If your goal is to spend less time scrolling, checking social media and getting distracted by notifications, I’d recommend a basic 4G feature phone with calls, texts and very limited internet functionality. The ideal digital-detox phone should make it easy to contact people while making it inconvenient to fall back into smartphone habits.

The key is choosing a phone that is genuinely basic, rather than a smartphone in a different-looking case.

My top picks

1. HMD 105 4G

Around £15–£30, depending on version and retailer

The best place to start if you want calls, texts, a physical keypad and very little temptation. It has a small screen and a basic feature set, without the usual smartphone apps. Ideal if you want to keep costs down and make a clean break from scrolling.

2. HMD 2660 Flip

Around £50–£70

Best overall for a digital detox. The flip design makes answering and ending calls feel deliberate, while the physical buttons and small display discourage extended use. It is a good everyday phone if you still want something comfortable and familiar.

3. Nokia 110 4G

Around £20–£40

Best simple traditional handset. A straightforward bar-shaped phone for everyday calls and texts, with a keypad and basic extras. A sensible alternative if you dislike flip phones. Check the exact model year before buying, as features vary.

4. Punkt MP02

Price is around £200

Best for intentional minimalism. It has a distinctive, understated design and focuses on communication rather than entertainment. It costs substantially more than a basic Nokia-style phone, so I would choose it for its design and minimalist philosophy, not value for money.

What I would buy

For most people in the UK, I’d choose the HMD 105 4G for the cheapest experiment or the HMD 2660 Flip for a more enjoyable everyday experience. The latter is my pick if you want your phone to feel like a useful tool rather than a miniature entertainment centre.

Before ordering, check three things:

  • 4G and VoLTE compatibility: Older 2G/3G-only phones are a poor long-term bet. Check compatibility with your UK network and the exact model.
  • WhatsApp and maps: Basic phones generally have limited app support. If you rely on these daily, consider keeping your smartphone at home or using it only when necessary.
  • SIM compatibility: Check whether the handset is unlocked and supports your existing SIM.

How to make your digital detox stick

Buying a basic phone is only half the solution. Move your SIM across, tell important contacts your new number if necessary, and leave your smartphone switched off in a drawer. Keep a computer for banking, emails and tasks that genuinely need a browser.

Give yourself two weeks before deciding whether you need more features. You may find that the inconvenience of not having instant access to everything is precisely what helps.

My final verdict: Start with the HMD 105 4G if you want an inexpensive, no-frills phone. Choose the HMD 2660 Flip if you want something more satisfying to use daily. Either is a more sensible starting point than spending hundreds on a specialist minimalist handset.