this post was submitted on 13 Jan 2026
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Anticonsumption

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low-tech cellphone recs for someone in the US? (slrpnk.net)
submitted 3 days ago by fae@slrpnk.net to c/anticonsumption@slrpnk.net
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cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/32733945

housemate and I are sick of smartphone AI and spyware!! looking for cheap, refurbished cellphones from the 00s

  • the problem: all models we have found run on 2G, which is rapidly being phased out by all US carriers
  • desired features: basic call and text functionality, durability, physical buttons, fits in pocket
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[–] als@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 2 days ago

I've been using a fairphone 4 with lineage for a bit now and have had minimal issues. It's basically android if google got out of the way. I fully understand if you want something lower tech than that though

[–] A_norny_mousse@feddit.org 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

FWIW (for the US American market), Nokia* are still making such phones. And there's Doro phones. For seniors, but some of the models look fairly normal.

But be aware: under the hood they can be running a full Android or similar OS with all the trappings.

* just the brand name nowadays, it's not actually the same company anymore

[–] fae@slrpnk.net 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

thanks for the heads up! I definitely want the option to swap the OS

[–] A_norny_mousse@feddit.org 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Um, I don't think that's (easily) possible on such devices.

[–] fae@slrpnk.net 0 points 3 days ago (1 children)

so I'm learning... probably gonna opt for a Pixel then

[–] KhantoBlackhand@lemmy.today 2 points 2 days ago

Yeah, I say run GrapheneOS for the best security on android on a pixel. The next best if you want an older device is to run DeGoogled LineageOS, I use a Pixel 4a 5G and it runs superb and it's easier to repair. It also doesn't have the extra BS most phones have now these days. Although I do use a few more apps, defaults should suffice. (Except for messaging use Molly a android fork of Signal or XMPP)