
Smartphones are in all probability the primary selection for most individuals when requested about their most popular system to entry the web, however a rising variety of customers are contemplating a “dumb phone” as a secondary handset. These are no-frills telephones that provide a options like calling and texting at a extra reasonably priced value, together with entry to some apps like WhatsApp. While they assist web connectivity, they’re additionally used for a “digital detox” as they lack all of the bells and whistles of a contemporary smartphone.
While there was a transparent choice for primary function telephones in the previous, WhatsApp assist for working programs like KaiOS was discontinued in 2024. This means that you may now not run WhatsApp on function telephones from Nokia or Alcatel, in addition to varied JioPhone fashions. Instead, customers now go for primary handsets that run on Android as a secondary telephone, as WhatsApp solely helps iOS and Android cellular gadgets.
Here’s an inventory of some various primary telephones with WhatsApp assist that you may purchase in 2025, with out giving up your main Android smartphone or iPhone. You ought to word that a few of these fashions are solely bought in choose areas, so you have to to examine for native availability.
Equipped with a compact 2.8-inch LCD internal display and an excellent smaller 1.4-inch cowl show, the TCL Flip 2 enables you to run messaging apps and examine your electronic mail with out distractions. It options tactile buttons which are simple to press, and the handset can also be geared up with an emergency button. You get assist for Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, and Bluetooth connectivity, and the telephone runs on a 1,850mAh battery.
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Photo Credit: TCL
Key Specifications
If you are searching for a flip telephone for a grandparent, you would possibly wish to think about the Emporia TouchSmart 2, which has a easy consumer interface and shortcut keys for messaging apps. It additionally has an IP54 score for mud and splash resistance, which implies it may possibly deal with a little bit of moisture. The TouchSmart 2 is provided with two cameras, and runs on Android 11 Go.
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Photo Credit: Emporia
Key Specifications
One of essentially the most rugged primary telephones on this record, the Cat S22 Flip has a MIL-STD-810H sturdiness certification and an IP68 score for mud and water resistance. This flip telephone is good for these in the sphere or those that simply need a distraction-free telephone that’s sturdy. You get a 5-megapixel rear digicam and a 2-megapixel entrance digicam. The Cat S22 Flip is provided with a 2,000mAh battery.
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Photo Credit: Cat (by way of Amazon)
Key Specifications
An various to the TouchSmart 2, the senior pleasant TTfone TT970 runs on an unspecified however simplified model of Android that helps apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Lite. it additionally has a dock charger, and is provided with an emergency button. There’s a 2.8-inch internal display and a smaller 1.8-inch cowl show on the TT970 handset. It is provided with a 1,400mAh battery.
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Photo Credit: TTfone
Key Specifications
If you are searching for a primary bar-style telephone that may run WhatsApp, you may also think about the AGM M7. This handset has a 2.4-inch QVGA display, and it additionally includes a 3.5W speaker. The handset runs on Android, and it has a MIL-STD-810H sturdiness certification, just like the Cat S22 Flip, in addition to IP68 and IP69 scores for mud and water resistance. The handset is provided with a 2,500mAh battery that may be simply eliminated.
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Photo Credit: AGM Mobile
Key Specifications