Asked about your favorite device to reach the Internet, smartphones are probably the first choice for most people, but the increasing number of users is assuming “dumb phone” as a secondary handset. These are no-frills phones that offer access to some apps such as WhatsApp as well as facilities like calling and texting at a higher affordable price. While they support internet connectivity, they are also used for “digital detox” as they have 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 Kayos Was closed in 2024This 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 running on Android as a secondary phone in the form of WhatsApp. Only supports iOS and Android mobile devices,
Here is a list of some alternative basic phones with WhatsApp support that you can buy in 2025, without giving your primary Android smartphone or iPhone. You should note that some of these models are sold only in select areas, so you have to check local availability.
TCL Flip 2
Equipped with a compact 2.8-inch LCD inner screen and even a small 1.4-inch cover display, TCL Flip 2 allows you to check your email without running and distracting. It has touch 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 specification
- Performance: 2.8-inch QVGA (240 × 320 pixels) LCD screen, 1.44-inch TFT LCD external performance
- Processor: MediaTek MT6739 -ch
- RAM and Storage: 1GB RAM, 4GB built-in storage (expandable)
- Rear Camera: 2-megapixel
- Front camera: N/A
- Battery: 1,850mAh
- Operating System: Android
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 4G LTE, GPS, USB Type-C port
Emporia Tachsmart 2
If you are looking for a flip phone for a grandparents, you may want to consider Emporia Touchmart 2, with a simple user interface and shortcut key for messaging apps. It also has an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, which means that it can handle slight moisture. Tachmart 2 is equipped with two cameras, and runs on Android 11 Go.
Photo Credit: Emporia
Key specification
- Performance: 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 Camera: 8-Megapixel
- Front Camera: 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 in this list, Cat S22 Flip has an IP68 rating for a MIL-STD-810H stability certification and dust and water resistance. It is ideal for those in the flip phone sector or who want just a distraught 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 (through Amazon)
Key specification
- Performance: 2.8-inch TFT LCD (480 × 640 pixels), 1.44-inch outer screen
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 215
- RAM and Storage: 2 GB RAM, 16 GB built-in storage (expandable)
- Rear Camera: 5-megapixel
- Front Camera: 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 Tachmart 2, Senior Friendly TTFone TT 970 runs on the unspecified but simplified version of Android that supports apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Lite. It also has a Dock Charger, and is equipped with an emergency button. The TT970 handset has a 2.8-inch internal screen and a small 1.8-inch cover display. It is equipped with a 1,400mAh battery.
Photo Credit: TTFone
Key specification
- Performance: 2.8-inch TFT LCD, 1.8-inch outer screen
- Processor: unspecified
- RAM and Storage: 1GB RAM, 8GB built-in storage (expandable)
- Rear Camera: 5-megapixel
- Front Camera: 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 are looking for a basic bar-style phone that can run WhatsApp, you can also consider AGM M7. This handset has a 2.4 -inch QVGA screen, and also has a 3.5W speaker. The handset runs on Android, and has a MIL-STD-810H stability certification, such as 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 specification
- Display: 2.4-inch QVGA (240 × 320) LCD screen
- Processor: MediaTek MT6739
- RAM and Storage: 1GB RAM, 8GB built-in storage (expandable)
- Rear Camera: 2-megapixel
- Front Camera: 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
