I do not have a smartphone

2021-06-24 17:00

I sold my iPhone and bought a basic Nokia phone for 35 euros. I also sold my smarthome devices, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Instead of the Apple Watch, I chose a Swiss mechanical watch. Not needing to charge a watch daily feels freeing.

Why I Made the Change

I spent too much time on my phone. I wanted more time to read, study, walk, and be with friends and family. The constant pull of apps and notifications stole my focus. A dumbphone helped me break free.

Benefits of Going Smartphone-Free

Switching to a basic phone brought clear gains:

Improved mental health with less screen time.
Ended my smartphone addiction.
Saved money, dropping my bill from 40 euros to 7 euros monthly.
Reduced data tracking, protecting my privacy.
Lessened fear of missing out.
Freed from instant reply expectations.
Gained time for activities I value.

Challenges

Life without a smartphone has drawbacks:

No quick access to a camera.
Harder to listen to music or podcasts.
No maps app for navigation.

My Experience After 18 Months

I have lived without a smartphone for a year and a half. I still work, stay social, and feel at ease with my thoughts. As Jenna Woginrich wrote in The Guardian, a landline brought more sleep, eye contact with people, and focus on food instead of photos. I avoid distractions while driving. A laptop and basic internet keep me connected enough for work, fun weekends, and travel plans.

Using a dumbphone feels familiar, like riding a bike. T9 texting is easier than I recalled.

Many have chosen this path:

The Irish Times: A story of better mental health without a smartphone.
The New York Times: Smartphone addiction’s impact.
The Independent: Benefits of going offline.
The Guardian: The grip of smartphone addiction.
Huck Magazine: Young people choosing dumbphones.
Matt McWilliams: Reasons to abandon smartphones.
Everyday Mamas: A transformed life without a smartphone.
Half The Clothes: Simplifying with a dumbphone.
Alvarez.io: Living like it is 1999.

Looking Forward

I will share another update in a year. For now, a dumbphone has brought clarity and focus. Share your thoughts on trying this in the comments!

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