The Basic Phone – A minimalist device between smartphone and dumbphone

Summary: The Basic Phone is a Linux-based device designed to reduce social media distractions by offering essential smartphone features without excess. It features a monochrome ePaper touchscreen with a keyboard, supports key apps like two-factor authentication and messaging, and emphasizes privacy, repairability, and open-source software.

What it does

The Basic Phone runs on low-end hardware with a black-and-white ePaper display and physical keyboard, providing calling, texting, GPS, notes, alarm, weather, calculator, camera, e-reader, calendar, music, and a limited web browser hosted on cloud servers. It supports apps such as WhatsApp, Discord, Messenger, two-factor authentication, ride sharing, banking, and email while blocking distracting or malicious sites.

Who it's for

It targets users seeking to limit social media addiction, including individuals with discipline challenges, high performers wanting fewer distractions, and parents concerned about uncontrolled app installations.

Why it matters

The phone addresses issues of social media overuse, privacy invasion, and device repair difficulties by providing a focused, modular, and privacy-respecting alternative to smartphones.