Thousands are switching to retro phones in new trend for a very important reason
Are smartphones making our lives dumber?
In an age where connectivity and tech advancement seems vital, some people are pushing back in resistance.
Dumb phones were once just phones - our Nokia bricks could probably survive a nuclear blast but there was little choice in the industry for anything more advanced.
These days, your phone can help you write an essay, organise your calendar, and one day soon might even become a pocket-sized intelligent companion.
But some people want to go back, and among the naysayers is actor Aaron Paul who appeared at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, to share his thoughts on the matter.
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Taking to the stage, Paul said: “I don't spend five hours shaking a hammer because a hammer company needs to make money. Technology should be a tool, not a machine to maximize engagement.”
So, why are thousands making the switch to dumb phones? Many say it’s down to digital burnout.
While the tech industry explodes with AI advancement, a lot of people just want a simple brick that they can use to text their friends.
And it doesn’t seem like the phenomenon is dying down anytime soon as The New York Times called it the hottest trend of 2026.
In its report, it detailed how ‘smartphones are making our lives dumber’. So, what is the alternative?
The new Light Phone 3 is being showcased at MWC that could change the way we use our devices.
It’s a simple phone built to last years and comes with available tools such as an alarm, calculator, calendar, directory, directions, hotspot, music, notes, voice memo, podcast and timer.
Notably, it doesn’t come with social media platforms, meaning it’s the perfect phone if you’re looking to unplug while still being contactable.
Speaking at MWC, Kaiwen Tang, who is the CEO and co-founder of Light, said: “We realised that everyone in the industry brags about how much time and attention they can capture. It's the business model. We wanted an alternative: a simple 5G phone, with an interface and operating system designed by us, 50MP camera, replaceable battery, NFC for payments. But without advertising, without endless feeds, without data collection for profit.”
Lead industrial designer Laurence Mac Donald added: “It’s a small, minimalist phone: no social media, no email. But it has all the essential tools for everyday life. You can make phone calls, set the alarm, listen to music and podcasts, use the camera. The photos have an analogue, almost film-like look.”