Do you remember the time when a phone was just a phone? These days, phones are pocket sized computers, capable of internet on the go and word processing. If you’ve ever felt information overload or thought that you were too addicted to your smartphone, a basic cellphone may be the answer. Although “simple” cellphones are made with senior citizens in mind, some of them have slick designs, which would make them attractive to anyone looking for a basic phone option…

John’s Phone

For $100 you can buy “the world’s most simple phone”. The phone was designed by Dutch designer John Doe Amsterdam and can be bought on their website. A review makes the claim that although the phone does its core function of making and receiving calls, it fails in the design aspect because all three of the phone’s switches are hard to use.

Just5

Reviews on Amazon of the Just5 phone (less than $70 including shipping if bought from Amazon) are fairly positive. The phone feels sturdy and allows you to make calls as well as text message. Plans start at $10 for 90 day time intervals.

Jitterbug

Aimed at senior citizens, the phone is incredibly simple to use. However, if you are not a senior citizen and just want a cool looking basic phone (the Jitterbug doesn’t look too cool), the Just5 is your best option.  A new phone from the GreatCall official website costs $99 and plans start at $14.99.

Doro PhoneEasy

Although the phone has a bland design and only allows for sending and receiving calls, FM radio, Bluetooth, and text messaging, the phone is very easy to use and costs only $45 without any contract.

Pantech Breeze C520

Although the phone has been discontinued by AT&T, you can still buy it on eBay for $99.99. Although the phone was designed with senior citizens in mind, it is loaded with web browsing, e-mail, text messaging, and camera. Despite these many features, the phone is easy to use and has excellent call quality.

If you are looking for a basic smartphone and want to stay on your current plan (most simple phones force you to abandon your existing carrier if you have one), John’s Phone is the way to go in terms of design. Alternatively, you can look at the least expensive models on your carrier’s website and browse eBay for simple phones that are compatible with your carrier, like the Pantech Breeze.