Dumbphones: How They Can Help You Save More than Just Money

Posted on 16th May 2016

Dumbphones: Introduction

The last 2 years have seen smartphone sales declining, falling by 5% in 2014. While sales of flip and feature phones (dumbphones) have risen almost 6% in the same time period.

With 30% of adults not using smartphones (15% of 18-35 year old) and this number on the rise, could you give up your smartphone?

Not sure… What if we told you, you could save money, gain more freedom and even earn money? Interested, read on…

Cut Costs

It seems each year like there is an ever increasing need to count the pennies. Switching back to a dumbphones and away from expensive contracts and handsets could save you hundreds of pounds every year. There are 3 main ways that making this switch could save you money:

  • Contracts

With contracts for the latest smartphones costing £30-60 per month. Almost all people could find a cheaper sim only or pay and go deal that better suits their needs. This is made even cheaper by the fact that dumbphones usually don’t have access to the internet. Meaning no expensive data packages.

  • Handsets

For those that do not have an old phone at the back of the drawer, but still want a simple cheap handset. Microsoft’s Nokia 215 is not only available to buy for under £20, but also boosts a 29 day battery life. This is all in comparison to the highest spec phones costing up to £1000 and having a meagre 1 day of battery life in comparison.

  • Repairs

dumbphones repairI am sure I am not the only person to have cracked a phone screen in the past year (in fact, actually 2). The cost of which means I have now paid as much in repairs than for the handset itself.  But yet I remember the days when you could drop a Nokia 3210. Pick up the pieces, put it back together and switch it on again as if nothing had happened. Even if thrown deliberately against a wall or dropped from a great height!!

It is this durability and extended battery life that make dumbphones preferable to for many. For example festival goers and travellers regarding battery life, as well as by skiers, climbers and builders regarding their durability.

Regain your freedom

A 2013 study found smartphone users check their device on average 110 times a day.  Professor Loren Frank explains that this level of phone use deprives the brain of needed downtime “Downtime lets the brain go over experiences it’s had, solidifies them and turns them into permanent, long-term memories. When the brain is constantly stimulated, you prevent this learning process.”

Professor Richard Wiseman also explained in a BBC interview that using smartphones or tablets in the hour before bed suppresses melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Two thirds of adults now get less than 7 hours of sleep per night (classed as sleep deprived) and this number is on the rise, partly due to the use of these technologies.

Another concern for smartphone users regards security. With these devices always connected to the internet and multiple apps running at any given time. Companies, governments and criminals have the possibility to access your private and sensitive personal information. For example, Wikileaks reports and the recent snoopers charter show you the scary amount of information the government can obtain about you, just through your phone.

dumbphones sregain your freedomIt is this constant connection to emails, applications and social networks that make many believe we are slaves to technology. This connection means that many of us (me included) work late in to the evenings and over the weekend, long after our work day is done. Who really wants to be answering work emails at 11pm?

This is why people are beginning to ditch their smartphones to create a divide between work and home life. This even includes high flying business people and celebrities, enabling them to spend quality time with their families and friends uninterrupted.
It is this thought Damien Douani, of the FaDa agency describes as ‘a logic of counter-culture in reaction to the over-connectedness of today’s society, with disconnection being the current trend.’

Earn Money

This trend is shown by famous faces such as Rihanna, Scarlett Johansson and Robert Pattinson all being spotted with dumbphones.  As celebrities and hipsters make these devices increasingly trendy. The prices of certain handsets rises, with some already fetching over £800 online, such as the Nokia 8800 Arte Gold.

dumbphones earn moneyEven more common phones from yesteryear such as the Nokia 8210 are fetching almost £50. As stated by Djassem Haddad founder of vintagemobile.fr.

So if you have a draw full of old phones, like in the picture below. Go check what you have, you could be sitting on a little gold mine!


The benefits of switching back to a dumbphone are not just financial, for example we have discussed the benefits to your sleep, ability to learn and memory. The increased battery life and durability that allow you to get out there and live life to the fullest. As well as for the fashion conscious, getting you recognised for all the right reasons.

The money saved in the cost of handsets, expensive contracts and repairs is undeniable too. As switching back to a dumbphone could save you hundreds of pounds every year!!

But the most important benefit of trading in your smartphone is reconnecting with the world around you. Meeting with friends, spending time with your family, exploring new places and building unforgettable memories.


Are you ready to give up your smartphone? Let us know.

Author: narek.vardanyan

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