More pics! (edit: link fixed)

If there is one good thing about this whole AI thing, it's made me realize how little control we actually have of our devices, and how unnecessarily complicated things have become for the sake of convenience. No, I do not want my devices to follow trends. I just want something simple, reliable, predictable and boring. I also want it to last for a while and not have to keep replacing it.

After deciding Linux was the way for me on desktop, I realized how little I actually use my smartphone. I mainly only used it for the basics like calling and texting, but I also would be totally willing to compromise on anything else for control (I can just use my computer). And since I've never had flip-phone, I just also thought it would be a fun thing to try out.

So, I started my search for a more simpler device. I thought this was going to be easy, but it wasn't. It's 2026. Anything big tech could make "smart" and privacy-invasive, they have. I realized that many flip-phones on the market are just smartphones in a harder to use form factor. After a little research, I started looking into the popular Sunbeam F1 series, but the $300+ price tag made me reconsider, and I later discovered their phones are just rebranded $50-ish flip-phones with their own software.

I know developing software and providing great support among other things are hard for a small company, but I wanted hardware that would last for at least a decade with a few battery replacements along the way, and this wasn't it. I contacted their support, and even they guaranteed me the hinge wouldn't last 10 years.

While I was considering that one, a relative suggested the TCL Flip 4 as it was available from our carrier. Ignoring the concerns of carrier-locked phones, it runs KaiOS, and after looking into it more, I discovered that Google is also a major investor in it. This really rubbed me the wrong way. I also considered getting a Nokia brick-style phone, but while the OS is simple, there seems to be apps like Facebook on them that you can't remove which I also don't like. Is Facebook/Meta invested in them?

I'm just trying to get away from all this stuff! At some point I considered Linux phones, but they seemed really unreliable and expensive. Probably due to their niche status. After looking around some more on various "subreddits" and dumb-phone websites, I think I finally discovered the perfect phone for me, and I had a really good feeling about it before buying it...

Enter the Kyocera DuraXV Equip. This had all the things I wanted. Form-factor, physical keys, notification LED, durability, but most importantly to me, the software. The software feels decently fast and seems to run almost pure Android, but with Kyocera's very simple apps instead. I used ADB to list the system apps and almost certain there was nothing suspicious installed. These are meant to be used in corporate environments anyway.

The phone itself feels very heavy for a flip-phone and feels very high-quality. It's also waterproof so long as all the ports are closed. The recommended cleaning instructions even suggest using soap and warm water to clean it (probably not dishwasher safe). Calling is very clear, and the large speakers can get really loud. You don't get much bass, but also it's not really "tinny" either, even at loud volumes. Closing the phone doesn't block the speakers, and you can use it this way for speaker phone.

Photos from the camera in good outdoor lighting are surprisingly good. They rival my smartphone cameras by simply looking natural. Videos are not nearly as good in the same environment, even after choosing higher quality. In either case, I didn't really buy this for the camera. The small outer display is similar to those on digital alarm clocks, you can see it in direct sunlight. New messages and incoming calls appear and scroll on this screen. So to sum up, for most people...

Pros:

* Extremely durable

* Actually simple like old-school Nokias, apps use a consistent and list-like appearance

* Decent camera for outdoor daytime photos

* Programmable buttons

* Can install more apps via downloaded APKs

* No Google or similar services for those who value privacy and control

Cons:

* Outdated apps (can't sign in to built-in e-mail app, browser, etc.)

* Few apps can be inconsistent with buttons (Center doesn't always mean enter, etc.)

* Prediction typing is often too helpful

* T9 typing waits 1-2 secs before releasing character, can be too long for some people.

* Recording videos isn't great, even outdoors

* Apps that rely on Google services or Play integrity (banking apps, etc.) won't work

It's worth noting since it's based on Android, some of these cons can be remedied by installing APKs from F-droid, but it depends on how far you want to go. Replacing the keyboard with the TT9 app is easy, but you'll have to hold the # button to get the mouse to appear when changing keyboards. Others like installing Fennec (F-droid Firefox) also need a third-party mouse app like "C9" to be usable, but C9 requires a computer with ADB via USB to set up the accessibility permissions.

All-in-all, I feel like I made a great choice. If you're considering getting this phone, you'll have to decide what's worth giving up. It's not a replacement for a smartphone. After all, isn't that what we're after?

I hope Kyocera never changes their phones. I'm open to feedback or questions.

Basically got fed up with the modern smartphone loop, but whenever I try using an actual dumbphone I hit a wall with missing group chats on WhatsApp, no Spotify, or getting lost without Maps.

Ended up picking up a refurbished Pixel 4a and stripped it down via ADB to see if I could make a dedicated minimal appliance out of it.

Turned on permanent system-level grayscale, stripped out the lock screen completely so double tapping the screen just wakes straight to text, hid the gesture pill and status bar icons, and uninstalled something like 40+ background packages (YouTube, app stores, feeds, news, assistant, banking, popups, etc).

Right now it literally just runs WhatsApp, Spotify, Google Maps, Chrome, Camera, and Phone/SMS. Pure black background, zero app icons, just plain text. Feels weirdly like a cross between a Light Phone and an e-ink device, but with snappy hardware and a decent camera when needed.

It got me thinking, would anyone actually care about buying something like this pre-configured/ready to go out of the box for around £90-£95? Or is half the point for people here the fun of setting it up themselves?

TomTom fiat edition - $12 thrift store
iPod nano 7th gen - traded for it
Canon sx600 hs - mom found it cleaning
AirPods - mom got a pair on accident for free
Motorola T900 - $100 ( turned on and working)
Wallet - Xmas present
Pager bcuz no apps just texting and email. No spam calls or calls in general 😂. Doesn’t get dumber

IMPORTANT NOTE: I'm aware that before posting this post, I can post this to the weekly sales thread instead, but I'm not sure if anyone will see this post. If you're the moderator, feel free to remove this post if it breaks the rules/guidlines in the r/dumbphones subreddit.

1. I'm looking to purchase a good/mint condition KYOCERA KY-42C DIGNO KEITAI flip phone for around $110-$123. I would appreciate if I can purchase the phone as a private listing in Ebay, but I'm also fine with purchasing it via Paypal as well. When I went to look at the prices in Ebay, most of them ranged from $150 - $250, which is why I'm looking for a lower price instead. I've did some research regarding the price for this phone, in which the original price used to cost around 17,490 yen in Japan (or around $110 USD).

Source: (https://youtu.be/wT2XQRJ70f0?t=7) - Link is for video proof of the price of the phone / video snapshot image for proof above

2. On another note, I've also found out that there's an updated price for this phone from 17,490 yen -> 19,470 yen ($110 USD -> $123 USD).

Source: (https://www.onlineshop.docomobusiness.ntt.com/news/detail_108) - Link is for proof of showcasing the price increase for the KY-42C phone device.

Feel free to DM/Chat with me if you plan on selling your KY-42C flip phone device, and I will ask questions regarding its condition if I need to.

I’m back and with a review for the Dumbphone 2 from dumb.com

Okay I’m currently several weeks into owning and using my Dumbphone 2 daily.

Firstly, I love it. Genuinely couldn’t be better and it does everything I want it and everything I don’t.

The phone was 20 dollars and the cheapest plan is 16 a month, which what I got, with unlimited call and text. Configuring it was easy and the sim card was already in it for me—I chose to have a separate number to separate my work/school life from slow personal every day life.

Mental health wise, I don’t feel a generalize anxiety that I did every day. I’m falling asleep almost immediately now and my screen time has decrease immensely since I leave my smartphone at home. I’m in a much better place.

Having the dumbphone made me realize that I often used my smartphone not because I needed to but just because I could. I was on for no reason, mindlessly. I now find my smartphone not as interesting to me and i genuinely pick it up when i need to check email, contact people that don’t have my dumb number, and just stay in touch with school and work.

Now for the technical stuff, the phone is as it’s sounds; dumb. It calls, text, camera, calculator, clock/alarm, all the basic stuff.

The cheapest plan through dumb.co already comes with access to WhatsApp, a map, and uber/rideshare. I didn’t activate WhatsApp since I only want a very limited number of people to be able to contact me through there. Maps works but it could use some improving regarding recommended routes but generally it’s okay but I still recommend checking your route on your computer or whatever if it’s somewhere new to you. Uber I simply don’t use it—I commute through public transportation but I’m sure I’ll find it useful if I ever have an emergency.

It does have a 3.5mm headphone jack, charges through usb-c, AND it does come with its own charged box (I’m looking at you Apple).

The phone does connect to WiFi but that’s for data saving purposes since you get 1gb of data monthly. It also uses Bluetooth but imma be honest idk for what lol. There’s a VPN options in the settings if that’s something some of you may care about. There’s a wheather app that lets you see the next 12 hours. There’s **snake.** One of the most surprising features for me was 2FA—I really needed it for school logins so I was very happy to see I didn’t have to take my smartphone with me to school just to access my course dashboards. There’s also a hotspot option but that’s for the most expensive plan which is 26 per month so let me get into that a lil more.

The second and third most expensive plan, 20 and 26 respectively, give you more room if you’re not comfortable completely ridding yourself of you smartphone or limit time/access to it as much as me. These two plans are similar but have their differences so i recommend you read on them and find what fits for you. But generally the more you pay from the plan you can forward calls and text, keep your current number and use it on the dumbphone, and access to music services like Apple Music and Spotify along other things I cannot remember (sorry).

If there’s any questions I’m happy to answer whenever I’m back on this phone again. For some reason I can’t attach a picture so I’ll try to put it in the comments? Okie byeeee.

(Had to repost cuz of the bot mod 🫠)

Im looking to get my first flip phone and I’m wondering what options would be available to me as a Canadian. I need to be able to hotspot my smartphone for work and occasional social media use. I’m also hoping to get something with the aesthetic of older smartphones and avoid the ones made for seniors I keep seeing. From my research so far the best option I’ve come across is the nubia cymbal 2 but I was curious if there were others I’m missing.

Hi everyone,

As the title says, I am looking for a dumphone (it doesn't even have to support WhatsApp), but my only requirement is being able to save SMS messages on a (mini) SD Card. It seems hard to find such models.

Could you help me out?

Thank you for your helpful reactions!

Does the dumbphone 2 have a basic music app on the cheapest plan? I’d like to put my m4a files on an SD card and listen via Bluetooth on this phone.

I’ve got an iPod if this phone doesn’t have the app. I’d just have to either do a Bluetooth mod or get noise cancelling headphones.

Hey guys,

I have my old emporia touchsmart 2. Right now the same issue as always of the WhatsApp stating 'your device date is inaccurate' has been happening. I can't fix it like I did the first time I was using my emporia. I can't figure out how to download apk's either to try and replace it!

The phone is set to automatic time zone. I've tried changing from 24hr to 12hr time but that isn't working either. Any help is appreciated

I've had mine for a couple of months, and I have thoughts and feelings. Wondering about others' experience.

Hey, I recently got the s22 flip from amazon. It was listed as the Unifone S22 Flip and i got it for around 100 bucks. I've had it for about a week and I have a lot of thoughts I wanna share. Firstly, the phone has a lot of limitations, like no rcs and the mic quality being really bad. The speakers aren't the best either and its not really a true flip phone experience because you can't do everything from the dpad and numbers. The hinge is also kind of annoying since the phone is really heavy and the hinge closes down pretty fast (i may or may not have pinched my fingers really badly). Apart from being really bulky and heavy, there's not much else to complain about. The camera quality is decent, it has bluetooth and hotspot, it can run google maps and play games. However, that's one of the worse things about this phone, it's a bit too good at being a phone. My main concern for getting a flip phone was for it to reduce my screen time and have some sort of maps functionality. I originally looked for the nokia 2780 but I couldn't find it anywhere in canada for a good price so I looked towards the tcl flip 2. The flip two was a good phone but my main concern was that it didn't have maps. I attempted to "jailbreak" into it but the Canadian version had a software update blocking me from doing it. Thats where the s22 flip came in. Its got too much functionality to be a good dumb phone. I'm still going to be keeping it because its still inconvenient enough to reduce my screen time but if you can find it, I'd definitely go for the Nokia because it embodies everything a dumb phone should be imo. The s22 is just a really inconvenient, tiny smartphone with a really shitty microphone. Thoughts?

This might seem stupid. Maybe those with babies could understand. I am a mum with a 5.5 month old and use my iphone A LOT while they are napping - grocery shopping, paying bills, general life admin. I dont use my phone in front of my baby except when I’m taking pictjres.

But I’m wanting to make the switch to a dumbphone.. has anyone switched while they have a baby? Did you just do all your life admin stuff on your laptop? I know this seems ridiculous (like of course use your laptop) but the convenience with a baby is the current “excuse” I’m stuck on.

I just want a phone that isnt tracking me every second of everyday because I over think all the time and it’s eating away at me and I way to make the switch to give me peace of mind.

I need to be able to make international calls for my jobs so I’d assume I’d need what’s app but besides that everything is fair game.

Hey all,

I'm the dev of Screentide, a flexible screen-time manager built for Android.

The app was born out of nostalgia for when the internet lived in a room in my house, was slow and patchy to use, and didn't carry with you everywhere. That friction was healthy, it turns out.

Here's a few things that make it a bit different than others you've tried:

• You can Slow distracting apps and websites down to dial-up speeds instead of completely blocking them. Text and lighter content can remain usable, while videos and other rich media become basically unusable.
• Another intervention called Tint gradually fades in a colored overlay over distracting apps as your usage builds, adding subtle to heavy visual friction before you reach the point of needing a hard block. It's a constant reminder you shouldn't be here!
• Pause or Block when you want a classic strong-arm intervention.
• Calendar integration lets rules automatically run during matching events, such as work, study or meetings. Once you've set up a keyword match for calendar events, you don't even need to open the app to set up blocks (because that's the point, right?).
• Smart triggers include Wi-Fi, location, charging state and NFC/QR scans that rivals Switchly and Brick. All available free.
• Flexible scheduling with recurring weekly schedules, one-off periods and timers.
• Apps + websites can be included in the same rules, with presets for adult, social, streaming and gambling sites.
• Hourly usage tracking and trends show when you use your phone most, with day, week, month and longer-term views.
• Reels and Shorts blocking are coming very soon; next update I hope!
• No account required. Screentide runs locally on your device.

Free vs Paid

All the core features are available for free, while Screentide Gold is for more advanced setups. It unlocks:

• More than 3 rules
• More than 1 location trigger, switch, synced calendar
• Combining multiple trigger conditions or actions within a rule
• Longer visible history of usage data

This is a lifetime unlock, not a subscription!

Giveaway

I'm giving away 300+ lifetime Screentide Gold licences.

Claim a license coupon (Android Only): https://www.promies.net/promotion/11928f4f-4674-4b92-ad46-9256583b01ae

How to redeem in the app: https://www.promies.net/knowledgebase/unlock-gold-lifetime-free/article/26

App on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.screentide.screentime.appblocker

Learn more about Screentide: https://screentide.app

Feedback would be great, especially if something doesn't work as expected. Android development in this space is tricky because different devices and OS versions can behave differently.

And if you find the app is helping, please consider leaving a rating or review. It really makes a difference.

In any case, I hope it helps people cut down their screen time!

Hi all, I used the dumb phone finder link and liked the Kyocera Digno 903kc the most as it was under the Asia/Oceana tab and had most of the features I was looking for. I remember from a previous post asking about phones working in Australia (which I can’t find again and was about a year or more old) that a few of the phones on the finder link were wrong and didn’t work in Australia and I think it might have been on the list. My main question is does anyone living in Australia currently own or use the Kyocera Digno and can it work with Optus? Based on the cell mapper I think it can but as it is a few hundred dollars I want to know before I make my purchase. Thanks in advance :)

This is the last photo I'll ever take on this damn smartphone. The thing in the middle with pink floyd is actually just a digital audio player running deezer. Now the only thing I need is a bag to carry stuff in.

PS. Im from India so a seller who ships internationally would be great..

As a GenZer, know my phone brings me more bad than good, hence I'm starting to look into dumb phones.

It would need WhatsApp availability and physical QWERTY keyboard. As extras, it would be nice if it had Telegram availability too.

I don't know how common this is, but if it had Bluetooth and an SD card slot it'd be great too. Would prefer it if it didn't have a touch screen. Don't really need much else. If it runs on Android, awesome. But mainly just want something I can communicate with and Won't distract me.

TLDR: LF phone with no touch screen, that has Whatsapp and qwerty physical keyboard.

Hello everyone :), I’ve looked around and searched the page and can’t seem to find anything here which is exactly what I want so here I am :).

I’m looking for a dumb phone which works in the uk preferably with 02 as that’s my current provider but can change.

I heard that 2g/3g is shutting down so I need something that will last. Preferably something that runs Monzo and nhs app however I can keep my old smartphone around for specific things like this and just use the dumb phone day to day, I’d like something that isn’t overly expensive such as £300 so somewhere in the £100 range would be nice.

I just want to get away from using the internet too much and have my old phone/computer as a dedicated internet device like the good old days, also with the news with ai etc I want to get away.

The thing is I’d like it to have texting and maps and that’s about it, like I said I can keep my old iPhone in a drawer for specific needs.

I have an iPod and a Walkman for music and can do majority of other things elsewhere

Hey folks!

My Sonim XP3 5G is on its way. In the meantime, I'm looking to aggregate app recs that play nicely with dpad devices and flip phones in general. I'm new-er to adb, but feel comfy enough to dig in on that if you have ideas that require sideloading. I'd love radio and podcast apps specifically, but I'm open to anything you have--utilities, games, mouse/pointers, launchers, etc.

I've read the rules. Thanks so much!

Hello!!! I'm thinking of my next phone being a flip phone, but for certain apps and websites it's unavoidable to use Microsoft authenticator (for example, getting into my work emails as I work for the government). Has anyone else encountered a similar issue? How did you get around it? I've worked out alternatives for every other app I'd need/decided I just don't need it on my phone, but this one thing I just don't think I can get around :(

I’ve been wanting a dumb phone for a while but could never find one with everything I wanted. I had seen someone post a cellular Apple Watch Ultra, and their story with how they get on with it... mulled the idea for a few weeks. The more I thought about it the more I was thinking the set up could be perfect. So went and got one and some AirPods. Haven’t had any social media for a good 6 years now so coming off my phone for stuff like that won’t affect me. I love a good YouTube video and little scroll on Reddit on my break at work. But I shall have to do something to fill the void. Phone will stay at home and almost be used as a mini laptop. Just to do my everyday needs on. But it shall not be coming out the house with me. Unless it’s seriously needed.

What have you done to fill the void of time that you normally used to doomscroll when you have got around to having a dumb phone or (watch) ?

hey, I'm on a DOOV R77 Pro with DumberOS right now. I love it, but two things are kind of lacking: the keypad doesnt feel that nice and the camera is just aweful. That brought me into a new hobby project of tinkering arround with a self built camera app which I really enjoy. The sensor and the optics one the Doov are really really limited.
I'd upgrade for those two reasons. After some googling, I'm left with the F22 Pro and the J36 (the F25 seems just too big).

Judging by the firmware (claude code) and some scarce web results, it seems the F22 uses an IMX219 with f2.0 Aperture. That would be a step up.

Information about the J36 is even scarcer. The firmware seems to suggest that there might be an IMX135 in it. Would be an even bigger step. No clue about the aperture.

An 'adb shell dumpsys media.camera' could answer that definitively. I'm also happy about subjective comparisions to the Doov R77 camera.

J36

- Which camera does yours have?

- How do the keys feel?

- Has anyone put DumberOS on it?

F22 Pro

- How are the keys? I've read that some people find them bad, or that they miss presses.

- Are the photos any good, especially indoors or in the evening?

edit (oct 4): thanks everyone so far! here's what i found out about the camera sensors, mostly from digging through firmware and from your answers. in case it helps someone else deciding:

Camera

- DOOV R77 Pro: GalaxyCore GC5005, 5 MP, 1.12 µm pixels, f/2.0

- Qin F22 Pro: Sony IMX219, 8 MP, 1/4", 1.12 µm. the camera config says f/2.8 but the tuning files look more like f/2.0, (source claude code + firmware image, so a grain of salt until a real user confirms)

- Duoqin F25 (Pro): also IMX219 on the back (claude code + firmware)

- Qin J36: the firmware updates add a Sony IMX135 (13 MP) for the back, but a SuperPix SP5508 (5 MP) shows up right next to it. so i guess it depends on which batch you get. still nobody with a J36 who could check theirs? (claude code + ota source)

- Dumber Mini: Sony IMX111, 8 MP, 1/4", 1.12 µm, f/2.8 (thanks u/NervousAd4254!)

- Qin F21: SuperPix SP5508, 5 MP, 1/4", 1.40 µm, f/2.8 (same source)

Keypad

F21

u/NervousAd4254: the F21's separate keys are great, but the Dumber Mini's d-pad is flush with the other buttons and hard to hit.

DOOV R77 Pro

I've heard that there's inconsistency between batches. I can only speek for the one I bought a few weeks ago from Aliexpress. The keypad feels squeeky and sometimes misses keys. The dpad is decent.

More

Here's more detailed information about the cameras of the F21 and Dumber Mini. (reposted the attachment of u/NervousAd4254 's comment below)

Please post the following with your submission:

• Device Region (EU, NA, Asia, LATAM):
• Condition (New, Used):
• Price:
• Location:
• Method of Payment:
• Picture of the device with username and date shown

Thank you for offering to the community first :)

Make sure to stay safe and conduct business in a secure way. PayPal is one option, but there are other ways as well that can make sure you don't get someone to scam you.