Looking for an alternative to smartphones? Many people believe the only choice is between iPhone or Android – but there are plenty of “dumbphone” options available in Canada for those who are interested in simplifying their tech.
Dumbphones can help children (and adults) remain in touch with friends and family members without falling victim to some of the downsides to smartphone addiction. With a simpler interface and less temptation to “doomscroll,” a dumber device just might be the smartest option. Here are a few of our favourite choices:
1) Japanese flip phones
While North American telecom companies mainly focus on iPhone and Android, Japan makes a number of sleek, pocketable flip phones in covetable styles. The Kyocera 903KC is a popular option, offering modern network coverage and app options in a streamlined body. While Canadian customers likely won’t qualify for plans with a Japanese telecom, there are plenty of secondhand devices that can be purchased online through marketplace sites like Rakuten or Mercari. For dumbphone enthusiasts outside of Japan, these phones can be purchased using a proxy website like Buyee.jp or Zenmarket for approximately $100 200. They are also available on sites like eBay, where more sought out colour options (like baby pink) are available for around $300. Other options, like the Sharp 601SH, the Kyocera KY 42C are all sleek, sophisticated flipphones that suit a “low tech” lifestyle.
With most of them sitting at under $200 CAD (substantially cheaper than a new smartphone) they can also be rotated to suit your needs, and should all work on most Canadian phone plans.
Keep in mind, Japanese phones won’t run the Google Play store or the App Store; but if you’re a little bit tech-savvy and like to tinker, many of these phones allow apps to be “sideloaded” (transferred to the device from your computer, rather than through an app store). This allows you to have rudimentary access to music apps like Waze, Spotify, WhatsApp, or games – without the temptation of “doomscrolling.”
2) Korean flip phones
In general, Korean flip phones are thicker, larger, and very fun to hold — plus, the popularity of Samsung devices in Korea means many of these options run the Google Play store. Phones like the MIVE Style Folder 2 (and soon to be 3!) offer VoLTE support and 5G, as well as running Android GO (which means most of the apps you need are easily available on the app store). With both a touch screen and physical keypad, they are easy to use right out of the package. Grab one on marketplace sites like eBay, or use a proxy seller like Paysable, Delivered Korea, or Kfriday to shop for one secondhand on Korean marketplace site Bunjang. Depending on where you buy it from, these phones can range from $150 to $300 CAD.
3) Detox Phones
If you are not concerned with the flip phone aesthetic, there are plenty of non-smartphone options available with smartphone-like features. These devices are deliberately designed to stop you from surfing, scrolling or wasting time. Phones like the Fig Phone (about $420 CAD), the Wonder phone (about $564 CAD), or e-ink devices like the Bigme HiBreakS ($319 CAD) all work on Canadian carriers and can help you simplify your tech. Many of these options can also be purchased without the ability to add or install unwanted social media apps.
4) True “Dumbphones”
Looking for a simple swap? Traditional talk and text flip phones still exist. Options like the TCL Flip (around $100 CAD), the Sonim Xp3800 ($147 CAD) both offer a simple communications experience without much fuss. With 5G connectivity, these devices should work across carriers in Canada, and are often available on Amazon.
Whether you’re trying out a dumbphone for a break or looking to replace your smartphone entirely, getting a lower tech device can allow for less scrolling — and more fun.
