Comment by wink
1 day ago
I think if you ask 5 people what dumb (enough) phone meant you'd get seven answers.
For some anything after SMS is not dumb enough (ok, this still exists), others would be ok with just a browser, and you said Maps and WA/etc/.
I am not even sure I could give you a good enough definition, I'm kinda happy enough with Android and just ignore any dumb/minimal angle, because if I only take a phone with me I generally want to potentially use it as a computer replacement. There are really only 2 people I call regularly.
> I think if you ask 5 people what dumb (enough) phone meant you'd get seven answers.
Yes, but I think anyone interested in this would know what they don't want: TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, YouTube, or any other app that wants you to spend maximum time in their app.
Unless we're talking about complete purists who basically want a 2003 level phone that only does call/text, there's lots of flexibility.
Someone who wants a less addicting phone but doesn't necessarily require maps is unlikely to not buy because of a maps app. It's not like they'd spend 3 hours a day getting directions.
I honestly don’t think you’d get that much variation. Beyond phone/sms, the list would likely end up with just these:
- decent camera
- messaging apps (WhatsApp/telegram/signal/etc)
- email
- maps
- rideshare (uber/lyft)
- mobile wallet (tap to pay)
People will also demand a browser, but that kind of defeats the purpose. All the apps should be utilities that you can’t spend hours in.
I suspect people would also demand music streaming, but I’m not sure really why you need that.