the Nokia 3310 3G is the perfect telephonic bridge between the past and present.
Doro 7010 Dual Sim
Thanks in part to its visible and accessible "Call," "View," and "Send" menu buttons, advanced Response Button that can be paired with hearing aids, and extremely clear audio while listening to calls, the Doro 7010 Dual Sim is taking the market by storm. With seven hours of talk time and 330 hours of standby time, the Doro 7010 is also compatible with 3G and 4G Wi-Fi.
However, what really separates the Doro 7010 is the ability to use Facebook and WhatsApp and other free apps Android uses can't live without, two ubiquitous apps that most older generations have even adopted for daily use. Moreover, the extra large 2.8-inch color display screen makes sifting through photos much easier and more enjoyable.
Doro 708X
If the Doro 7010 Dual Sim is a bit too fancy, try out the Doro 708X as an even simpler dumbphone alternative. With stripped-down keypad functions that include A, B, and C speed-dial buttons and space to add a corresponding name, gone are the days of memorizing numbers or sifting endlessly through contacts.
Moreover, the Doro 708X allows users to receive text messages but cannot send them, which is ideal for those with memory loss or lack of dexterity. Perhaps most ideal for older phone users, the Doro 708X comes with the advanced Response Button on the back to alert and display the phone's physical location.
Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1
For those looking for an excellent non-smartphone with the best reception in remote locations, accept nothing other than the Immarsat IsatPhone 2.1. The awesome satellite phone is big and bulky, but it will allow users to stay in contact with friends and family in places no other cell phone can go.
For Luddites, the lack of distracting apps, cameras, and data transfer makes way for up to eight hours of talk time and 160 hours of standby time, making it ideal for adventurers on the go. With Gorilla glass and a reflective screen, the IsatPhone comes with an emergency SOS button and location-sharing GPS options that will keep consumers safe as can be.
SonimXP3 Plus
In terms of the most rugged and physically dependable non-smartphone with the best battery life, SonimXP3 Plus is the king of the block. The ultra-durable design, large 2300aMh lithium-ion battery allows up to a staggering 15 hours of talk time and 440 hours of standby time. Between its effortless UI and 3-year warranty, it's hard to find a more durable dumbphone in 2022.
With Wi-Fi connectivity to include up to eight hotspots, hearing-aid compatibility, LED Torchlight, an 8MP camera to rival the best and most affordable camera phones, FM radio, and various audio and video formats, the SonimXP3 is the most versatile premium rugged non-smartphone on the market in 2022.
Punkt MP02
For total "digital detoxers" looking to revert to the analog days of basic phone usage, the Punkt MP02 has everyone's needs covered. The sharp minimalist design is deliberately meant to welcome those overwhelmed by the business of state-of-the-art smartphones despite its 4G compatibility.
Designed with low-key simplicity by Jasper Morrison, the MP02 balances fashion and functionality with its pared-down layout and simple menu options. With clear and concise Up, Down, Select, Go, Phonebook, and Text buttons, the MP02 is also built with customers' privacy and security in mind, allowing for complete digital autonomy in 2022.