Who needs a simpler phone?

Calls-and-texts-only user

Someone who wants a phone for voice calls and SMS, without having to navigate an app store, a touchscreen or feature-heavy menus. Which? describes basic phones as devices designed for these core tasks.

Essential-app user who wants less complexity

Someone who needs services such as WhatsApp, browsing or photos but would benefit from larger controls and simpler navigation. Which? identifies simplified smartphones as an option that retains apps.

Person setting up a phone for someone else

A purchaser or carer who needs to arrange contacts, check charging and calling compatibility, and be available to help with settings or updates. Any contact-assistance feature also needs to be configured and tested.

What matters when choosing?

Decide whether calls and SMS are enough before choosing an interface: a phone with fewer functions will not serve someone whose essential conversations happen in apps.

Basic mobile phone

Choose it when: The user wants calls and SMS, prefers physical buttons and does not need app-based contact.

Trade-off: Simpler menus come with fewer app options; for a new UK purchase, check for 4G rather than choosing a 2G-only handset.

Simplified smartphone

Choose it when: Essential contact depends on apps, but the user benefits from larger controls and less cluttered navigation.

Trade-off: Accounts, notifications and updates still need attention, even with a simpler interface.

Standard smartphone set up more simply

Choose it when: A familiar app ecosystem matters and someone can simplify the home screen and provide continuing help.

Trade-off: Its everyday operation is not automatically simple; software-support commitments also depend on the exact model.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Uncomplicated calls and texts Try the keys, text size and menus. Check 4G capability and whether calls work with the intended provider. If I only need to call and text, I want controls I can use without working through apps. Around 42% of consumers put uncomplicated calls and texts first.
Essential apps List the apps the user needs, then check their availability on the exact handset and whether the interface is readable. When family conversations happen through an app, a calls-and-texts phone would leave out an important way to stay in touch. For around 33% of consumers, access to essential apps with simpler navigation is the primary concern.
Setup and continued use Arrange contact setup and a test call; check charging equipment, assistance-button conditions and who will help with updates. I need the phone to be ready to use and someone to help if its settings change. Roughly 25% of consumers place dependable setup and continued use ahead of other concerns.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing a 2G-only phone because it feels familiar

    Ofcom says 2G-only devices will need upgrading to at least 4G as UK networks withdraw 2G service; individual networks may close it before the latest 2033 deadline.

    For a new purchase, confirm 4G support and test calling with the intended provider or SIM. Some 4G phones may need a settings or software update for calls.

  • Assuming a contact button calls the emergency services

    Doro describes its assistance feature as messaging and calling selected contacts after setup, subject to mobile-network access and, for pay-as-you-go use, available credit. It is separate from the UK's 999 and 112 emergency numbers, identified by GOV.UK.

    Enter trusted contacts, test the button's sequence with them and explain separately when to call 999 or 112.

  • Buying a basic phone when essential contact happens in apps

    Which? distinguishes calls-and-texts basic phones from simplified smartphones that retain apps. A simpler handset is the wrong fit if the user needs an app it cannot run.

    Write down how the person actually communicates, then check the required apps on the exact phone before buying.

    Moving to app-based contact later may mean replacing the handset.

  • Assuming every model includes the same charger or update period

    emporia says no power supply is included with the emporiaSIMPLICITY-LTE. Samsung's statement of up to seven years of mobile security updates applies to the Galaxy S24 series, not every Galaxy phone.

    Check the exact model's box contents, compatible charging equipment and software-support policy.

    For the emporiaSIMPLICITY-LTE, a compatible power adaptor may need to be obtained separately.

Brands to consider

These brands illustrate different phone routes; their features and support terms should be checked for the particular model.

Doro

Doro offers basic phones with physical keys and simplified smartphones for people who need apps.

  • Doro describes simple calling and texting menus on its feature phones, alongside contact-assistance features on selected models.
  • Its Secure Button needs setup and network access; available pay-as-you-go credit and location-sharing capability depend on the circumstances and model.

emporia

emporia offers basic phones and simplified smartphones, including calling-focused models with large controls.

  • emporia lists three speed-dial keys and large illuminated, raised buttons for the emporiaSIMPLICITY-LTE.
  • emporia says this model does not include a power supply; check the charging equipment needed for the exact handset.

Samsung

A conventional smartphone option for someone who needs apps and has help to simplify setup and manage updates.

  • Samsung UK provides mobile-device setup and troubleshooting resources.
  • Samsung says the Galaxy S24 series receives up to seven years of mobile security updates; check the policy for any other model individually.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Does a less confident user need a basic phone or a simplified smartphone?

Choose a basic phone if calls and texts are enough; choose a simplified smartphone if essential contact requires apps such as WhatsApp. Check that the exact phone runs the services the person uses and that its controls suit them.

Can an assistance button replace calling 999 or 112?

No. A manufacturer's assistance button alerts chosen contacts according to its setup; it is not the UK emergency service. GOV.UK identifies 999 and 112 as national emergency numbers, so explain when to call them and test the phone's separate contact feature with the people selected.

What should I set up before giving someone the phone?

Set up and test the SIM, key contacts, calling, charging, readable text and suitable volume. If the model has speed dial or a contact-assistance feature, configure and test it too; Doro says its Secure Button needs network access and available pay-as-you-go credit where applicable.

Should a new simple phone support 4G in the UK?

Yes, if it needs to remain usable as 2G service is withdrawn. Ofcom says 2G-only devices will need upgrading to at least 4G; also confirm that the particular phone can make calls with the intended provider, since some 4G devices may need a software or settings update.