Surviving Modern Life with a Flip Phone (Barely)
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Mama was right: Smartphones are frying our brains. App locks, screentime reminders, digital detoxes: we’ve tried them all. Nothing sticks because honestly? We’r

I’ve been using a flip phone as my daily driver for a while now. The smartphone is still around, but it mostly sits in a drawer until bureaucracy or banking apps force me to use it.

For me, the benefits are clear: less distraction, more focus, better sleep. But I know for many people it’s not so easy. Essential apps, social pressure, work requirements… these are real blockers.

I’d like to start a discussion (almost like an informal poll):

  • If you thought about switching, what’s the single biggest thing that holds you back?

  • Is it banking? Messaging? Maps? Something else?

I’m genuinely curious because if we can identify the main pain points, maybe it’s possible to work on solutions or even start a small project around it.

So: what would need to change for you to actually give a flip phone a try?

  • Miroul@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    2·
    11 hours ago

    Try the HiSense A9 Pro. I don’t have one personally but from what I have seen and read, it can run Lineage OS quite well (actually better than it’s own Android OS). I am considering it eventually but haven’t made the move yet. Currently on Moto Razr 2024 which I am using with mostly FOSS apps and no social media whatsoever. I used to have a Pixel 9 Pro running Graphene OS which I truly enjoyed but it died on me and the warranty was not applicable due to me having installed that unsupported OS… So yeah, shit happens and I got myself this Razr for good price urgently since I was travelling when it happened.

    • muhyb@programming.devEnglish
      1·
      9 hours ago

      Thanks for the suggestion, seems actually nice with all the ability to install a custom ROM. Sadly, it’s not practical for me to get it from abroad because of our government’s horrendous regulations about buying anything from outside of the country unless you are a trader. Even if I manage to buy it without any problems, there is also IMEI unlock fee which is almost the same price with this phone. My best bet would be, get this phone via a friend who comes from abroad and change the IMEI to my old phone. So, not soon but maybe some day.