If you decide to ditch your smartphone, then you have to pick the right dumbphone.
“You must choose, but choose wisely.”
There are many factors that come into play, like where you live and what wireless provider you’re using.
But it gets way more complicated than that…
2G, 3G, or 4G? And then, will 2G be around much longer with the release of 5G? What about 3G networks? How long will 3G be sticking around?
And then we have 4G dumbphones: There aren’t very many (at all), and they aren’t as Google-free as we might hope. SIGH…
Watch for all the glorious details!
Like I say in the vid, if you know of any other available models, I’m all ears!
Mentioned in vid:
- Nokia 3310 3G
- Nokia 8110 4G (but with Google!)
- Light Phone 2
5G is a concern
I described my solution here: http://xinabox.blogspot.com/2018/08/mods-and-apps-on-old-f3f3q.html
I have a Kyocera Dura Xa, which runs on Brew MP 1.0.4. as far as i know, that is a good dumbphone, but it is 3g.
The Nokia 3310 4G and the Alcatel Go Flip also run KaiOS !!! 🙁
Nokia 3310 4G: https://www.nokia.com/phones/en_us/support/nokia-3310-4g-user-guide
Alcatel Go Flip: https://us.alcatelmobile.com/alcatel-go-flip/
Good thing I only have the 3G version!
What I’m doing is running a Pixel 2 with GrapheneOS, a security-focused AOSP ROM, Google-free. Using no SIM with VoIP service, and always-on VPN. If I need service for emergency calls, say my car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, I connect to a Karma portable hotspot and dial using an E911-enabled VoIP line. I also carry a portable USB power supply with the hotspot. All together it’s approximately $400, not including VPN… $250 Pixel 2 used, $99 Karma hotspot, $15/two VoiP lines with credit at VoIP.me and monthly ~$3/month, $14 for each additional GB via hotspot, and a portable USB power bank ~$30. You can get VPN service very cheap as well via SigaVPN, which has decent marks on thatoneprivacysite.net.