I've been curious about the 'dumb phone' lifestyle for some time now. I first heard of it from a podcast host who turned their smartphone into a 'dumb phone' by removing everything potentially distracting or novel about it – social media, access to their debit cards, emails, etc. The idea is to alleviate smartphone addiction, which I'm pretty certain most of us have.
Even if my screen time isn't highly problematic (I think four hours a day on my phone isn't so bad), it is alarming how close I need to keep it, and how often I touch it. I've lost count since starting to write this article.
Luckily, the new HMD Barbie Phone slid across my desk last week, which was perfect timing to give this lifestyle a spin.
Here's what I thought of the 'dumb phone' lifestyle, and my adorable Barbie-themed companion.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publication.
Firstly, the phone
HMD Barbie Phone DS Power Pink
$199 at Big W
The HMD Barbie Phone is a great product. It's small and cute, reminding me of the purple flip Sony Ericsson I was gifted when I started high school. It's also easy to use. I texted my friends, feeling childlike excitement when it chimed with a reply. I called my mum and heard her with perfect clarity. I played a few games of Malibu Snake, and just enjoyed the movement of flipping it open and closed. It also has a little app that gives you tips for digital balance, which are very sweet and reassuring.
The Barbie theme tugged right on my nostalgic heartstrings, and I don't think it's any accident that the people who are most annoyed by their reliance on their phones (millennials) are the ones who would most likely buy a Barbie-themed phone.
I also think it'd be perfect as a first phone for a tween starting high school, but it is incredibly pink and girly, so may not suit all teens.
The struggles:
The most difficult aspects of setting up the phone were what you'd expect.
- Setting up a SIM: Staring blankly at a range of options in Coles was just the start of my journey to get a SIM for the phone. I eventually selected a $15 one from Felix, which offered a free first month. However, I then needed a smartphone app to set up the SIM on my dumb phone (the irony).
- Mental gymnastics: Remembering to bring everything I'd normally use my phone for was a real exercise. Think debit card, driver's license, etc.
- Predictive text: Was predictive text always so hard? Eventually it became a little fun, but the essays I'm accustomed to sending my friends were a no-go. That's likely the point, so you can avoid the temptation to be in constant communication, but it was a shock to the system.
The benefits:
- Battery life: Like all brick phones, the HMD Barbie Phone is made of something stronger than your classic smartphone. I charged it when it first arrived a week ago, and it's only down to about 50 per cent battery. I didn't use it as much as my iPhone over the week, but that's still incredible.
- Overall cost: I was lucky enough to be given a phone to review, but the fact that this phone costs $200 seems ridiculous. Obviously, it's just an upfront cost, the same with an iPhone or Android, but it is drastically more affordable.
- Mental freedom: When I made it out of the house without my smartphone, it was nice to know I couldn't open Instagram the second I felt compelled, or check my email for the fifth time in an hour. I was a little shocked by the space in my brain, but overall, it was nice.
Did the benefits outweigh the struggle?
When I eventually coaxed myself out sans smartphone, I realised it was a weird experience. You definitely notice how many people are glued to their devices, which creates a certain smugness usually reserved for grandparents who chide their grandkids over their screen addiction.
However, it was nice to notice things, like leaves on trees and scrub turkeys meandering down my street. My thoughts were buzzy and at times overwhelming, but I eventually got into the rhythm of just listening to them.
Is this the mindfulness everyone says is so good for you? I can see why.
So, am I a 'dumb phone' convert?
Overall, space from my iPhone ended up feeling great, but the struggle of managing the 'dumb phone' life is probably too overwhelming for me. I prefer the idea of a mix, having my smartphone on hand when I need it, but also the option to turn it off and walk away, knowing I have a less engaging phone for any emergencies.
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