Best simple mobile phones 2024: Which? Best Buys and expert buying advice

Instead of a complicated smartphone, you may want a no-nonsense, accessible mobile phone that gives you all the essentials without any fuss. 

The best simple mobiles make light work of tasks such as making calls, sending text messages, and come with a range of helpful features. What's more, they have terrific battery life and let you have clear phone conversations even when you're surrounded by noise. 

You can spend over £200 on a simple phone – but with great phones available at surprisingly low prices, you don't need to venture near a three-figure price tag for good quality.

Specialist and big button phones

If small phones with cramped keypads that make it hard to press the right buttons every time are a concern, there are various specialist mobile phones designed with large and well-spaced number keys on the handset, which can be useful for people with low vision or those with poor strength or dexterity in their hands.

Many specialist simple mobile phones come with useful extras such as an SOS or emergency function that calls pre-programmed numbers at the touch of a button, hearing-aid compatibility or a neck strap.

Doro is a popular brand that provides specialist mobile phones. They also offer specially adapted smartphone models with a simplified touchscreen interface.

Read our best big button simple mobile phones to find out which models we recommend.

Features to look for in an easy-to-use mobile phone

You may not find all these features in a single model, but think about what would be most helpful for you and choose a phone that provides everything you need.

• A simple layout, with clearly labelled buttons that are easy to see and press.
• The option to display extra-large text.
• Hearing aid compatibility.
• Long battery life.
• Large screen.
• SOS button for use in an emergency.
• GPS tracking so you can find your relative's location via an app or by text message.
• Call-blocking (via an approved-caller list).
• Torch – handy in a power cut, or if you’re looking for your keys at the very bottom of your bag. There’s sometimes a dedicated torch button on the keypad for quick and easy access.
• Internet access – some handsets don’t offer any internet access, they are really designed for just calls and texts. 
• Camera – many basic handsets have a rear camera. Useful for taking the odd picture of your friends and family, but quality is usually quite poor.

What mobile networks do simple phones work on?

In 2021, the government made an agreement with mobile network operators Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three that 3G and 2G mobile services will be phased out by 2033. However, the providers are free to choose when they end 3G and 2G services, within this timeframe.  

• Vodafone started piloting its 3G switch off in February 2023 and confirmed its plans to start switching off the remainder of the UK from June 2023. It confirmed its 2G network will remain in place for calls and texts. Find out more at Vodafone's website. 
• EE will also phase out 3G services throughout 2023, with the network then closing in early 2024, and 2G services will be switched off 'later in the decade'. Find out more at EE. 
• Three expects to have closed its 3G offering by the end of 2024. Three never had a 2G network as it launched as the UK's first 100% 3G network. Visit the Three website for more. 
• O2 has not specifically announced when it will close down 3G and 2G services, or whether it'll be before the agreed date of 2033.

As it stands, O2 will be the only provider still offering 3G network services by 2025.

Virtual networks, such as Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Smarty, piggback off one of the Big Four networks. As such, their 3G services will end in line with the parent network. Check the table below to see what this means for virtual providers:

For detailed reviews of all aspects of mobile provider performance, read our mobile phone provider reviews.

Should I choose a candy bar or clamshell design?

There are two main designs for simple phones: candy bar and clamshell.

The keypad and the screen are on the same surface on candy-bar phones. They're often small and compact, which means they're very easy to carry around - but the keypad buttons are sometimes small and feel quite cramped together.

Clamshell phones are also known as 'flip phones'. The display is on a different surface than the keypad, and you can close the lid when you're not using it. As the display and keypad are on different surfaces, there's more room for the buttons - which means they can be larger and better spaced.

Recently, manufacturers have started producing simple smartphones, which run a modified version of the Android operating system. With clearly presented menus, simplified text and a step-by-step set-up process, they could be great for someone who wants to have access to apps and mobile internet without the complexity of most smartphones.

What is a simple smartphone?

Simple smartphones, sometimes known as specialist simple phones, on the other hand, look more like modern smartphones. They differ in having a far more straightforward interface that usually focuses on making key features, such as calling and messaging, more accessible. They usually offer large touchscreen controls, simple menu navigation and can include features like hearing-aid compatibility. You may want to consider a simple smartphone if you have issues with dexterity, sight or hearing - or if you just want one that's really easy to use.

These features generally make specialist phones more expensive than the more basic handsets.

Simple smartphone features to look out for:

• Hearing-aid compatibility: If you need a simple phone with hearing-aid compatibility, look for one with a good microphone/telecoil (M/T) rating. M4/T4 is the highest rating, and means you should be able to have clear conversations with very little interference.
• SOS button: This is a dedicated button on the handset that you can press in case of a fall or another emergency. Pressing it sends an automated message to your pre-assigned contacts, to let them know that you need help.
• Big buttons: Especially important if you have dexterity or sight issues. Buying a phone with large, clearly-labelled and well-spaced buttons means you’ll have better luck pressing the right one each time. Find out more in our guide to the best phones with big buttons.

Take a look at all our simple mobile phone reviews to ensure you spend your money wisely.

Should I buy a normal smartphone instead?

If you're comfortable without the simplicity of operation that a simple phone can bring, you might want to consider a cheap regular smartphone instead of a simple smartphone. We've found plenty of good models for under £200 that will usually outperform a simple phone, and include additional features such as 4G or even 5G, good cameras and impressive battery life.

If you’re still unsure about which type of phone is right for you, it's best to go into a shop and ask to try out a simple phone and a good-value smartphone. Try out some of the functions that you’d use most often, such as finding numbers in the phonebook, writing text messages, and browsing the internet. This will give you a better understanding of the type of phone you'd prefer.

For more tips and advice, read our guide on the best mobile phones.