The best dumb phones and non-smartphones to buy for basic calls and texts

If you’re looking for a feature phone that brings back memories but has a few modern updates, the Nokia 3210 is a good choice, and we think it would be a great first phone for a child too. This reboot of the classic 3210 sticks closely to its roots, offering a durable build, tactile keypad, and of course, the beloved Snake game.

The phone features a 2.4-inch colour display, which is a significant upgrade from its monochrome predecessor, along with 4G connectivity for calls, texts and an FM radio receiver.

Though it only includes a basic 2MP camera and an MP3 player with a 3.5mm headphone jack, it’s designed to be simple. The removable battery is reliable for a long standby time, and it'll last for 9.8 hours when used for calls, which isn't bad given how small this is. Overall, the Nokia 3210 is an ideal second phone or for those situations where you need a no-fuss device.

The L10 is the most affordable option in Doro's new Leva range, at £74.99. Every Leva model has 4G connectivity, clear calls, large tactile keys with audible feedback, an assistance button with GPS to alert trusted contacts in emergencies, and hearing aid compatibility. This one is a simple, non-flip style that’s just a little larger than the similar Doro 1370 or 1380, which only support 2G networks.

We like the compact size, large, easy-to-read buttons and choice of USB-C charging or the included charging dock. As with all Doro phones, the interface is straightforward and intuitive, and it has a limited selection of features, so it’s just one for basic calls, texts and alarms. It also has IP54 splash resistance and Doro’s handy “assistance button”, which you can hold to alert five trusted contacts with the phone’s GPS location – it will then call the contacts in sequence until one picks up.

If you want a flip phone with 4G, big buttons and a good-sized display – go for the Nokia 2660 Flip. It opens and closes with a satisfying snap and typing on the keypad is comfortable, while scrolling through the menus is easy with the large square navigation button.

The small front display is helpful for checking the date and time at a glance and the main display is colourful and bright, with text that isn’t pixelated. It’s got a good selection of apps, including a built-in radio and torch. If you want another dose of nostalgia, it comes with Snake, but it’s a shame that even though Tetris is installed, you have to pay for the full game.

The camera is only usable for emergencies, the casing is very plasticky and the charging cable is an outdated micro-USB, but we like the vibrant colour selection: it comes in green, pink, black, blue and red. It’s more expensive than some models on our list, but not overpriced at under £70.

This is the Doro flip phone we'd recommend to most users. The Leva L20 is available for under £100 and has all the same features as the rest of the Leva range – that means you’ll get clear audio for calls, the “assistance button”, which can be programmed to alert five contacts in the event of an emergency, a USB-C charging port and charging cradle, as well as a splash-proof IP54-rated design.

It’s a phone that feels robust and lightweight to handle, with a satisfying clamshell opening. We like the size of the screen and the large buttons, and it has exactly the same set of features as the other models in Doro’s Leva range. What that means is that it’s also only for the limited functions. You get an FM radio, calculator, calendar, a basic camera, unit conversion, a torch and the ability to check the weather (which uses your data allowance) – there’s no WhatsApp or Facebook here.

Most users will get on fine with the Doro Leva L20, but the Leva L30 is here if you’d like just a couple of additional features for about £10 more. It’s still a flip phone, like the L20, but it feels a bit more premium, and it has an external display to show your battery level, who’s calling and your message notifications without you needing to open the phone.

As with the other Leva models, it comes with a charging cradle, charges over USB-C, has 4G support, the “assistance button”, an IP54 splash-proof rating, and basic but handy features within an intuitive interface. Its big, tactile buttons are the same as the ones on the L20, and we’re fans of all the Doro accessibility features, including the ability to increase the font, the high-contrast theme options, and the audio controls for better sound on calls.

If you’re after a phone that can take a beating and will keep working after you accidentally drop it down the stairs, this is the one. It’s waterproof, dust-proof, drop protected and has a battery that lasts for 34 days on standby.

Unlike several basic phones, it can also connect to wifi and it comes pre-loaded with apps for WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Google Maps and Google Assistant.

After a compact phone for simple calls or for an older relative? We recommend going with this 4G Doro model, which reimagines the keypad as a simplified way to call the four contacts you rely on the most. It has A, B, C, and D speed-dial buttons on the front and space for labels to identify them.

It can receive text messages but can’t send them, and its highly simplified approach makes it a good option for people with memory loss or reduced dexterity. It has Doro’s “assistance button” on the back to alert and show the phone’s location to assigned contacts.

The Doro 5860 is an affordable model with a simple and easy-to-understand layout. It has a big keypad, a bright screen and the useful “assistance” button on the back that can be used to call and text pre-selected contacts in case of emergency.

There are several useful accessibility options built in, including talking number keys when dialling phone numbers, hearing aid compatibility, a blacklist to stop specific numbers from calling and adjustable font sizes. We also love that it comes with a charging cradle so you can be assured it will always have power when it needs to be used.

This model isn't the best option for photos, it can’t connect to wifi and it doesn’t come with pre-installed WhatsApp or Facebook apps, so it’s for people who want the basics.

This phone is lightweight with grippy sides and a seriously durable build. It’s IP68 dust and water resistance and while it still has a removable battery, like most non-smartphones, you’ll find that you have to take out six tiny screws on the back before you can access the battery. It shares a lot in common with our other rugged pick, the Nokia 800 Tough, but it supports two physical SIM cards, so you can be reached on two phone numbers, making it a bit more versatile if you’d like to use it for travel.

Feature-wise, it’s about as basic as they come, although we found the interface easy to navigate and use – it has a basic unit converter, calculator, alarm, camera and calendar. It also has a dedicated SOS button on the back, which you can press to send a message to five trusted contacts in an emergency. Overall, this is a good option, although we think it’s a bit of a downside that it uses the older Micro-USB charging connector.

A lot of dumb phones are inexpensive when compared to smartphones, but the Nokia 110 takes it to another level and is one of the best value models we could find. For under £40, you’re getting a neat handset with a 1.8-inch screen that works on 4G networks and comes with pre-loaded games like Snake.

The handset’s large buttons are ideal for texting, and due to the small size, it’s very pocketable, although maybe not the best for older users or the visually impaired who need a larger device. The phone is only for the basics but we think it works well as a backup for stashing in your bag or keeping in the car – especially as it promises many days of battery life.

It’s also a good option for travel as it supports dual SIM cards and is unlocked for any network, although it’s a shame that the battery life isn’t quite as good as the previous Nokia 105. You still get up to 12 days, though, so it easily lasts a full week between charges.

Just because you’re picking a simpler phone doesn’t mean you want one that lacks style, and the MP02 definitely has a distinctive look to it. Designed by British industrial artist Jasper Morrison, it's a streamlined device that’s ideal for calls and texts.

This is a worthwhile pick if you’re fine with being available for phone calls but want to break free from emails and social media. If you must check your inbox, it picks up 4G networks and can function as a wifi hotspot for connecting a linked device.