Feature phones, also known as dumb phones, are making a comeback in the United States, particularly among younger generations. HMD Global, the maker of Nokia phones, reported selling tens of thousands of feature flip phones, similar to those used in the early 2000s, each month in the U.S. in 2022, even as global feature phone sales decreased. This trend can be attributed to a growing desire among certain Gen Z populations to disconnect from screens and preserve mental health.
Dumb Phones Regain Popularity Amongst Younger Generations
Jose Briones, dumb phone influencer, notes that younger people are tired of constant screen time and want to make intentional choices about their phone usage. Although feature phone sales in the U.S. have remained flat, some experts predict a potential 5% increase In North America in the next five years due to public health concerns. Companies like Punkt and Light are already capitalizing on the trend, offering minimalist phones that cater to consumers’ desires for less screen time.
Companies Cater to Demand for Less Screen Time with Minimalist Phones
Light’s co-founder, Joe Hollier, says the company’s goal isn’t to create dumb phones but rather to create more intentional phones that allow users to choose which aspects of technology add to their quality of life. The company’s premium, minimalist phone, the Light phone, has been well-received by influencers and consumers alike. Other companies, such as HMD Global, have also begun selling feature phones with additional features like GPS or a hotspot, offering an alternative to smartphones.
Counterpoint Research reports that in 2022, almost 80% of feature phone sales came from the Middle East, Africa, and India. However, as the trend towards minimalism and intentional phone usage of feature phones continues, this trend will continue in the coming years due to younger generation’s desire to disconnect from screens, take control of their phone usage and go from the virtual world to the real life.
