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Best dumb phones: simple and easy-to-use mobile phones tested
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In this article
- The best dumb phones and simple smartphones from our tests
- More dumb phones and simple smartphones from our tests
- Which? Don't Buy dumb phones
- How we test dumb phones
- Why choose a simple or dumb phone over a smartphone?
- Key accessibility features on simple phones
- Dumb phones for kids
- What mobile networks do simple phones work on?
Instead of a complicated smartphone, you may be better off with a simple, no-nonsense, accessible mobile phone that gives you all the essentials without any fuss.
We review basic 'dumb' phones, which focus on calls and text. The best are designed to be easy to use, have terrific battery life and have a range of helpful features, for example large and well-spaced number keys on the handset.
Simple smartphones are another option. These have a far more straightforward interface than typical smartphones, often feature large touchscreen controls and simple menu navigation, offer features like hearing-aid compatibility, and still include apps like WhatsApp.
We've tested and reviewed both types below.
How our tests find you the best
We’ve tested 22 simple phones
This includes dumb phones with limited or no internet capability, as well as simple smartphones, which remain accessible but offer more features and access to apps.
Call sound quality
Poor sound quality will mean you're often struggling to follow the conversation. We use different background noise levels to put each phone to the test.
Simple to use
Basic mobiles should be intuitive to use, have great accessibility features and not have cramped keys or hard-to-read screens.
We also test...
Battery life and additional features. We rate their usefulness, for example Bluetooth, built-in cameras and internet browsing.
The best dumb phones and simple smartphones from our tests
The biggest brands and the most popular 10 ten dumb phones and simple smartphones are listed below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the simple mobile phone test results.
| Phone | Price | Score | Ease of use | Call sound quality | Battery life | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations Unlock tableGet Digital access £8.99 per month, cancel at any time. Already a member? | 89% | Bar-shaped Simple smartphone | ||||
| 88% | Bar-shaped Simple smartphone | |||||
| 85% | Bar-shaped simple smartphone | |||||
| 84% | Bar-shaped simple smartphone | |||||
| 84% | Bar-shaped simple smartphone | |||||
| 81% | Clamshell style simple smartphone | |||||
| 79% | Clamshell style dumb phone | |||||
| 77% | Clamshell style dumb phone | |||||
| 70% | Clamshell style dumb phone | |||||
| 69% | Bar-shaped dumb phone |
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Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations
Unlock tableGet Digital access £8.99 per month, cancel at any time.
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Date tested: January 2026, January 2025, January 2024, July 2023, June 2020, June 2016. Page last checked: April 2026. We are not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available. We’ve tested 31 simple phones in total, but the table displays our top picks and Don't Buys only.
A selection of the dumb phones and simple smartphones we tested is listed in alphabetical order below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the best simple mobile phones from our tests.
Artfone C1
Most recently tested January 2026
Type and size Bar-shaped dumb phone, 5.7-inch HD touchscreen
Camera Single rear 0.3Mp camera, LED flash, can record videos
Memory 32MB storage. Supports micro-SD card to expand storage
Ports USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
Need to know Charging cable (but no mains adapter included) and quick-start leaflet supplied, Bluetooth supported, emergency SOS button
Doro 1380
Most recently tested January 2024
Type and size Bar-shaped dumb phone, 2.4-inch screen
Camera Single rear 0.3Mp camera
Memory 1MB storage. Supports micro-SD card to expand storage (up to 16GB)
Ports 3.5mm headphone jack
Need to know Mains charger supplied, Bluetooth supported, 2G network support, emergency button, compatible with dual Sim cards (you can have two separate numbers in the one phone)
Doro 8100
Most recently tested July 2023
Type and size Bar-shaped simple smartphone, 6.1-inch HD+ touchscreen
Camera Triple main rear camera (13Mp main lens, 2Mp bokeh lens, 2Mp macro lens) and 5Mp front-facing camera, flash feature and can record videos
Memory 32GB storage (24GB usable storage). Supports micro-SD card to expand storage
Ports USB-C and 3.5mm headphone jack
Need to know Charging cable, mains adapter quick-start guide supplied, Bluetooth supported, 4G network support, emergency SOS button, compatible with hearing aids M4/T4, access to Google Play app store, can be used for contactless payments, compatible with TeamViewer, IP54 water resistant (protection from splashes of water and dust)
Doro Aurora A20
Most recently tested January 2026
Type and size Bar-shaped simple smartphone, 4.5-inch HD touchscreen
Camera 13Mp main rear camera and 5Mp front-facing camera, LED flash, can record videos
Memory 64GB storage (47GB usable storage). Supports micro-SD card to expand storage
Ports USB-C
Need to know Charging cable (but no mains adapter included) and quick-start guide supplied, Bluetooth supported, 4G network support, emergency SOS button, compatible with hearing aids T4/M3, access to Google Play app store, IP54 water resistant (protection from splashes of water and dust), available in grey or white
Doro Aurora A30
Most recently tested January 2026
Type and size Bar-shaped simple smartphone, 6.1-inch HD+ touchscreen
Camera Double main rear camera (50Mp main lens, 5Mp second lens) and 5Mp front-facing camera, LED flash, can record videos
Memory 128GB storage (108GB usable storage). Supports micro-SD card to expand storage
Ports USB-C
Need to know Charging cable (but no mains adapter included) and quick-start guide supplied, Bluetooth supported, 4G network support, emergency SOS button, compatible with hearing aids T4/M4, access to Google Play app store, voice controls, IP54 water resistant (protection from splashes of water and dust), available in grey or white
Need more energy for your devices while out and about? A top-notch power bank or portable charger will keep you going
Doro Leva L30
Most recently tested January 2026
Type and size Clamshell style dumb phone, 2.8-inch screen
Camera Single rear 2Mp camera, LED flash, can record videos
Memory 15MB storage. Supports micro-SD card to expand storage (up to 128GB)
Ports USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
Need to know Charging cable (but no mains adapter included) with charging cradle and quick-start leaflet supplied, Bluetooth supported, 4G network support, FM radio, emergency (assistance) button, compatible with hearing aids M4/T4, IP54 water resistant (protection from splashes of water and dust)
Emporia SMART.6
Available from Emporia (£350)
Most recently tested January 2024
Type and size Bar-shaped simple smartphone, 6.58-inch touchscreen
Camera Triple main rear camera (50Mp main lens, 2Mp bokeh lens, time-of-flight lens) and 8Mp front-facing camera, flash feature, shooting modes (such as portrait), night, HD, auto mode, QR scanner and can record videos.
Memory 128GB storage (104GB usable storage), supports micro-SD card to expand storage (up to 256GB)
Ports USB-C and 3.5mm headphone jack
Need to know Charging cable (no mains adapter), charging cradle and start guide supplied, Bluetooth supported, 5G network support, assistance button (to contact up to five contacts in an emergency), compatible with hearing aids M4/T4, access to Google Play app store, can be used for contactless payments, IP54 water resistant (protection from splashes of water and dust)
Emporia SMART.6 lite
Most recently tested January 2025
Type and size Bar-shaped simple smartphone, 5.5-inch touchscreen
Camera Triple main rear camera (13Mp main lens, 2Mp bokeh lens, 0.3Mp macro lens) and 8Mp front-facing camera, flash feature and can record videos
Memory 128GB storage (104GB usable storage), supports micro-SD card to expand storage (up to 256GB)
Ports USB-C
Need to know Charging cable, charging cradle and quick-start guide supplied, Bluetooth supported, 4G network support, emergency (panic) button, compatible with hearing aids M4/T4, access to Google Play app store, can be used for contactless payments, IP54 water resistant (protection from splashes of water and dust)
HMD Barbie Phone
Most recently tested January 2026
Type and size Clamshell style dumb phone, 5.5-inch HD touchscreen
Camera Single rear 0.3Mp camera, LED flash, can record videos
Memory 128MB storage. Supports micro-SD card to expand storage (up to 32GB)
Ports USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
Need to know Charging cable (but no mains adapter included) and quick-start leaflet supplied, additional back covers, stickers, tags and adhesive pearl accessory attachments, Bluetooth supported, 4G network support
Nokia 225 4G
Most recently tested January 2025
Type and size Bar-shaped dumb phone, 2.4-inch screen
Camera Single rear 0.3Mp camera, LED flash and can record videos
Memory 128MB storage (11MB usable storage). Supports micro-SD card to expand storage (up to 32GB)
Ports USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
Need to know Mains charger and quick-start guide supplied, Bluetooth supported, 4G network support, emergency button, available in pink and dark blue
More dumb phones and simple smartphones from our tests
Here’s how the rest of the dumb phones and simple smartphones from our tests measured up, listed in alphabetical order.
| Phone | Price | Score | Ease of use | Call sound quality | Battery life | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artfone F30 4GB | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50027325 | Clamshell style dumb phone | ||||
| Doro Aurora A10 | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50027335 | Bar-shaped simple smartphone | ||||
| Doro Leva X10 | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50027330 | Bar-shaped dumb phone | ||||
| Emporia Joy LTE | Emporia (£89) | Clamshell style dumb phone | ||||
| Nokia 110 4G 2nd Edition | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50027332 | Bar-shaped dumb phone | ||||
| Nokia 235 4G (2024) | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50027326 | Bar-shaped dumb phone | ||||
| Nokia 2660 Flip | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50027329 | Clamshell style dumb phone | ||||
| Nokia 105 (2023) | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50014269 | Bar-shaped dumb phone | ||||
| Nokia 105 (2019) | SQUIRREL_TEXT_12881255 | Bar-shaped dumb phone | ||||
| TCL 4022S | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50011517 | Bar-shaped dumb phone | ||||
| TTfone Star | TTfone (£34) | Clamshell style dumb phone | ||||
| TTfone TT660 | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50027327 | Clamshell style dumb phone |
Date tested: January 2026, January 2025, January 2024, July 2023, June 2020, June 2016. Page last checked: April 2026. We are not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available.
Which? Don't Buy dumb phones
Our tests uncover the best and the worst. If a product performs so poorly that we think you should avoid it, we make it a Don't Buy. We've tested one simple phone that's a Don't Buy.
This simple phone is very compact, but it has small fiddly buttons that are tricky to press, a tiny screen with terrible resolution that's hard to read and substandard storage that can't be expanded.
To find out which one it is, and what simple phones earned our Best Buy and Great Value recommendations, log in.
How we test dumb phones
- How easy is it to use? Our ergonomic assessors look for well-spaced and labelled keys and see how easy it is to tap in numbers and write texts. They set the phone up from scratch, rating how fiddly it is to insert the Sim card and how helpful the instructions are in getting the phone up and running.
- How long does the battery last? We charge the phone up to full capacity, using the supplied charger or a standard 5W charger if one isn't provided, and measure how long it lasts when making continuous calls. We know that many people want a simple mobile phone to keep for use in an emergency, so we also test how long it will last on standby to see if they can keep their charge when left dormant.
- How clear are phone calls? We run two tests so that we can rate the sound quality of simple mobiles. First we make calls with no background noise, and then we make further calls but with a noisy background track playing to simulate making a call on a bustling road or in a busy café.
- Are any extra features useful? Some simple mobile phones come with extras such as a camera, emergency help button or basic internet connectivity. We put these to the test to see if they work well or whether they make the phone tricky to use.
We regularly revisit the simple phones on sale to see if there are any more popular brands that need testing, and when we find them, we do.
Find out more about how Which? is not influenced by product manufacturers or retailers and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.
Why choose a simple or dumb phone over a smartphone?
Dumb phones and simple smartphones typically lack the more advanced features of the latest smartphones, for example touchscreen displays and high-resolution cameras.
They are ideal for those wanting a phone mainly for calls and texts, and typically have a fantastic battery life – in some case lasting for weeks on standby, so they're very useful in an emergency.
Some manufacturers, most notably Doro and Emporia, have started making simple smartphones that run a modified version of the Android operating system. They could be ideal if you want to have access to mobile internet and apps without the complexity of a full smartphone.
They may also be a great stopgap option if you eventually want to upgrade to a fully equipped smartphone in the future or if you want to test the waters to see if you'd get on with one.
Key accessibility features on simple phones
Most simple mobile phones are specifically designed to be easy to use and they are particularly suited to those who have issues with dexterity, sight or hearing. Notable features include:
- Assistance/SOS button: this is a dedicated button which when pressed automatically sends a message to your emergency contacts to let them know you might need help.
- Big buttons: large, clearly labelled and well-spaced buttons are especially important if you have dexterity or sight issues. Additionally, they may also be illuminated for easier viewing in low-light conditions.
- Hearing-aid compatibility: if you need a simple phone with hearing-aid compatibility, look for one with a good microphone/telecoil (M/T) rating. M4/T4 is the highest rating and it means you should be able to have clear conversations with very little interference.
Dumb phones for kids
A child’s first phone can be an exciting step towards adulthood, but smartphones can be an all too easy gateway to inappropriate material.
If you're not keen to get your child a smartphone, then a basic (dumb) phone for calls and texts only might be the best option.
Teenagers may need a more advanced mobile with access to the internet and additional features (such as apps, contactless payments and quality camera), so a simple smartphone might be a better choice to start with.
For more help and advice see our guide to the best dumb phones and smartphones for kids.
What mobile networks do simple phones work on?
In 2021, the government made an agreement with mobile network operators Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three that 3G and 2G mobile services will be phased out by 2033. However, the providers are free to choose when they end 3G and 2G services, within this timeframe.
- EE switched off its 3G network in early 2024, and 2G services will be switched off from May 2029. Find out more at EE.
- O2 has mostly switched off its 3G network, though some areas may still get a 3G signal during the early part of 2026. For now, there are no plans to end its 2G network, but O2 emphasises that its main focus will be on its 4G and 5G network going forward. More details can be found on the O2 website.
- Three closed its 3G offering at the end of 2024. Three never had a 2G network as it launched as the UK's first 100% 3G network. Visit the Three website for more.
- Vodafone has completed switching off its 3G network. It confirmed its 2G network will remain in place for now for calls and texts. Find out more on Vodafone's website.
Virtual networks, such as Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Smarty, piggyback off one of the Big Four networks. As such, their 3G services will end in line with the parent network. Check the table above to see what this means for virtual providers.