While smartphones have grown exceptionally in the last few years, people are still buying feature phones. In fact, the interest for feature phones in the United States has been on the rise in the last 5 years, suggesting more people are switching to digital minimalism.
Feature phones are great for older people, as most of them don’t want a bundle of extra features that can be confusing if you haven’t used them before. They are also an ideal choice for younger people seeking a distraction-free experience without the temptations of social media or constant notifications.
A feature phone will benefit you in two ways, at least. One is price, as it’s significantly cheaper than smartphones. And the other is a great battery life, lasting at least for a few days on a single charge.
Here are the five best feature phones you can buy for under $100:
1. Nokia 2780 Flip
It’s a dual screen Nokia phone. The outer one measures 1.77 inches and shows the time and caller details without needing to unfold the device. The inner (primary) display measures 2.7 inches. It’s a bright screen that’s readable for sending and reading texts. Below the display are large buttons that make it easy to dial numbers or send messages.
This Nokia 2780 flip phone has a dedicated side button that can be programmed to quickly dial a person in case of an emergency. There’s a 5MP camera on the back that take decent pictures, and a flashlight right next to it.
The battery lasts more than half a month on standby. With normal usage, you should easily get five days of battery backup on a single charge. It’s a 4G phone with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support. There’s GPS for Google Maps and USB-C for charging, which you don’t see on most feature phones.
It has 4GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 32GB using a microSD card. The device runs advanced software called KaiOS, which lets you access popular apps such as Facebook and YouTube. You can also download more apps from the store. If these are only distractions to you, go for the Nokia 2660 Flip instead.
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Nokia 2660 Flip 4G Volte keypad Phone with Dual SIM, Dual Screen, inbuilt MP3 Player & Wireless FM… | Check Price on Amazon |
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2. Nokia 8210 4G
It’s minimalistic from the outside and inside as well. No social media apps and browser support to keep you engaged. This Nokia phone has a 2.8-inch screen that is readable for sending and reading messages. The keys are separated for enhanced typing experience and accuracy. It’s particularly more useful for older people as they faciliate easier identification and pressing of keys.
The device is built to survive accidental drops and challenging conditions. It’s a 4G phone, which is the best for feature phones as they’ll continue to work once 2G and 3G networks are shut down.
Nokia 8210 4G lets you add up to 32GB microSD card. It has many basic games such as Snake, Tetris, BlackJack, Arrow Master, Air Strike, and NinjaUp. It has an MP3 player and FM Radio for your music needs.
The removable battery lasts a few days on a single charge and goes much longer on standby. To refill it again, you get a micro-USB charger inside the box.
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Nokia 8210 4G Volte keypad Phone with Dual SIM, Big Display, inbuilt MP3 Player & Wireless FM Radio… | Check Price on Amazon |
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3. Alcatel SMARTFLIP (4052R)
It’s a cheaper alternative to the Nokia 2780 Flip. The smaller screen measures 1.44 inches and shows the date and time, battery indicator, and incoming calls. When opened, you get access to a 2.8-inch primary screen that offers good visibility for reading text messages and emails.
Alcatel SMARTFLIP (4052R) is preloaded with Google Assistant to help you find answers, make phone calls, and schedule appointments. You just need to long press the OK button to wake it up. Thanks to KaiOS, the device also supports Google Maps, YouTube, and an app store to download more apps.
Its 2MP camera is as good as nothing. To keep the device running smoothly, it has 4GB RAM and 512GB internal storage, with support for up to 32GB microSD card. The supported video playback is capped at 1080p 30fps.
The phone is equipped with a 1,350mAh battery that lasts for a few days on a single charge. On the left side, it has two slots: a 3.5mm audio jack and a micro-USB slot for charging/file transfer.
- Protective Hard Shell that Snaps on the Front and Back of Your Phone
- Slim Form-Fit Design Still Fits In Your Pocket; No Excess Bulk
- Hard Polycarbonate Provides Impact Protection; Shield Your Device from Dings/Scratches
- Your Phone Remains Fully Functional within the Hard Shell Cover – Access All Buttons/Ports, Flip Open/Closed
- PLEASE READ: Only Fits “Smartflip” and “Go Flip 3” – THIS WILL NOT FIT ANY OTHER FLIP PHONE
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4. Nokia 220 4G (2024)
The camera on a feature phone is as good as nothing. Most people don’t use them at all. For those, HMD has released the Nokia 220 4G this year with no cameras, giving it a cleaner look.
The phone has a 2.8-inch bright screen. It’s packed with a 1,450mAh battery, which lasts for a few days and even more than that on standby. The battery is removable, so if you’re running low on power, swap it with a new one to get things online in minutes. By the way, it has a USB type-C port for charging.
Nokia 220 4G has only 128GB of internal storage, which is very limited for music and videos. However, thanks to an additional microSD card slot, you can add up to 32GB storage. The device also supports Bluetooth and has a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio devices.
The all-new Cloud Apps on the device lets you access news, weather, and even YouTube. The snake game is also there in case you want to waste some minutes.
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Nokia 220 4G | All-New 4G Keypad Phone with Dual SIM, Built-in UPI App, Wireless FM Radio, MP3… | Check Price on Amazon |
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5. LIVELY Jitterbug Flip 2
It’s an excellent phone for older people who do not require the complexities of a smartphone. The phone has a 1.44-inch external display and a 3.2-inch internal one with better readability. Below the screen are large physical buttons that are clearly labelled for enhanced visibility.
There’s an 8MP camera on the back and a 5MP on the front, which are not high-quality. Output images and videos are average. However, the battery is excellent, lasting for a few days, so you don’t need to plug it in very often.
The device is carefully crafted with safety in mind. It has an urgent response button below the keypad that immediately connects to a certified agent who can trace your location and send help if necessary. There’s also Lively Rides, which connects to an operator who can arrange a ride for you. The cost of these rides will be added to the monthly bill from Lively.
Jitterbug Flip 2 also has an essential Nurse On-Call feature, allowing users to speak directly with registered nurses and doctors for medical advice. This feature is great for seniors and is available 24/7.
The device has excellent call quality and loudness. It’s even better with the speaker, for which there’s a dedicated key. It has Alexa integration that allows users to make calls, send texts, and access information using voice commands.
This device operates on Lively’s network, which uses Verizon’s infrastructure. To use it, you’ll need a monthly plan starting from $19.99.
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