Smartphones are probably the first choice for most people when asked about their preferred device to access the internet, but a growing number of users are considering a “dumb phone” as a secondary handset. These are no-frills phones that offer a features like calling and texting at a more affordable price, along with access to some apps like WhatsApp. While they support internet connectivity, they are also used for a “digital detox” as they lack all the bells and whistles of a modern smartphone.
While there was a clear preference for basic feature phones in the past, WhatsApp support for operating systems like KaiOS was discontinued in 2024. This means that you can no longer run WhatsApp on feature phones from Nokia or Alcatel, as well as various JioPhone models. Instead, users now opt for basic handsets that run on Android as a secondary phone, as WhatsApp only supports iOS and Android mobile devices.
Here’s a list of some alternative basic phones with WhatsApp support that you can buy in 2025, without giving up your primary Android smartphone or iPhone. You should note that some of these models are only sold in select regions, so you will need to check for local availability.
TCL Flip 2
Equipped with a compact 2.8-inch LCD inner screen and an even smaller 1.4-inch cover display, the TCL Flip 2 lets you run messaging apps and check your email without distractions. It features tactile buttons that are easy to press, and the handset is also equipped with an emergency button. You get support for Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, and Bluetooth connectivity, and the phone runs on a 1,850mAh battery.
Photo Credit: TCL
Key Specifications
- Display: 2.8-inch QVGA (240×320 pixels) LCD screen, 1.44-inch TFT LCD outer display
- Processor: MediaTek MT6739-CH
- RAM and Storage: 1GB RAM, 4GB built-in storage (expandable)
- Rear Cameras: 2-megapixel
- Front Cameras: N/A
- Battery: 1,850mAh
- Operating System: Android
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 4G LTE, GPS, USB Type-C port
Emporia TouchSmart 2
If you’re looking for a flip phone for a grandparent, you might want to consider the Emporia TouchSmart 2, which has a simple user interface and shortcut keys for messaging apps. It also has an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, which means it can handle a bit of moisture. The TouchSmart 2 is equipped with two cameras, and runs on Android 11 Go.
Photo Credit: Emporia
Key Specifications
- Display: 3.25-inch TFT LCD (480×854 pixels), 1.54-inch outer screen
- Processor: MediaTek MT6739V
- RAM and Storage: 1GB RAM, 8GB built-in storage (expandable)
- Rear Cameras: 8-megapixel
- Front Cameras: 2-megapixel
- Battery: 1,400mAh
- Operating System: Android 11 Go
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 4G LTE, GPS, USB Type-C port
Cat S22 Flip
One of the most rugged basic phones on this list, the Cat S22 Flip has a MIL-STD-810H durability certification and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. This flip phone is ideal for those in the field or those who just want a distraction-free phone that is durable. You get a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front camera. The Cat S22 Flip is equipped with a 2,000mAh battery.
Photo Credit: Cat (via Amazon)
Key Specifications
- Display: 2.8-inch TFT LCD (480×640 pixels), 1.44-inch outer screen
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 215
- RAM and Storage: 2GB RAM, 16GB built-in storage (expandable)
- Rear Cameras: 5-megapixel
- Front Cameras: 2-megapixel
- Battery: 2,000mAh
- Operating System: Android 11 Go
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 4G LTE, GPS, USB Type-C port
TTfone TT970
An alternative to the TouchSmart 2, the senior friendly TTfone TT970 runs on an unspecified but simplified version of Android that supports apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Lite. it also has a dock charger, and is equipped with an emergency button. There’s a 2.8-inch inner screen and a smaller 1.8-inch cover display on the TT970 handset. It is equipped with a 1,400mAh battery.
Photo Credit: TTfone
Key Specifications
- Display: 2.8-inch TFT LCD, 1.8-inch outer screen
- Processor: Unspecified
- RAM and Storage: 1GB RAM, 8GB built-in storage (expandable)
- Rear Cameras: 5-megapixel
- Front Cameras: 2-megapixel
- Battery: 1,400mAh
- Operating System: Android
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 4G LTE, GPS, USB Type-C port
AGM M7
If you’re looking for a basic bar-style phone that can run WhatsApp, you can also consider the AGM M7. This handset has a 2.4-inch QVGA screen, and it also features a 3.5W speaker. The handset runs on Android, and it has a MIL-STD-810H durability certification, like the Cat S22 Flip, as well as IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. The handset is equipped with a 2,500mAh battery that can be easily removed.
Photo Credit: AGM Mobile
Key Specifications
- Display: 2.4-inch QVGA (240×320) LCD screen
- Processor: MediaTek MT6739
- RAM and Storage: 1GB RAM, 8GB built-in storage (expandable)
- Rear Cameras: 2-megapixel
- Front Cameras: 0.3-megapixel
- Battery: 2,500mAh, Removable
- Operating System: Android 8.1
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 4G LTE, GPS, USB Type-C port
