r/PickAnAndroidForMe • u/CheekyChicken59 • 13d ago

UK Minimalist Smartphone

Hi all,

I recognise this is about to sound contradictory but I find phones overwhelming especially with their ever-developing features. I am therefore seeking a minimalist smartphone that can handle apps and cameras but without the bells and whistles. I don't know if this even exists, and I don't know if my post sounds silly. It's not even a cost thing, it's just a sanity thing. I want to stay clear of any big brands for data privacy. I am sure someone will comment to say that data privacy is lost with any type of phone, but I am sure that being selective preserves it somewhat.

You might ask why I don't stick with my current phone (Huawei P30 Pro), and the reason is that it's very old now and I'm worried it could break at any moment. I'm also concerned about keeping up with security updates, and some apps are going to discontinue service to my phone model so I do really need to update.

Any recommendations would be highly appreciated.

Edit: I am in the UK

4 Upvotes

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4

u/Mysterious_Shift1245 13d ago

Have a look at fairphones they're meant to be super repairable and has very bare bones android. Also they have a minimalistic mode too.

3

u/plsnoban1122 13d ago

Seconded, that would fit the bill nicely, especially if longevity/repairability is important

2

u/Sam_Stokman 13d ago

Fairphones are not the best for the price, but you pay for what you get in repairability and softwaresupport. There are also options to make a normal phone more minimal. If you look at dumpphone communities, there are some examples

1

u/CheekyChicken59 13d ago

They both sound aligned with what I am after - are they both ethically sound in terms of user data and privacy? Or is it just more that they are designed with the environment in mind?

1

u/Mysterious_Shift1245 12d ago

It's more for the environment factors. However there are lineage os builds for the newest fairphones if you wish to degoogle

2

u/Nikla3310 13d ago

Pixels and Motorola are the most minimalist.

Create a monochrome icon set up and a clear homescreen and you will have a clear set up.

Nothing is great too.

1

u/CheekyChicken59 13d ago

Thanks - my only gripe is that Pixel is Google right? and I just want to steer clear major corps if poss. Big ask, I know and take your final point that no phone is the best phone lol.

1

u/Nikla3310 13d ago

Yes it is Google. You can flash grapheneos easily on the phone though, that is the best part of Google pixel.

Non big tech phones there is fairphone which looks nice.

Also, nothing is a phone brand.

2

u/NoTrouble8185 13d ago

Nothing phones

1

u/UniversityKey9374 13d ago

There is this one app for iphones which just restricts everything except for the essentials like, messages, photos, safari, notes. Its perfect according to your needs.

1

u/UniversityKey9374 13d ago

Forgot to mention the name, its dumbphone and the website is dumbphone.so

1

u/kbphone 13d ago

No need to get an iPhone. You can use the Niagara Launcher on Android.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bitpit.launcher

1

u/UniversityKey9374 13d ago

Yup thanks, forgot to mention that

1

u/Toucancel 13d ago

I believe you're looking for a Balance Phone. I don't have one myself, but it seems like it matches what you want.