Most Americans Are Using Dumb Phones Than Smartphones

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People say dumb phones are not necessary in today’s world; I don’t know why, but I still use a Nokia 105. Dumb phones are going out of fashion all over the world, but not in the US. There is another story to tell. HMD Global – the maker of Nokia, is still making billions by making simple button phones.

In an effort to limit screen time and improve their health, US citizens prefer dumb phones to fancy smartphones or foldable phones. US citizens are getting distant from hotspots and GPS.

Why Are Dumb Phones Becoming Hot Favorites Now?

Dumbphone influencer and moderator of the r/dumbphones subreddit Jose Briones writes,

“I think you can see it in certain Gen Z demographics – they’re tired of screens. They don’t know what’s going on with mental health, and they’re trying to cut back.”

Last year, HMD Global saw record sales of feature flip phones in the US. Reports show that nearly tens of thousands of mobile devices are sold each month. Meanwhile, the company is experiencing a rare decline in its feature phone sales.

According to Counterpoint Research, HMD Global’s feature phone sales were more in third-world countries, including India, Africa, and the Middle East. Nearly 80% of its sales came from these regions last year. This year, however, the market is undergoing a major shift as young people in the U.S. prefer feature phones to smartphones.

Moorhead says,

“In North America, the dumb phone market is pretty much flat. But I could see it growing up to 5% in the next five years, if nothing else, based on the public health concerns that are out there.”

With this in mind, companies like Light and Punkt are working to make the most out of this trend. They do this by offering the best alternative to smartphones for those who want to limit their screen time. There are a number of social media celebrities who publicly use minimalist phones.

Light co-founder Joe Hollier says,

“What we’re trying to do with the Light phone is not to create a dumb phone, but to create a more intentional phone – a premium, minimalist phone – that’s not inherently anti-technology. But it’s about consciously choosing how and when to use which aspects of technology enhance my quality of life.”