A French company is betting that some teenagers – and their parents – are craving a break from the constant connectivity of smartphones. The Phone, a brand launched in 2024 to offer a less addictive mobile experience, is releasing a new model, The Phone+, in 2026. The device is designed to provide basic communication features without the distractions of the internet, social media, or apps.
The original Phone emerged from a mother’s desire to provide her children with a simpler, less overwhelming mobile phone option. It aimed to bridge the gap between classic, durable phones like the Nokia 3310 and the feature-rich capabilities of modern smartphones. The Phone+ builds on this concept, offering an updated design and improved functionality while maintaining its core mission: to minimize screen time and promote mindful communication.
The Phone+ boasts a refined design with slimmer bezels around the 5.45-inch IPS touchscreen display. According to the company, the new model too offers improvements in quality, durability, and network coverage compared to its predecessor. While not competing with high-conclude OLED smartphones costing upwards of €1000, The Phone+ represents a step forward in aesthetics and usability.
A key selling point of The Phone+ is its “zero mockery” guarantee. The company recognizes the social pressures teenagers face and has designed the phone to resemble a smartphone in appearance, aiming to prevent users from feeling ostracized for having a less advanced device. This is a deliberate effort to address the anxieties surrounding social acceptance and technology.
Key Specifications and Features
The Phone+ is equipped with a 4G chip and a 2500 mAh removable battery, charged via USB-C. While technical details remain limited, the company emphasizes that the phone intentionally excludes features like internet connectivity, geolocation, music playback, and a camera. “This aligns with our initial mission: to offer a phone on which you spend as little time as possible,” the company stated. Adding these features, they argue, would move the device closer to a traditional smartphone, defeating its purpose.
Manufacturing is currently based in China, as the company acknowledges that domestic production in France is not currently feasible. However, the protective case and software are designed and manufactured in France. This hybrid approach allows the company to balance cost-effectiveness with a commitment to local production where possible.
A Growing Trend: Dumbphones and Digital Wellbeing
The launch of The Phone+ comes amid a growing trend of individuals, particularly Gen Z, seeking alternatives to smartphones. The Guardian reports that many are turning to “dumbphones” to reduce stress and improve their mental wellbeing. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the potential downsides of constant connectivity and the desire for a more balanced relationship with technology.
The Phone+ is available for direct purchase from the company’s website at a price of €139.90. This positions it as an affordable option for parents seeking a simple and safe mobile phone for their children.
What’s Next for The Phone?
The Phone+ represents a focused approach to addressing concerns about smartphone addiction and digital wellbeing. As the conversation around technology’s impact on mental health continues to evolve, it will be captivating to see if more consumers embrace the simplicity and intentionality offered by devices like The Phone+. The company’s success may hinge on its ability to continue innovating within its niche and to effectively communicate the benefits of a less connected lifestyle.
What are your thoughts on the rise of “dumbphones”? Share your opinions in the comments below!
