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Comment by shepherdjerred | Hacker News Reader

How much harder is it to own one of these phones vs an iPhone? I loved hacking on my smartphone when I was in high school, but now I'd like something that just works (or at least requires only a small amount of effort).

I'd really like a barebones phone that has only the bare essentials, ideally not even a web browser.

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People used to say they wanted a phone that just did the basics - calling, SMS. The thing is... are those the basics now? I almost never make phone calls and I think I've literally never sent an SMS on my current phone. The basics now are the apps - Signal, WhatsApp, Twitter and Instagram DMs, etc. I think that's typical for most people?

They're probably not defined as basics based on how frequently people use them compared to apps, but, phone and SMS are still the lowest common denominator.

I've been dealing with the police recently after a minor burglary. That involved both making and receiving phone calls.

My dentist has an automated system that texts to confirm appointments.

Despite its downsides, SMS-based 2FA is ubiquitous and you don't always have ability to opt into something more secure.

I'd expect most people elect to use apps for communication when they've got an option, but there are tons of scenarios in modern life where you really don't have the option.

I think it could be a generational thing.

My nephew who's 26, runs a pool company. He said he barely makes any phone calls and most of his appointments and interactions with clients and friends are all mainly done through texting. The only social media he uses is Instagram.

My daughter is 15. She still uses the phone extensively for conferencing her friends when playing online games. She's uses the iphone Facetime extensively as well if she's not playing online games. Most of her friends do little texting and actually do call each other much more frequently and for much longer periods of time. Not unusual for her to be on the phone with one of her online buddies living in Florida for a few hours. Their conversations frequently revolve around videos they share or shows they're watching. They all have Apple devices and I've been surprised at the multiple different ways they're utilizing the phone feature on their devices in ways I never imagined.

Now me? I'm in my early 40's, my parents are their 70's and they're using the texting feature a lot more nowadays. My Mom and Dad both still prefer to use the phone, but my Dad's hearing is starting to become an issue, so texting allows him to have really good conversations without fear of losing out on anything. Myself, I still use the phone quite a bit, texting seems to to be tapering off in favor of email and phone calls with my friends and freelance clients which I never thought would happen.

I really thought the same thing, that the phone part of your device was quickly becoming obsolete. I've been surprised with my daughter's generation who are finding new ways to utilize the feature and combine with the other things her and friends love most - online gaming, sharing videos, sharing and discussing their favorite topics of conversation.

IMO Facetime is closer to being an app feature than being a phone feature - it isn't standardized, interoperable, or omnipresent the way phone calls and SMS are

It is interoperable. As of iOS 15 (released last year) non-Apple products like Android phones can join FaceTime calls. I'm not sure how widely used that part is.

But, anyway, I've heard FaceTime be a synonym for video calling, so I think it's also pretty present, depending on your circle.

It seems that different people have vastly different use cases for phones.

I don't use any of those apps, and if I did, I'd prefer a larger screen and physical keyboard. My phone is for calling, SMS, navigation, and notifying me of new emails (never for actually replying though!).

I (and I suspect most others) must have SMS for two-factor auth. There are many sites that require it, or that send texts as their only login mechanism. I personally use my phone pretty often. Making doctors appointments, coordinating with friends while on trips, or calling just to talk.

I recognize that Signals, WhatsApp, etc. are what most people want, but I personally want to unplug from social media, so not having those apps is fine for me.

it really depends on how you use it. i had non-android phones before. (even openmoko). calling, sms, taking notes. those phones had less apps, but they worked. so the question of "how much harder" is really a question of "what apps to you need". today i am on android (/e/) because there are a few android apps that are absolutely essential for me now. but if i didn't need those specific apps, then any other system would be just fine.

I'm building a barebones phone like you describe, and am looking for feedback from people. Mind if I get in contact?

Sure thing! My email is in my profile.

if free software is not your motivator, consider the light phone 2. it's a b&w e-ink phone that does 4g LTE calls/sms/hotspot, with apps for gps navigation and podcasts.

The Punkt also has Signal: https://www.punkt.ch/en/products/mp02-4g-mobile-phone/

I think these are neat, but have an iPhone 13 Mini because it’s hard to beat Apple’s quality and privacy work.

I've seen those and have been tempted. I think I'd need two phones to pull that off. There are some things that require an iOS or Android compatible phone, e.g. most smart home stuff cannot be setup without a smartphone.

in the states, verizon has a number share program (two sim cards, one phone number). they consider the light phone a "wearable" and the monthly rate is similar to stand-alone data hotspots -- far cheaper than adding a "real" second phone to the plan.

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