[ZenMaster]

Originally Posted by EightSix

What I don’t need:
1) 4G connectivity. Since I have good Jio signal at my place, you might suggest me a JioPhone. Which I don’t need. I need a no nonsense device without apps or texting, video calling, social media etc. I have very clearly explained why I’m looking forward to reducing my smartphone usage and the last thing I need is a wannabe smartphone.
2) No KaiOS either. Reasons similar to those in previous point. Also, don’t want to harm my eyes by viewing apps on a small screen.
3) Nonsensical features like camera, music, expandable storage etc. who needs these on a sub-2000 INR phone anyway?

Thanks!
EightSix.

I wouldn't consider Music/Radio as a Non-sensical feature.
Think about it, if you want to reduce screen time, wouldn't it make sense to have a few useful features on your DumbPhone?

This would mean that, you will not have to turn to your smatphone for things like Music/Radio, Calculator or even a Sudoku Game if you want to take a small brake or do some chore etc. Instead of taking your smartphone and being bombarded with notifications and end up going down that fimiliar rabbit hole.

Even though I suggested Samsung Guru, one of the biggest problems that I forgot to mention is its extremely limited storage. Why storage?...You might think.

After a few days, you'll have to start deleting SMSes that's on your phone because it ran out of memory. This will lead you to spending a lot of time figuring out which messages are important, which can be deleted etc. Also, as New messages pile up, it starts automatically deleting Messages and you can end up losing an important SMS.

Before the Guru, I had an old Nokia Symbian Phone, and I never had to worry about such stuff.

You don't realise how important this is, until all those OTP and transaction messages, the Amazon tracking messages etc start piling up before you know it.

Once I got tired of managing messages, I started forwarding important ones as soon as I got them, to my other phone.

Why don't you try sourcing an older Nokia Symbian Phone...You get some relevant features but don't have to worry about WhatsApp and stuff like that.

Tip: You don't have to worry about WhatsApp on your feature phone of you don't activate it. (Unless you are addicted to Messaging.)

[sagarpadaki]

The way I see it, adding/logging into your google account on the smartphone is what really makes the phone smart because it gives you access to play store and the apps and the subsequent addiction. The basic requirement is that you need to have/buy an android one/pixel phone with minimal/no pre-installed apps.

However, if you do not log in to the google account, the smart phone will just behave like a more sophisticated dumb phone with 4G connectivity and good camera.

[shady8701]

Nokia is now a Chinese brand BTW, so for people advocating against a Chinese phone should also remember to not recommend Nokia.
I didn't go through all the posts in this thread, so I don't know if someone already called this out.
On the topic of smart phone vs dumb phone, there's a linux alternative, or just root an older android and install linux on it. That takes care of your privacy needs and provides the ability to switch off whatever sensors (or stuff) you don't need on your phone.

[j0sh1rish]

A note of caution here: Vodafone-Idea will implement "refarming" - utilizing existing 3G spectrum to provide 4G services, effectively retiring 3G usage (and phones) in the next 6-18 months across India.

2G services (voice and HSPDA/GPRS) will continue, as per VI.

Not sure about BSNL spectrum strategy. Last I read, they were blocked from using Chinese equipment, and that delayed their rollout.

[NDK286]

Not really a suggestion but I thought BHPians would find interesting -

Here in Germany there is a category of phones called "Seniorhandys". Literally Senior cellphones. Usually are simple, loud and with large buttons that are easy to see.

Added bonus - They also come as flip phones - my favorite form factor !

[nish]

Any dumb phone which has hotspot feature??n

[Jaggu]

Originally Posted by nish

Any dumb phone which has hotspot feature??n

One workaround is to do Bluetooth tethering and share connectivity since these devices will not have wifi.

[Rahulk76]

For ones who are looking for keypad phones, Nokia 8210 4G Volte keypad Phone with Dual SIM is a good alternative @3999. https://www.nokia.com/phones/en_in/n...ku=12LIBL21A01