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We encourage Australian families to delay giving children smartphones for as long as possible - at least until the end of Year 8.
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We also recognise that many parents still need a simple way to reach their kids. That’s where smartphone alternatives - what we like to call “retro phones” or "brick phones" - come in. These handsets allow for voice calls and text messages and typically avoid internet access, social media, and the other distractions that usually come with smartphones. Most have the old T9 keyboard (except for the Light Phone), meaning you have to tap the 2-key three times to type the letter "c".
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Below you’ll find a comparison of popular retro phones available in Australia. While we’ve taken care compiling this guide, please confirm any key specs or features with the supplier before purchasing.
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Model RUIO F286 4GHMD 2660 FlipNokia 3210Opel Mobile Flip Phone 6Kidcomms P110Light Phone II
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Price$49$129$94-129$97-99$95$USD299 + shipping from the USA = >$AUD500 to Australia
currently sold out :(
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BrowserNoYes – but very basic and can be blockedYes – very basic and slowNoNoDashboard website for managing the phone, no actual browser
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WIFINoNoNoNoNoYes
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BluetoothBluetooth 2.1Bluetooth 5.0YesYesYes BT 2.1Yes
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Calls/network4G4G4G4G4G4G – Optus or Vodafone only
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Text – T9 (old style)YesYes; grouped by contactYesYesYesNo
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Text – smartphone keyboardNoNoNoNoNoQWERTY keyboard on screen (like a smartphone)
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Display2.4” colour display2.8” colour display2.4 inch colour2.4 inch colour2.4 inch colour2.84 inch Grey E-ink screen (like an e-reader)
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Camera – front-facingNoNoNoUnclear but I think noNoNo
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Camera – rear-facingYesYes; can be blockedYes – 2MPYes - 0.3MPNoNo
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GamesYes, simple gamesYes: snakeSnakeNoNoNo
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AppsNoNoSome apps like Facebook installed, but slow internetNoNo social media. Comes with preloaded apps but no appstoreNo
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Other featuresTorchTorch, calendarRetro designLarge buttons, compatible with hearing aids; designed for seniorsNo parental locks, no spyware.Calculator, alarm, timer, directions, notes, voice memo, hotspot, podcasts.
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Includes calendar, calculator, notes, torch
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Ability to manage apps or control remotelyNoNo; but can set code for parental controls for camera and browserN/AN/ANoTools can be set up via password-protected online dashboard
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Location TrackingNoNoNoNoNoNo, but does have maps feature
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MP3 playerYesYes – Micro SD slotYes (needs Micro SD card)NoYes (needs card)Simple music player
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RadioFM radio FM radioFM radio NoFM radioNo
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ConnectivityHeadphone jackHeadphone jackHeadphone jack/USB CHeadphone jackHeadphone jackHeadphone jack and USB C
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USB CUSB C
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