[off-topic] Dumb mobile phones

[gavinwc]

Hi Margaret,
I don't know if your posting was prompted by my recent posting about trying
to find a "dumb" TV, or if it's just a coincidence of timing, but I feel
your dilemma :-)

I have forsaken smart phones for more than five years and explored a few
options around that choice. Like you, all I wanted was a phone to do what
they were meant to do originally instead of being a computer in your pocket
that tracks your every move and thought! Conspiracies (that are realities!)
aside there are many options still available.

Dan's advice is one option, but IMO you can look at the many models and
brands of "dumb" phones that are variously described as "senior's" phones
or more generally "feature" phones. They all offer talk and text. If you
have the occasional need to turn on data to click simple web links then
you're looking at a breed generally called "feature" phones, that aren't
"smart" and don't run Android, but they let you click on some confirmation
link when required.
Here are a few scenarios that you will typically face that a "feature"
phone can still do:
- get the confirmation code (two-factor security) from your bank (or
others) when doing an online transaction separately on your
laptop/tablet/PC. These codes come to your phone by standard text message;
- turn on data, then open a basic web browser to click with your physical
keyboard for confirmation on a simple web page on your tiny, non-touch
screen for things like confirming a medical appointment;
- receive e-scripts from your doctor and be able to get the QR code on your
tiny, non-touch screen for showing at a pharmacy for your script;
- take basic photos to share with family and friends by MMS without having
to have a social media account;
and if you want, many feature phones also have social media apps for
facebook, whatsapp, etc. I don't use social media so that's not an issue
for me. You would get better use of those on your laptop/tablet/PC, anyway
if you do use them.

Everyone sneers at my phone, especially teenagers because I teach in
highschools! But when I explain why I've made my choice, they often develop
better understanding, even if not agreement.

I bought a very tough drop-proof, waterproof Nokia "tradie's" dumb phone
for around $150 that has been good for the past couple of years. I
previously tried a Nokia feature phone model but took it back, and it's
replacement, after the speaker on each went bad after only a few months
each. Here are some links to look at:
https://dumbphone.life/blog/best-dumbphones-of-2023
https://www.allphones.com.au/mobile-phones/candybar-keypad-phones
https://www.reviews.org/au/mobile/dumb-phone-vs-smartphone/

In terms of plans, don't be suckered into buying a phone on a plan. Make
sure you get an UNLOCKED phone (any appliance store, as well as BigW and
Kmart) and choose a sim with a carrier you want. Since you won't be using
much data, you will want to look for a plan offering unlimited calls and
text with a little data. I set my my elderly mum (90) up with a plan that
costs $170 paid just once a year with a little data and unlimited text and
calls. Perfect for her needs, and thinking I should change my own plan to
that, as well! That plan is with amaysim, and you can get a $2 sim started
from most supermarkets.

Happy hunting!
Kind regards,
Gavin.



On Mon, 1 Jan 2024 at 14:34, Daniel <daniel at iinet.net.au> wrote:

> Hi Margaret
> If you get a cheap smart phone and turn wifi and data off … I think you
> still get text messages but not fancy ones with pictures and I suspect that
> stops voip with faked numbers?
>
> Will you just get a number and not a url for authentication?
>
> Is that adequate security that would allow you to confidently get a low
> priced smartphone (sold without updating the operating system and already
> out of date and despite suggestions that security would be enhanced many
> may never get updates made for it let alone made available )?
>
> You may be quite sensibly flinching at the cost of a smart phone you don’t
> intend to use much  …
>
> Daniel
>
>
> > On 1 Jan 2024, at 11:53, M S R Wood <msrwood at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > I don't want a smart phone, but I have reluctantly decided it is time
> > for me to get a moblle phone. The main reason is to receive codes from
> > banks and other organisations who think this is the best/only method
> > of two-factor authentication. I only expect to make outgoing calls in
> > a emergency (e.g. car breakdown), and will hardly ever send texts.
> >
> > So my ideal phone would be voice calls and text only - no internet, no
> > apps, no camera, no torch, no music. It would have keys/buttons rather
> > than a touchscreen, and a display in muted colours - preferably text
> > only, rather than icons. That's probably impossible to find nowadays,
> > but is there anything that comes close?
> >
> > I'm also looking for a low cost, pre-paid phone plan, where unused
> > credit lasts as long as possible,
> >
> > Any recommendations?
> >
> > Margaret
> > _______________________________________________
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