Did you know that 2.8 million basic phones—also known as dumb phones— were sold in 2023 in the US? And that the hashtag #BringBackFlipPhones on TikTok has 59.8 million views ! These numbers are only increasing in 2024. But what is driving this trend? In this post, we’ll explain why people are switching to basic phones and ditching their smartphones.
What is a dumb phone?
Also known as simple phones, these devices prioritize essential functions like calling and texting without the advanced features of a smartphone. Their goal is to provide a less addictive and simpler experience by eliminating social media and other distracting apps.
Are basic phones getting back to the market?
In recent years, sales of these devices have surged. From 2022 to 2023, the increase was 25% . Moreover, Google Trends show a steady rise in searches for basic phones year after year. Nwadays, several phone brands are reconsidering creating new lines for this market. But that’s not all. There are companies like Keyphone that are dedicated solely to developing these devices.
5 reasons why people are switching to dumb phones?
1. Parental control
Many parents believe that a basic phone is a better solution for their children to stay connected compared to a smartphone. Some studies suggest that giving a child a smartphone can lead to attention deficits, aggressive behavior, and mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
2. Get less distracted from your phone
We spend 17.5 hours each week on our phones! It is almost an entire day !
While cell phones are excellent communication and work tools, they often steal our focus and concentration.
There are many ways to get less distracted from our phones, and one of those is just adopting a different technology to get completely rid of the addiction that a smartphone comes along with. Get more tips about how to get less distracted from your phone here .
3. Compatible with Kosher standards.
The aim of kosher tech is to block elements of modern technology like the internet, apps, and social media. While few companies develop this technology, Keyphone is pioneering an alternative tech industry that adheres to the highest standards of kashrus and quality. Get more details about Keyphone here.
4. Costs and durability.
While a smartphone can cost up to $1,500 or more, you can get a basic phone for less than $100. Furthermore, basic phones have longer battery life with a single charge and are less likely to need replacement after a fall or a mishandling.
5. Security and privacy.
Smartphones are packed with apps that expose a lot of private information. Consider all the data they contain: location, messages, online accounts, passwords, and more. According to a study by Comparitech , approximately 88.5 million people fall victim to cybercrimes every year. A basic phone like the one that Keyphone develops is unhackable , keeping your privacy and data safe.
Have you ever thought about switching too?
We can’t say that smartphones will disappear, but we are confident that this trend will continue growing in the coming years. Have you ever thought about switching from a smartphone to a basic phone for any of the reasons we’ve mentioned? Let us know in the comments…