📟 Dumbphones
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Jul 29, 2024
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6 min read
Constantly staring at your screens, doom scrolling, and getting endless notifications can be overwhelming in the long run. A digital detox is sometimes needed and semi dumbphones help you do that.
They're the perfect solution for those who want to cut down on screen time without completely losing touch with friends and family. These phones offer just enough features to keep you connected while helping you escape the endless scroll of social media. In this article, we will show you the best semi dumbphones you can buy in 2024.
What is a Semi Dumbphone?
A semi dumbphone is a mobile phone that strikes a balance between a smartphone and a dumbphone like the Nokia 3310. It usually comes with limited apps and features, focusing mainly on essential functions like making calls and sending texts.
You won’t find the endless array of social media and gaming apps that come with smartphones, which means you can enjoy a more straightforward user experience.
Semi dumbphones greatly reduce your screen time and allow you to focus on more important things: your work, school, family and friends.
Top 5 Semi Dumbphones
1️⃣ Cat S22 - Best Durable Semi Dumbphone ($60)
The Cat S22 is a standout semi dumbphone that combines durability with essential smartphone features, making it perfect for those who need a reliable device without the distractions of a full smartphone.
📷 Amazon
It runs on Android 11 (Go edition), which provides a streamlined experience with access to key apps. The phone supports popular applications like Spotify and WhatsApp, along with Google Maps or Waze, ensuring you can stay connected and navigate easily.
With its rugged design, the Cat S22 is IP68 rated for dust and water resistance and can withstand drops from up to 1.8 meters, making it ideal for tough environments.
Priced at around $60, the Cat S22 offers excellent value for anyone seeking a durable semi dumbphone. Its compact size, weighing just 224 grams, and a 2.8-inch touchscreen make it easy to handle, while the physical buttons provide a user-friendly experience.
The device features a 2000 mAh removable battery that can last up to 12 hours of talk time, ensuring you won’t be left without power when you need it most. With these specifications, it's one of the best options for users looking for a balance of functionality and toughness.
2️⃣ Unihertz Jelly 2e - Best Semi Dumbphone With Long Battery Life ($150)
The Jelly 2e is a very small device with a 3.0 inch screen.This makes it a perfect semi dumbphone. Running on Android 12, it features a MediaTek Helio A20 quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card.
📷 Unihertz
This phone supports essential apps like Spotify and WhatsApp, allowing you to stream music and stay connected with friends. It also includes GPS functionality, making navigation a breeze. Priced at around $150, the Jelly 2e offers impressive performance for its size, ensuring you can enjoy the benefits of a smartphone without the overwhelming features. With its portability and essential functions, the Jelly 2e is perfect for anyone looking to simplify their digital life without sacrificing connectivity.
3️⃣ Nokia 6300 - Best Affordable Semi Dumbphone ($70)
The Nokia 6300 4G is a standout option in the world of semi dumbphones, offering a perfect blend of classic design and modern features. Running on KaiOS, this phone supports essential apps like WhatsApp, allowing users to stay connected without the distractions of a full smartphone. It also includes GPS capabilities and can function as a mobile hotspot, making it versatile for everyday needs. Sadly, it doesn't support Spotify.
📷 Nokia
With a compact 2.4-inch display, 0.5 GB of RAM, and a rear camera, the Nokia 6300 provides a user-friendly experience while maintaining simplicity.
Priced around $70, the Nokia 6300 is an affordable choice for anyone looking to reduce screen time while still enjoying some smart features.
With its durable build and essential features, the Nokia 6300 4G is often regarded as the best affordable semi dumbphone, perfect for anyone seeking a straightforward device that keeps them connected without overwhelming them with options.
4️⃣ Xiaomi F22 Pro - Best Semi Dumbphone With Large Buttons ($150)
The Xiaomi F22 Pro is a standout semi dumbphone designed for those who appreciate simplicity without sacrificing essential features. It runs on Android 12 and boasts a compact 3.54-inch IPS TFT display with a resolution of 640 x 960 pixels.
📷 Sunsky
The phone is powered by a MediaTek Helio G95 processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, making it capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly.
While it supports essential apps like WhatsApp, it does not support Spotify or GPS, which may be a consideration for users who rely on those services. The F22 Pro is priced around $150, making it an affordable option for those seeking a functional yet uncomplicated device.
What makes the Xiaomi F22 Pro the best choice for a semi dumbphone with large buttons is its user-friendly design, which includes physical buttons alongside a touchscreen interface.
This combination allows for easy navigation and accessibility, especially for those who prefer tactile feedback. If you’re looking to reduce screen time while still staying connected, the F22 Pro offers a perfect blend of functionality and simplicity, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting a reliable semi dumbphone.
5️⃣ Tiq Mini M5 - Best Classic Semi Dumbphone ($300)
The Tiq Mini M5 is a classic semi dumbphone that perfectly balances functionality and simplicity.
Running on Android 13, this device features a 2.8-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 480x640 pixels. It comes equipped with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, allowing you to download essential apps while keeping things streamlined.
📷 Ebay
The phone supports internet connectivity, enabling the use of popular apps like Spotify and WhatsApp, along with GPS for navigation. With a dual SIM capability, it works seamlessly with major U.S. carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, making it a versatile choice for anyone looking to stay connected.
Priced competitively, the Tiq Mini M5 stands out as one of the best classic options in the semi dumbphone category. With a built-in 2210 mAh battery, this phone offers impressive longevity, allowing users to go days without needing a recharge.
This combination of affordability, functionality, and user-friendly design makes the Tiq Mini M5 an excellent choice for anyone seeking a good semi dumbphone.
How to Turn Your iPhone Into A Semi Dumbphone
For those who aren’t quite ready to ditch their iPhones completely, there are effective ways to transform your iPhone into a semi dumbphone.
This approach allows you to enjoy the essential features of your iPhone while minimizing distractions from apps and notifications. By using the Jomo app, you can easily limit your phone's capabilities to focus on what truly matters, like calls, texts, and the occasional photo. This way, you can reclaim your time and attention without feeling completely disconnected from the digital world.
To get started with Jomo and turn your iPhone into a semi dumbphone, follow these simple steps:
Download and install Jomo. You can find it in the App Store and set it up on your device.
Go to Rules > Sessions > Add Template. This is where you’ll create a custom setup for your phone.
Choose a nice title and emoji. Personalizing your template makes it more engaging.
Under "Blocked Content," select "All except…" and leave out your basic communication app and other apps you may like like Spotify. If you still want some smartphone features, enable the "Breaks" option and customize it to your liking.
In the "Timing" section, pick "Scheduled" > "All day," and select all repeating days. This ensures that your blocking session is active at all times.
Tap “Create Template.” Once your template is created, tap on it and press “Schedule.” Congrats!
You’ve successfully turned your iPhone into a semi dumbphone with a focus on essential functions.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of a simplified phone experience while still having access to important features. This setup can help reduce screen time, improve focus, and enhance your overall digital wellbeing, making it a great choice for anyone looking to find a better balance in their smartphone use.
Semi dumbphones offer a refreshing alternative for those looking to reduce screen time while staying connected. With features like limited apps, long battery life, and essential functions such as calls and texts, these devices help users focus on what truly matters in their lives. W
Whether you opt for a dedicated semi dumbphone like the Tiq Mini M5 or transform your iPhone using the Jomo app, you can enjoy the benefits of improved digital wellbeing and a simpler lifestyle.Embrace the freedom of a semi dumbphone or use the tips outlined in this blog to create a more mindful smartphone experience—your attention and peace of mind will thank you!
