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Given the size of the Android ecosystem, you might be surprised by the range of modern devices that are really Android-powered. Therefore, it may be less surprising that certain minimalist or so-called dumbphones also run Android, even though you typically won't be able to know.
Is a smartphone required for your future Android phone? In fact, the response is negative. And choosing something less complicated can be a wise choice for you. Here are a few justifications.
1. Original Designs
The smartphone market has gotten fairly monotonous. We are presented with a new crop of glass slates every year, each with a few colour variations and somewhat varying screen sizes.
Even though some phones are experimenting with novel features, like folding screens, the overall experience is still basically the same. There are steps you can do to convert your current Android smartphone to a dumbphone, but that won't change the design in any way.
In the middle of the 2000s, hardware rather than software was what set apart phones. Some phones could be opened in a clamshell fashion. A few had complete keyboards. You could purchase a phone with adjustable e-ink buttons or one that opened like a razor blade.
The world of minimalist phones is beginning to see a resurgence of such creativity. A touchscreen phone the size of a credit card with an e-ink text display is called the Light Phone 2. The Punkt MP02 phone is a conventional voice phone with an LCD screen and tactile buttons, forgoing flashy visuals as well.
You are no longer restricted to dumbphones powered by Android that resemble Sonim XP3 variants.
2. Superb Support
A small number of businesses use minimalist phones as their main offering. The aforementioned Light Phone 2 and Punkt fall within this category. Even though these phones have been around for a while, they have improved since their first release.
For instance, the original Light Phone was a phone with call, text, and alarm capabilities. These days, it can also serve as a navigational tool and play music and podcasts. There is a calculator, and voice-to-text makes it simpler to send texts.
The Signal integration on the Punkt phone has been the biggest upgrade, making the Punkt MP02 one of the most private phones you can purchase.
Contrary to most Android devices, which are virtually always at their finest when they are brand-new, this experience is the complete opposite. For a few years, you might receive OS updates, but you almost never gain significant new capabilities that weren't accessible when you initially purchased the phone.
3. Increase in Battery Life
It won't use nearly as much power as a smartphone, whether you choose a simple phone or a flip phone with lots of apps. Both your screen size and your computing requirements will be reduced. The battery will last longer as a result.
Which phone you choose will determine how much longer your battery lasts. Dumbphones often have smaller batteries because they require less power and take up less space. However, some will continue to function for up to a week while others can shut off after two or three days. It's unlikely that you will have to rush to find a charger, though.
4. Compact Dimensions
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5. Tracking is less
Some will allow you to sign in to chat applications like WhatsApp or Messenger, but since Meta and other internet giants own these programmes, it's difficult to think of them as private. Dumbphones are inferior than smartphones in this regard.
However, dumbphones still offer less tracking in the end. The majority of well-known apps for cellphones in some way or another track your activities. They are aware of everything you do without you even realising it, including what you read, where you go, what you buy, what you watch, and what music you listen to.
Throughout the majority of your waking hours, you frequently provide several organisations with extensive insight into many elements of your life. Additionally, some business has probably pieced together your typical bedtime and wake-up times when you are sleeping. Simply said, you aren't producing this much data when using a dumbphone.
6. Less Interruptions
All those applications that don't monitor you? They aren't detracting from you either, so there. There isn't an app telling you to watch the most recent trending video, tune into the next podcast, or read the piece someone else just linked to. However, it's not only the absence of notifications that has an impact.
Removing apps is a crucial step in reducing your phone usage, even on a smartphone. There is generally less incentive to take out your phone if it doesn't have as many apps. Your phone is less likely to beckon your attention if you're alone in a park or in line at the store.
You will instead consider different strategies for savouring the present. Whether it means striking up a conversation, paying attention to what is happening around you, reading a book, doing art, or engaging in some other activity that will ultimately seem more gratifying.
The majority of dumbphones running Android completely conceal any mention of Android. For instance, the Sunbeam F1 claims to run Basic OS. Others, such as the AGM M7, are mentioned but continue to be substantially modified. Some of them have apps, although the Play Store is extremely unlikely to be there. The purpose is not to install programmes.
Is Your Next Android Phone Going to Be Stupid?
Making this kind of adjustment involves tradeoffs. Adopting a dumbphone may include giving up the capacity to readily scan QR codes, share images, or conduct transactions. These are just a handful of the drawbacks you can encounter. Make sure you enter the situation with a clear head in order to position yourself for success.
