Even as phones become more advanced, there’s still a special appeal to the simplicity of a basic phone. These phones are user-friendly and lack the complicated features of smartphones, making them the perfect choice for those who prioritize ease of use over advanced capabilities. This guide to simple Android phones caters to various preferences, making sure there’s an ideal option for everyone.
Choosing the Ideal Simple Phone
When selecting a simple phone, consider the following key aspects:
- Battery Life: Long-lasting battery for extended use without frequent charges
- User-Friendly Design: Easy navigation and comfortable ergonomics
- Build Quality: Durable materials to withstand daily wear and tear
Once you have chosen your ideal simple phone, consider enhancing your mobile experience with high-quality sound. While simple phones are perfect for those who appreciate straightforward functionality, pairing them with the best wireless gaming earbuds can significantly improve your audio experience, whether for calls, music, or gaming on the go.​​​​​​​
Best 5G Phones in 2024
Explore our expert picks for the best 5G phones to find your perfect match, providing high-speed connectivity and performance.
Game Rant’s Best Products for Simplified Tech
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Smartphone
Best Overall Simple Phone
$130 $200 Save $70
The Motorola Moto G Stylus features a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor. This processor enables 5G connectivity and fast performance. The phone has a 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for mobile gaming with fluid motion. Dolby Atmos technology backs the display for multidimensional sound. The device also has a 50MP camera system that utilizes Ultra Pixel technology.
- Brand
- Motorola
- SoC
- Snapdragon 6 Gen1
- Display
- 6.6″ FHD+
- RAM
- 6 GB
- Storage
- 128 GB
- Battery
- 5000 mAh
- Operating System
- Android 13
- Front camera
- 16MP (f/2.45, 1.0µm)
- Rear camera
- 50MP (f/1.88, 2.0µm), 8MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) Ultrawide, Macro Vision, Depth
- Dimensions
- 162.83×73.77×9.19mm
- Weight
- 202g
- Micro SD card support
- Yes
- Stylus
- Yes
- 6.6″ FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate improves viewing experience
- Long battery life with a 5000 mAh battery
- Includes a versatile 50MP rear camera system
- Some compatibility issues with specific carriers like MetroPCS
- Limited to Android 13, may restrict future software updates
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G stands out as the best overall simple phone, thanks to its robust feature set tailored for everyday efficiency. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor ensures you remain connected with 5G speeds and responsive performance, ideal for both work and play. Moreover, its 6.6-inch FHD+ display, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, provides smooth and clear visuals.
While the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G impresses in many areas, it’s important to note its limitations. Some reports suggest this phone may have compatibility issues with certain carriers. However, merits such as impressive battery life and high-resolution cameras solidify its position as the best overall simple phone.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Best Simple Android Phone
$309 $450 Save $141
Samsung’s budget friendly offering, the Galaxy A54 5G, is a no frills smartphone that packs a massive 5000 mAh battery and a relatively large 6.4-inch display. The phone has a triple camera setup on the back and a cutout for the selfie camera on the front. The bezels are relatively slim and there is no camera bump on the back.Â
- Brand
- Samsung
- SoC
- Exynos 1380
- Display
- 6.4-inch
- RAM
- 6GB
- Storage
- 128GB
- Battery
- 5000 mAh
- Operating System
- One UI
- Front camera
- 32 MP
- Dimensions
- 158.2×76.7×8.2mm
- Weight
- 202 grams
- Charge speed
- 25W
- IP Rating
- IP67
- Material
- Plastic
- Main Camera
- 50 MP
- Wide-Angle Camera
- 12 MP
- 50 MP main camera captures stunning photos
- User-friendly One UI operating system
- Robust 5000 mAh battery for long-lasting use
- Connectivity issues in some areas
- Some users report inconsistent battery life
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G emerges as the best Android simple phone for those seeking simplicity without compromising performance. Boasting a high-quality 50 MP camera and a generous 5000 mAh battery, it excels in everyday use. Additionally, its user-friendly One UI enhances the overall experience, ensuring hassle-free technology usage.
While the Galaxy A54 5G impresses in many aspects, it’s worth noting that some have reported connectivity issues, and opinions on battery life vary. Nevertheless, its durable design and reliable performance establish it as the best Android simple phone for those who prioritize straightforward, efficient functionality in a phone.
SAMSUNG Galaxy A13 LTE Cell Phone
Best Entry-Level Simple Phone
- Brand
- SAMSUNG
- Display
- 6.6 Inches
- Storage
- 32 GB
- Operating System
- Android 12.0
- Camera (Rear, Front)
- 4 camera lenses
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE
- Micro SD card support
- Yes, up to 1TB
- Cost-effective entry-level option
- Equipped with a 6.6-inch Infinity-V HD+ display
- Long battery life for extended use
- Some users report slow photo capture
- Touch screen responsiveness issues
The SAMSUNG Galaxy A13 LTE Cell Phone is considered the best entry-level simple phone, offering functionality and affordability. With its expansive 6.6-inch display, this phone provides ample screen space. Additionally, utilizing a Micro SD card, it can expand its storage up to 1TB, making it ideal for beginners or those seeking a straightforward phone without the complexities of advanced models.
While the Galaxy A13 offers substantial benefits, there are some notable drawbacks. The responsiveness of the touchscreen and the speed of the camera may not meet everyone’s expectations. Nevertheless, the phone’s affordability and features secure its position as the best entry-level simple phone for everyday needs.
iPhone 13
Best Simple iPhone
$373 $594 Save $221
The Apple iPhone 13 is now two generations old but is still very capable of being a daily driver. The phone is powered by the A15 Bionic SoC and comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. There is a dual 12 MP camera system on the back which some would find to be dated, but it still delivers good picture and video quality.Â
- Brand
- Apple
- SoC
- A15 Bionic
- Display
- 6.1 inches
- Storage
- 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Ports
- Lightening port
- Operating System
- iOS 17
- Front camera
- 12 MP
- Dimensions
- 146.7×71.5×7.65mm
- Colors
- Green, Pink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, Product Red
- Weight
- 174 grams
- Main Camera
- 12 MP
- Wide-Angle Camera
- 12 MP
- Powered by the robust A15 Bionic chip
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display improves viewing
- Dual 12 MP cameras for high-quality photography
- Mixed reviews on ease of use
- Scratch resistance could be improved
The best simple iPhone on our list is the iPhone 13. With its A15 Bionic processor and 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, it offers a powerful combination of speed and visual clarity, making it a top choice in its price range. The availability of vibrant colors like Green, Pink, and Midnight appeals to a broad audience, adding a touch of personal style to the device’s premium feel.
Although it is praised for its performance and value, the iPhone 13 also has some limitation. Reviews suggest mixed feelings about its ease of use, with some noting the lack of scratch resistance as a downside. Nonetheless, for those ready to explore beyond Android, the iPhone 13 presents compelling reasons to consider, making it the best simple iPhone.
Asus Zenfone 10
Best Mid-Range Simple Phone
The Asus Zenfone 10 is the perfect blend of simple design and powerful internals. The phone runs the Snapdragon 8 Gen2 SoC with up to 16GB of RAM, which means it can run all modern games without breaking a sweat. It is a compact phone with a 5.9-inch display that supports up to 144 Hz refresh rate. While it may not have the edge-to-edge display of other bigger phones, the Zenfone 10 is one of the few one-handed use phones.Â
- Brand
- Asus
- SoC
- Snapdragon 8 Gen2
- Display
- 5.9-inch 144 Hz
- RAM
- 8 GB, 16 GB
- Storage
- 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
- Battery
- 4300 mAh
- Operating System
- Android 13
- Front camera
- 32MP
- Dimensions
- 146.5×68.1×9.4mm
- Weight
- 172g
- Charge speed
- 30W
- Main Camera
- 50MP Sony IMX766
- Wide-Angle Camera
- 13MP 120 degree FOV
- High-refresh-rate 5.9-inch display for smooth visuals
- Versatile storage options: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB
- Advanced 50MP main camera ensures high-quality photos
- Price may be steep for budget-conscious users
- Limited color options compared to competitors
The Asus Zenfone 10 is one of the best mid-range simple phone available today. Its compact 5.9-inch display with a high 144 Hz refresh rate offers users an exceptional viewing experience, ideal for browsing and media consumption. Furthermore, the Snapdragon 8 Gen2 SoC provides exceptional processing power and smooth operation across all tasks.
While the Zenfone 10 offers substantial benefits, it’s important to consider its higher price point. However, its premium features, including multiple storage options and a top-tier camera setup, justify the investment. This makes it a top pick for those seeking a powerful yet straightforward smartphone experience. Its build quality and user-friendly design further solidify its position as the best mid-range simple phone.
Samsung Galaxy A15
Best Budget Simple Phone
$134 $160 Save $26
- Brand
- Samsung
- RAM
- 6 GB
- Storage
- 128 GB
- Battery
- 5000 mAh
- Ports
- USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack
- Operating System
- Android
- Connectivity
- 4G LTE, Wireless
- Bright and adaptive screen technology
- Large 5000 mAh battery for extended use
- Generous 128GB storage and 6GB RAM
- Limited to 4G LTE, no 5G support
- Factory unlocked model may lack local warranty
- Audio jack present, but overall sound quality, not the best
- Some users may find the device bulky due to battery size
The Samsung Galaxy A15 is the best in the budget simple phone category, offering a vibrant display and robust performance. With its generous 128GB of storage paired with 6GB of RAM, it provides smooth operation for calling, texting, or light browsing. Additionally, its large 5000 mAh battery supports extended usage, catering to those who prefer minimal charging interruptions.
While the Galaxy A15 lacks 5G support, its 4G LTE capabilities deliver reliable connectivity. The inclusion of an audio jack adds to its flexibility, although some may find its sound quality slightly inferior to high-end models. Nevertheless, its overall value for money and performance position it as the best budget simple phone for those seeking simplicity without compromising functionality.
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How to Choose the Best Simple Phone
Selecting the ideal simple phone requires understanding key factors that contribute to usability and satisfaction. Consider factors like battery life, ease of use, and design when choosing, as these will greatly impact your daily experience. Each factor is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your needs.
Battery Life
One of the primary considerations when choosing a simple phone is its battery life. A long-lasting battery makes sure that you can go days without the need to recharge, making it ideal for those who need reliability over high-tech features.
User-Friendly Design
The user-friendly design of a simple phone is vital for those who prefer ease of use. Look for phones with straightforward interfaces, large buttons, and clear displays that make navigation and communication as simple as possible.
Build Quality
Build quality cannot be overlooked when selecting a simple phone. A well-built phone can withstand daily wear and tear, providing durability and longevity. Opt for models known for their robust construction and reliable performance.
FAQ
Q: Are simple phones good for seniors?
Absolutely, simple phones are excellent for seniors due to their easy-to-use interfaces and often feature larger buttons and displays.
Q: How long does the battery typically last on a simple phone?
Simple phones are known for their long battery life, often lasting several days on a single charge due to their less power-intensive features.
Q: Do simple phones have camera features?
While not as advanced as smartphones, simple phones come equipped with basic cameras suitable for capturing essential photos.
