Tool Reviews

Despite many theories that cellular devices will soon leave the modern electronics market, there are still enough buyers for this type of gadget. In addition, the demand for conventional communication devices is only growing against the backdrop of the development of the flagship smartphone segment. And the target audience of conventional mobile devices is very diverse – from the elderly to modern users. Given these circumstances, we have compiled a rating of the best feature phones in 2021, which includes several types of such devices:

1. All-in-one phones are classic square and quadrilateral mobile devices that appeal with their simple design and convenient folding buttons. They can have different sizes, options, price.
2. Rugged phones – the case of such products is made of impact-resistant plastic and metal. As a rule, such devices comply with military standards and IP-68 protection class, therefore they are not afraid of moisture and are suitable for use in extreme conditions.
3. Slider phones – consist of two parts, one of which rises on hinges, and under it there are controls. There are few such wear-resistant solutions, but they are convenient in their own way;
4. Flip phones: consist of a lock with keys and a separate pop-up screen. Often these models have two displays, one of which displays notifications.

It is worth adding that there are also walkie-talkies on sale that combine different communication standards, but this is a very narrow and specialized technique that we did not consider in our top.

Good inexpensive cell phones

If you are looking for a cheap but good mobile phone not for entertainment but only for communication, you might be able to find the right device in this collection. Such products are unlikely to match the high power or functionality, but for communications it is. We took into account the quality of signal reception based on customer feedback. At the same time, we have tried to present the most modern and new devices on the market.

BQ 2815 Only

The first 20 push-button phones are opened by a budget mobile phone of the BQ 2815 Only series with a clear IPS display and a small body. The device weighs 66 grams. At the same time, many users speak positively about the capacious battery, elegant design and durable plastic case. The battery capacity is 1000 mAh, which should be enough for 2 days of communication by sharing and sending different files via 2G. But in practice, many users complain about poor battery life. I am glad that the device has a fairly clear 2.8-inch screen, 32 MB of RAM. Screen resolution – 240×320 pixels.

Advantages:

• elegant body;
• good strength;
• light;
• good exposure.

Flaws:

• download quickly.

Philips Xenium E125

Considering good budget mobile phones, one cannot ignore the fact that there is a fairly modern model of the Philips Xenium E125 series with a 1.77-inch QVGA screen (resolution 160 by 120 pixels). The model has a good chip based on the MTK6261 single-chip system, which indicates stable operation in GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz networks. At the same time, the manufacturer took care of the presence of two slots for a SIM card, there is a microSD to increase the internal memory up to 16 gigabytes. This is enough to store home photos taken with a simple camera with a resolution of 0.08 megapixels. The model supports radio, MP3 sound recording. There is a slot for headphones. The battery capacity is 2000 mAh, which is enough for 28 hours of talk time.

Advantages:

• low price;
• stable work;
• blank screen;
• there is a radio;
• sound recording.

Flaws:

• the camera is useless.

Nokia 105DS

Another cheap mobile phone with a good battery, released a few years earlier. At the same time, the proven model impresses with its elegant design, robust housing and long service life. The battery lasts for 15 hours of talk time. Batteries in standby mode, judging by user reviews, last up to a month. The mobile device of this series supports 2 SIM-cards and is equipped with a standard set of Nokia games. It is noteworthy that there is support for the classic Snake Xenzia. Satisfied with the elegant design of the device and good sound level.

Advantages:

• good speakers;
• compact size;
• life expectancy;
• durable construction;
• clear display.

Flaws:

BQ 3590 Step XXL+

BQ 3590 Step XXL + is one of the modern push-button mobile phones with an optimal set of necessary functions. At the same time, the gadget attracts with its compact size, thoughtful one-piece body, which is easy and comfortable to hold in your hand. Large split keys are provided for ease of use. The edges of the body are rounded. On the front, you can find a fairly crisp 3.5-inch display that’s a pleasure to use for browsing media and selecting contacts. The internal memory can be expanded up to 64GB via microSD. The set of functions includes a receiver and Bluetooth. The model supports two slots for SIM-cards.

Advantages:

• two SIM cards;
• blank screen;
• there is a radio;
• big buttons.

Flaws:

Nokia 105SS

The best low-cost feature phone of 2021 is the Nokia 105 SS series model with a compact but clear screen. The height of this device is only 11.2 centimeters with a 1.4-inch display with a resolution of 120 by 160 pixels. At the same time, the device in a compact body has fairly large buttons and an 800 mAh battery. In talk mode, this is enough for 12 and a half hours. Customer reviews speak of the long battery life expected from Nokia. The model attracts with its elegant design and dynamics. In terms of functionality and management, everything is extremely simple. The price, as you know, is very loyal and adequate.

Advantages:

• resistant body;
• small size;
• bright screen;
• low price;
• simple control.

Flaws:

The Best Feature Phones for Seniors

What is important when choosing a mobile phone for a grandfather? First, a mobile phone with a large screen allows you to clearly see the contacts and menu items. Secondly, there must be durable buttons with optimal distance between the keys, so that it is comfortable to use and erroneous clicks (accidental clicks) can be avoided. Thirdly, the display must have a good level of brightness, which will simplify the process of using the gadget when exposed to sunlight.

OLMIO M22

We are talking about a simple but reliable phone without the Internet, which has modest dimensions and good signal reception. The model supports 2 SIM-cards, works with GSM 900/1800/1900 frequencies. The battery capacity is 1000 mAh, which is enough for 12-14 hours of talk time without recharging. At the same time, a good overview is provided by a 2.4-inch display with a resolution of 320 by 240 pixels. The gadget weighs about 89 grams, it has rather large buttons. There’s plenty of file storage space, and there’s a microSD/SDHC card slot if you need to add up to 32 gigabytes.

Advantages:

• 6 LED lights;
• clear buttons;
• good display;
• battery life.

Flaws:

• very simple camera.

TeXetTM-B217

Another push-button phone model with a good 1.77-inch screen. TeXet TM-B217 has a compact size, supports Internet access in 2G networks, includes two slots for using SIM cards of two operators. It is extremely difficult to find fault with the sharpness and color reproduction of the display. There is a separate SOS button on the back panel, with which you can call an emergency call with one touch. By the way, the developers took care of the presence of a modest 0.3-megapixel camera and FM radio. It is worth noting that the device supports MP3 format to play your favorite songs.

Advantages:

• resistant body;
• large display;
• brightness level;
• button position.

Flaws:

• poor internet speed;
• simple camera.

Nokia 106

Many users have chosen Nokia 106 and have not regretted their choice. A practical and convenient push-button telephone for grandparents, children, practical and modern people has a long service life and optimal technical characteristics. The case is not afraid of minor mechanical damage and has materials that are pleasant to the touch. In trading mode, the battery lasts approximately 15 hours, which is excellent considering the large 1.8-inch screen and small body. The memory is enough to store 2000 contacts or 500 SMS. Among other things, this device has powerful speakers and a pleasant appearance.

Advantages:

• wide scope of use;
• big screen;
• built-in memory;
• self-employment;
• speakers.

Flaws:

BQ 2441 Comfort

Already from the photo it is easy to guess that we are talking about a good push-button phone, complete with which you can find a platform for storing goods. At the same time, the device pleases with a clear screen and equipment with good GSM signal reception. Options include an emergency call button, a flashlight and a radio receiver. The 2.4-inch screen has a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels with a sharpness of 167 PPI. Each menu item is clearly visible even in excessive natural light. The battery capacity is 1450 mAh, which is enough for 12 hours of talk time.

Advantages:

• compact size;
• blank screen;
• weight 110 grams;
• convenient phone;
• good connection.

Flaws:

Nokia 3310 Dual Sim

The best feature phone for the elderly in 2021 is the Nokia 3310 Dual Sim, which has the recognizable design of one of the company’s most popular products. The iconic form factor features a large 2.4″ TFT screen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. Standard 2G digital communication (GPRS / EDGE) is supported. As a result, you can send SMS, MMS with photos and other multimedia files. The gadget supports 16 megabytes of internal memory, but a microSD slot is present if the internal volume seems small. In addition, the manufacturer took care of the presence of a speaker and a slot for using two SIM-cards at the same time. Of the shortcomings, only the high price can be noted against the background of analogues, but this is due to the significant strength of the device.

Advantages:

• life expectancy;
• good connection;
• speaker;
• good speaker;
• hull quality.

Flaws:

• not low price.

The best feature phones with a good battery

For people who spend a lot of time on a business trip or need a long battery life of their mobile phone, we have collected models with the most powerful batteries. Such devices may support the Powerbank function. That is, replace the device with charging other gadgets, including smart watches, smartphones, etc.

TeXet ТМ-D430

Model TeXet TM-D430 with a powerful 4100 mAh battery recharges the power of push-button phones. In addition, the device weighs less than 150 grams. One of the main features of a mobile phone is the support for the Powerbank function, with which you can charge other gadgets. The device has Bluetooth, two slots for SIM-cards, a mini-jack for connecting headphones and a microSD slot (you can expand the memory up to 16 gigabytes). There is a camera with a simple 0.3 megapixel sensor. It’s hard to take good photos with this camera. I was pleased with the quality of the plastic case with a matte back cover and a large 2.4-inch screen with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels.

Advantages:

• big screen;
• Powerbank tasks;
• light;
• hull quality.

Flaws:

• weak camera.

Itel it5631

Considering reliable mobile phones with a good battery, it is difficult to ignore the model of the Itel it5631 series. The monoblock device received a 2.8-inch screen with a resolution of 320 by 240 pixels. The battery capacity is 4000 mAh. The rugged phone has a plastic body with a matte finish and weighs only 73 grams. The functionality is complemented by a radio and a bright flashlight. The camera has a simple 0.3 megapixel lens, complete with a flash. It is worth noting the presence of a slot for a memory card, the volume of which can be 32 GB.

Advantages:

• light;
• resistant body;
• stable work;
• memory card up to 32GB.

Flaws:

• small buttons.

MAXVI P20

Another unusual push-button phone with a powerful battery and Power Bank support. In addition, the MAXVI P20 series model supports the Bluetooth speaker function, which allows you to delight others with really good surround sound. The battery capacity is 5500 mAh. Another feature is the built-in karaoke function, which attracts with its efficiency and extreme simplicity. Suitable for a compact microphone of sufficient quality. Users respond positively to notification settings, including data about an incoming call, messages, and an alarm clock. You can expand the internal memory using a microSD card up to 32 GB.

Advantages:

• good screen;
• sound quality;
• karaoke function;
• large battery;
• Bluetooth speaker.

Flaws:

BQ 3587 Disco Boom

The best mobile phone with a good battery in 2021 is the BQ 3587 Disco Boom with a 5000 mAh battery. The advantages of the device include a large speaker, Bluetooth speaker function, Powerbank. The composition includes a large display, music control buttons. There is a slot for using two SIM cards, a USB cable is included. Customers speak positively about the power of the vibrating alert and dual flashlights. It is worth noting the elegant design, pleasant to the touch buttons and high-quality sound.

Advantages:

• large battery;
• good sound;
• Bluetooth speaker;
• there is a power bank.

Flaws:

Rating of mobile phones with a good camera

The vast majority of mobile phones are equipped with practically useless 0.3-megapixel cameras, from which you should not expect good images even in daylight, natural light. Not really worth talking about the video. More or less, premium phones from Nokia and a number of other manufacturers stand out against their background, but it should be noted right away that mobile devices a priori cannot please with good images. Yes, there are models with more advanced lenses, but this is not enough to create materials with good detail.

Nokia 2720 Flip

If you’re looking for a good flip phone with a decent camera, the Nokia 2720 Flip is probably worth checking out. This gadget differs from competitors not only by its high cost and form factor, but also by the support of the 4G standard. Added support for useful apps, including Google Assistant. Popular social networks and messaging apps are available, including WhatsApp and Facebook. As you may have guessed, the Nokia 2720 Flip has two displays at the same time: the outer one shows notifications. Fairly good performance is confirmed by Qualcomm 205 support. The main camera has an acceptable 2-megapixel sensor.

Advantages:

• two displays;
• good feature;
• large sensor;
• integrated applications.

Flaws:

MAXVI P15

The MAXVI P15 model, although it does not support as many useful options as the new generation, is a really good push-button phone with a powerful battery and a 1.3 megapixel camera (there is a flash), which the novelty cannot boast of. At the same time, the latest generation device has a 2500 mAh battery, which is enough for 500 hours of battery life. The weight of the structure is 132 grams. And this despite the fact that the composition includes a 2.8-inch display with a resolution of 320 by 240 pixels. You can also use this device to charge other devices via the USB input. Another plus is 3 sims.

Advantages:

• other devices can be charged;
• big screen;
• good flash;
• I have 3 sim cards.

Flaws:

• no for this price

Nokia 8110 4G

The best mobile phone slider this year according to PriceQuality is Nokia 8110 with 4G support. At the same time, the device has a 2 megapixel camera with which you can take high-quality photos for this class. Decent performance and stable operation of the mobile phone are justified by the support of a 20-core chip. It should be added that the device received Wi-Fi support for using the Internet. We can talk about the elegant design of the curved device for a long time. On the front is a 2.45-inch screen that guarantees good brightness and high resolution.

Advantages:

• elegant design;
• support 4G;
• good camera;
• there is Wi-Fi;
• clear display.

Flaws:

The best secure mobile phones

This section brings together the leaders among rugged smartphones with IP-68 protection rating (water and dust resistance class) with a durable housing and an excellent price / quality ratio. We have listened to customer feedback on the durability and stability of these devices. With their help, you don’t have to worry about phones falling from above, the devices can be used at low temperatures, in places with a lot of moisture and dust (hunting, fishing, etc.).

OLMIO X05

The OLMIO X05 series model fills the list of the best rugged phones today, supporting 2 SIM cards, a 1700 mAh battery, a radio and a flashlight. The battery life of this gadget reaches 480 hours. At the same time, the gadget supports the IP-68 protection class, which indicates excellent protection of the device from dust and moisture. The case is made of metal and plastic, and the back cover provides excellent grip thanks to the grooved surface. Despite this, the weight of the structure is only 139 grams. It is worth noting the good quality of the 2.4-inch display with a pixel density of 167 PPI – the image is sharp enough for this price. The camera includes a 1.3-megapixel sensor with flash support.

Advantages:

• good battery;
• body strength;
• clear display;
• good sound.

Flaws:

• it’s not the most popular brand.

TeXetTM-530R

Among the variety of good shock-resistant mobile phones, the model of the TeXet TM-530R series deserves special attention, for the manufacture of which reliable plastic was used. The model is not afraid of frost, thunderstorms, rain and heat. The case is equipped with excellent plugs and gaskets that keep the device in good condition even in case of a fall from a height. The battery capacity is 3500mAh, which is enough for a week of work. Of course, the device complies with the IP-68 protection class.

Advantages:

• protection class;
• elegant design;
• screen 2.4 inches;
• large battery;
• convenient buttons.

Flaws:

BQ 2430 Tank Power

The best feature phone of 2021 is the BQ 2430 Tank Power with a rugged design, large battery and good value for money. The device has a clear 2.4-inch screen and a powerful 4000 mAh battery. In addition, there is a simple camera, two flashlights and a Powerbank function. I’m glad that the radio can be used without connecting headphones. There is a slot for two SIM cards and one memory card (up to 32GB). The package includes cable, coupon, battery and charger. There is no flash in the camera, the sensor resolution is only 0.3 megapixels. Given the value for money, there will be no quibbling about the simplicity of the photo block. It is worth noting the long service life of the product and the elegant design.

Advantages:

• durable model;
• high body strength;
• protected camera;
• you can give a push;
• big screen.

Flaws:

How to choose a good push-button phone?

First of all, you need to understand which classes of mobile phones are specifically designed for you. An elderly person is unlikely to need the functions of a power bank, light music or karaoke. You need a simple phone with a bright big screen. At the same time, a builder or a lover of extreme sports needs a rugged device with a rubberized housing and an IP-68 protection class. If you do not know how to choose a suitable mobile phone, please consider the following aspects:

1. Connection quality. Support for mobile phones from 2G (calls and images) to 4G (fast Internet). There are practically no phones with 1G. This is where your needs come into play. For grandparents, as a rule, a phone without the Internet is suitable, which provides significant savings.
2. Screen. Display size as well as resolution can vary widely. The larger the screen, the higher the brightness and clarity (measured in PPI), the clearer the contacts are visible when exposed to natural light (sunlight).
3. Battery. It can range from 1000 to 5000 mAh. As a rule, high-capacity batteries have protected phones, which allows you to use equipment offline for 500 hours or more.
4. Number of SIM cards. Phones can support from 2 to 4 SIM cards. You have to proceed from how many operators you use.
5. Options. Some modern models have the ability to transfer charge (power bank function) to other devices, may have large and powerful speakers (replace portable speakers), are equipped with professional voice recorders and even karaoke functions. As a rule, one of the market leaders BQ pleases with additional options.
6. Case type: on sale you can find sliders, clamshells, classic monoblocks and rugged devices.
7. Camera. Models with a sensor up to 0.3 megapixels are generally not capable of taking good photos. In such devices, the lens has rather a decorative value. If you want to take more or less sharp photos, you need to focus on sensors with a resolution of 1.3 to 2 megapixels with flash support.
8. Protection class. Compliance with the IP68 / IP69K standard means that the model is not afraid of moisture and dust. Military standards are responsible for impact resistance. However, even on the body you can visually understand whether the phone is afraid of blows from above or not. Rugged, shock-resistant phones have rubber, metal, and earphone seals. This negatively affects the weight and dimensions.

What is the best mobile phone to buy in 2021?

In fact, we’ve covered brief reviews of quite a few different cellular devices. This, first of all, speaks of the abundance of good products on the market. At the same time, this same fact creates difficulties with the choice. If you don’t know what to buy a feature phone, start with the needs. Our conclusion:

1. Cheap phone with a good camera – MAXVI P15;
2. Economy model for 2 SIM cards – Nokia 105 DS;
3. The best shockproof push-button phone – BQ 2430 Tank Power;
4. Elegant case with a good camera – Nokia 8110;
5. Reliable mobile device with a powerful battery – BQ 3587 Disco Boom;
6. A good phone for the elderly with a big screen is the Nokia 3310 Dual Sim.

We invite you to join the discussion of models so that other users better understand the gadgets that are popular today.