Today, there are dumbphones with WhatsApp. Everyone who is older remembers the old phones of the past. They are often referred to by similar names: the basic phone, the dumbphone, the feature phone, or the “brick phone”. There are even flip phones among the selection for those who prefer them. What they share in common is that they are not smartphones. They can only come with a few advanced features, like WhatsApp. Here, you can explore the best dumbphones with WhatsApp, along with descriptions of how WhatsApp works on each phone. As this is a productivity-focused website, we also delve into the phone’s impact on productivity.
Can I use WhatsApp on dumbphone?
You can use WhatsApp on some dumbphones. Not all of them support WhatsApp, and you should always check that before buying. You should also be prepared because WhatsApp won’t work the same as on a smartphone. Some features like video calling might not work. Many dumbphones don’t have touchscreens, so you might need to use navigation keys on the keypad. You may also have to use the numeric keypad to write WhatsApp messages.
Another important thing is is to manage your expectations when transitioning from a smartphone to a dumbphone. Dumbphones might not operate as swiftly as smartphones. Nonetheless, dumbphones offer distinct advantages over smartphones. These include increased productivity due to reduced screen time, being good for people who don’t want to learn about smartphones, and being suitable for working in harsh environments.
What to pay attention to when buying dumbphones with WhatsApp?
Always check whether the dumbphone can be used in your country or continent. Some phones may not be compatible or usable with today’s networks available in your area. Most dumbphones sold in online or physical stores for your country or area won’t have that problem, as they sell phones that work in your location.
However, online there are many different web stores, with some selling globally. When buying from these stores, check the compatibility of networks. Also, make sure that you order the right version of the phone. Many phones come in various models for different markets, e.g., a phone for the Chinese market, a phone for the US market, etc. Get the right phone for the place where you live.
Now, here is a list of some of the best feature phones with WhatsApp.
AGM M7
This phone boasts the perfect aesthetic of a rugged brick phone, while still incorporating some smartphone functionalities. It is designed for people who work in factories, construction, and demanding environments where durability is important. As a rugged phone, it is built to withstand drops, dust, and water. Additionally, it features a long-lasting battery. The device is equipped with both a touchscreen and a basic phone keyboard. It also comes preloaded with a selection of essential apps, including WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, and more. WhatsApp operates smoothly on this phone, making it ideal for quick replies. Moreover, it supports 4G connectivity.
How does WhatsApp work here? This phone has a touchscreen. So you use the touchscreen to enter and use WhatsApp. For writing messages, you use the numeric keypad.
How does this phone help productivity? The AGM M7 features a touchscreen for easy navigation, internet browsing, and app usage. But the screen is small so you will end up using it only for productive activities. For writing everything you have to use a hard keyboard, ideal for people using gloves at work, but less suitable for composing lengthy posts on social media. This is good for avoiding excessive phone usage. Additionally, it allows the installation of additional Android apps (such as email readers) via APK files, though compatibility varies for different apps.
The phone also includes numerous features designed for use in harsh environments: a torch for illuminating dark spaces, a reliable 2MP rear camera (good enough for capturing notes), a loudspeaker to ensure calls are heard in noisy surroundings, durability against elements and drops, video calling capability with a 0.3MP front camera, a customizable key, dual SIM support, and a removable, long-lasting 2500mAh battery.
Conclusion: This is a dumbphone with a touchscreen so navigating apps such as WhatsApp is easy. It’s also possible to install additional Android apps. The numeric keyboard will prevent you from writing long posts on social media (good for productivity). Resistance and many work features make it an ideal phone for those working in harsh environments and people who spend time outdoors.
| Model | AGM M7 |
| Display | 2.4in, touchscreen |
| Operating system | based on Android 8.1 |
| Camera | Rear camera: 2MP and Front Camera: 0.3MP |
| Memory and storage | RAM: 1GB, Internal Storage: 8GB, supports memory card |
| Battery and charging | 2500mAh, removable, USB Type-C charging |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, Hotspot, USB Type-C |
| Processor | MT6739 |
| Audio | Headphone jack is shared with USB Type-C port |
| Network | GSM, 3G, 4G, there are models with Dual SIM and single SIM, SIM size: Nano |
| Additional functions | FM Radio (Headset required), very loud speaker, customizable side key, LED torch on top of the phone, you can buy a charging dock |
Nokia 8000 4G
The Nokia 8000 4G operates on the KaiOS platform. This means it comes equipped with essential features such as WhatsApp, Google Maps for navigation, and Facebook integration. Additionally, it offers functionalities like email, hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity, a headphone jack, Wi-Fi, and more. It is designed primarily for individuals seeking a traditional phone experience without the distractions associated with smartphones. On the other hand, it incorporates crucial smartphone features like WhatsApp and Google Maps for navigation. The plastic case is sturdy, so this means that the phone will survive an accidental drop.
How does WhatsApp work here? WhatsApp messaging is available, but audio and video calling through WhatsApp are not supported. Navigating within WhatsApp is accomplished using the phone’s navigation keys, while typing messages involves using the numeric keypad.
How does this phone help productivity? The phone features a large 2.8-inch display that is spacious enough for comfortable app usage. It provides the most essential apps – WhatsApp, Google Maps for navigation, YouTube and Facebook and online browser. You navigate the phone using the navigation keys and input text using the numeric keypad. The phone doesn’t have a touchscreen. The numeric keyboard is hard, so typing can be slow if you have larger fingers.
The phone uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 CPU, so it’s good enough for basic tasks but not a powerhouse like a smartphone. Therefore, you won’t be using the phone for many fun, time-wasting activities. The 2MP rear camera is also good for snapping a photo of an important note.
Conclusion: This phone is an excellent choice for people seeking an attractive dumbphone with WhatsApp. It has crucial features such as WhatsApp, YouTube and online browser. They are essential for staying connected and searching for information online. Additionally, the phone also has Google Maps for navigation.
| Model | Nokia 8000 4G |
| Display | 2.8in |
| Operating system | KaiOS |
| Camera | Rear camera: 2MP |
| Memory and storage | RAM: 512MB, Internal storage: 4GB, supports memory card |
| Battery and charging | 1500mAh, removable, Micro USB charging |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, Hotspot, Micro USB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 |
| Audio | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Network | GSM, 3G, 4G, Dual SIM, SIM Size: Nano |
| Additional functions | FM Radio (Headset required) |
Nokia 6300 4G
Nokia 6300 4G also operates on KaiOS installed, but it comes at a more affordable price compared to the Nokia 8000 4G. The lower cost is probably because of a slightly smaller screen and worse camera. Having a KaiOS, this means that it also has smartphone features like Google Maps, WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, e-mail and more. It also has a headphone jack, Wi-Fi, Hotspot and other functionalities. This phone offers all the essential smartphone features while avoiding the time-wasting features of the smartphone. Furthermore, the phone is also quite durable.
How does WhatsApp work here? WhatsApp messaging is available, but audio and video calling through WhatsApp are not supported. Navigating within WhatsApp is accomplished using the phone’s navigation keys, while typing messages involves using the numeric keypad.
How does this phone help productivity? The phone has a slightly smaller display than Nokia 8000, but still big enough to use apps comfortably. It also possesses crucial apps – WhatsApp, Google Maps for navigation, YouTube and Facebook and online browsing. You navigate the phone by using navigation keys and type by using a numeric keypad. Nokia 6300 4G also doesn’t have a touchscreen. The keyboard is hard, and can be a problem for those with larger fingers.
Nokia 6300 4G has the same CPU as Nokia 8000 – Qualcomm Snapdragon 210. The CPU is well-suited for handling basic tasks, although it is not as powerful as those found in smartphones. The rear camera is VGA, which means it’s not as advanced as the one on the Nokia 8000 4G.
Conclusion: This is another great phone from Nokia, ideal for those seeking a beautiful dumbphone with WhatsApp. It offers essential features including WhatsApp, YouTube, and Google Maps, much like the Nokia 8000 4G. It’s also cheaper than Nokia 8000 4G, which is good if you don’t care about camera and a slightly smaller screen.
| Model | Nokia 6300 4G |
| Display | 2.4in |
| Operating system | KaiOS |
| Camera | Rear camera: VGA |
| Memory and storage | RAM: 512MB, Internal storage: 4GB, supports memory card |
| Battery and charging | 1500mAh, removable, Micro USB charging |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, Hotspot, Micro USB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 |
| Audio | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Network | GSM, 3G, 4G, Dual SIM, SIM size: Nano |
| Additional functions | FM Radio (Headset required) |
For the lovers of Nokia dumbphones, check out this article Minimalist Nokia phones: find out the best one.
Doro 7030
This is a great 4G flip phone made mainly for the European market and great for all the flip phone lovers. The phone can’t install additional apps, but it has Facebook. It also has a great WhatsApp app, which you can use for audio calls, and also video calls through a front-facing camera. This makes Doro 7030 a good productive phone without any distracting apps, but still having an advanced WhatsApp functionality. Other features are a browser, e-mail, music, dual SIM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, headphone jack, Wi-Fi, dual SIM and more. The phone build is also quite sturdy.
Doro 7030 has a big assistance button on the back of the phone. If you press the button, the phone will send an alert to emergency contacts. It will then contact the emergency services if the emergency contacts don’t respond. This is great if you are buying a phone for the elderly or people who need additional assistance. They can contact someone with a press of a button, in case of falls or other emergency. The keyboard is also big and easy-to-use, an additional point if you are buying the phone for elderly or for those who need additional help.
How does WhatsApp work here? Aside from texting, it supports WhatsApp video and audio calls. You use the phone keypad for typing text because the phone doesn’t have a touchscreen.
How does this phone help productivity? This is a highly functional minimalistic dumbphone with WhatsApp as it includes only Facebook, WhatsApp, and online browsing. This phone is meant for essential tasks, so you won’t waste much time online. The rear camera is also effective for capturing clear photos of notes.
Conclusion: This is a very good minimalistic dumbphone with WhatsApp for those who only need that app on their phone. The WhatsApp app also comes with audio and video calling, which is an extra bonus.
| Model | Doro 7030 |
| Display | 2.8in |
| Operating system | DorOS |
| Camera | Rear camera: 3MP and Front Camera |
| Memory and storage | RAM: 512MB, Internal Storage: 4GB, supports memory card |
| Battery and charging | 1350mAh, removable, Micro USB charging |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, Hotspot, Micro USB |
| Processor | MT6731V/ZA or MT8765WB |
| Audio | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Network | GSM, 3G, 4G, Dual SIM, SIM Size: Nano |
| Additional functions | FM Radio (Headset required), emergency assistance button, can be charged with a charging cradle |
Nokia 2720 Flip
This Nokia 4G flip phone operates on KaiOS and comes with a highly functional WhatsApp app. It also has Facebook, Google Maps, Twitter, YouTube, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, e-mail, headphone jack and more. The Nokia 2720 Flip offers QR code scanning ability. On the side of the phone, it has a dedicated Google Assistant button. It also has a front display, which shows who’s calling, tells time and more. The phone also has a sturdy build. This is still one of the best flip phones on the market, and it’s great for people who like flipping their phone when answering and ending calls.
How does WhatsApp work here? WhatsApp messaging is available, but audio and video calling through WhatsApp are not supported. Navigating within WhatsApp is accomplished using the phone’s navigation keys, while typing messages involves using the numeric keypad.
How does this phone help productivity? 2.8 inch display means that using this phone will be comfortable. It also has many apps (and you can install more) like WhatsApp, Google Maps, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. You use the phone by using the keypad, as the phone doesn’t have a touchscreen. Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 processor will provide sufficient performance, but don’t expect this phone to be as powerful as the smartphone. The 2MP camera is suitable for capturing occasional images of significant notes and scanning QR codes when there is adequate lighting.
Overall, this phone has WhatsApp and performs sufficient tasks quite well, so you will be using it for necessary things, and not for many time-wasting activities.
Conclusion: Nokia 2720 Flip is for those who want their Nokia dumbphone to be a flip phone. Aside from it’s beautiful design, it has all the crucial apps that you need and also a good WhatsApp app.
| Model | Nokia 2720 Flip |
| Display | 2.8in |
| Operating system | KaiOS |
| Camera | Rear camera: 2MP |
| Memory and storage | RAM: 512MB, Internal Storage: 4GB, supports memory card |
| Battery and charging | 1500mAh, removable, Micro USB charging |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, Hotspot, Micro USB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 |
| Audio | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Network | GSM, 3G, 4G, Dual SIM, SIM Size: Nano |
| Additional functions | FM Radio (Headset required), Google Assistant button |
Did you like the article about dumbphones with WhatsApp? Dumbphones are great for getting rid of smartphone addiction. Check out the rest of the articles in the dumbphone series to learn more about them:
Why use a dumbphone instead of smartphone?
Turn iPhone into a dumbphone
Rugged dumbphones: find the best one
