“not a phone”
“not a phone” is a device for phone-free living in the modern world
the problem
(1) smartphones are addictive, but essential
(2) tools for navigating the modern world are baked in: maps, transport, payments, banking
(3) choosing a “dumb phone” or leaving your phone at home is too impractical
taking the subway, paying for your coffee, finding your way around a city, and managing your finances without being tethered to the rest of the world should be an option
but right now, it isn’t
the solution
“not a phone” fills that gap without sacrificing the convenience of smartphones
a standalone handheld device that just handles the essentials
it’s not a phone. no calls. no messaging. no social media.
use it alongside any secondary device - a nokia, an iphone - or none at all
there are days when you need phone. and days when you don’t. “not a phone” gives you the flexibility to choose how you show up in the world
the tech
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clicky buttons and keyboard - less errors and faster than typing on a touch screen (blackberry’s patent expired in feb 2025)
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android os
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app store limited to the essentials
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smarter at its core: preloaded maps based on calendar events/predictions of user patterns, more accurate location, longer battery life, nfc wallet, secure two-factor authentication, camera to scan qr codes (e.g. ebike hire), fingerprint unlock
competitors
“smart dumb phones” simplify smartphones to reduce distraction. but the friction they introduce compromises essential functionality: maps load slower, typing is frustrating, and screens are inconvenient
differentiator
while “smart dumb phones” try to make smartphones less distracting (imo, still too close to a smartphone), “not a phone” unbundles practicality from entertainment, resulting in a device customised and better suited for it’s use for the essentials.
“not a phone” is the only device that lets you go completely phone-free in the modern world
faq
what if i want to call or text someone?
use a phone.
how will i distract myself?
you’ll find that the world is a wonderful, interesting place. all you need to do is look.
if you want to help make “not a phone” - reach out :)