What if you abandon your smartphone?

#1

Post by coffeeyesplease » Fri, Jul 24, 2020, 6:08 AM UTC

What if you abandon your smartphone?
medium.com

Re: What if you abandon your smartphone?

#2

Post by tsuyoshi » Fri, Jul 24, 2020, 6:20 AM UTC

I tried to do this not too long ago, but (at least in the US) all of the mobile networks are switching to LTE, and shutting down their 2G and 3G networks. I was unable to find any "dumb" phones with LTE support. The closest thing I found was some overpriced Android phone with most of the smartphone features stripped out.

Re: What if you abandon your smartphone?

#3

Post by pseudonymousgun » Fri, Jul 24, 2020, 6:25 AM UTC

I am already living this idea. I do not own a smartphone in 2020. It has been close to 2 months and i do not miss it. Once the lockdown is over, then the real test of how long i could resist the allure of smartphones would be evident.

Re: What if you abandon your smartphone?

#4

Post by smlckz » Fri, Jul 24, 2020, 6:50 AM UTC

tsuyoshi wrote: post #2

I tried to do this not too long ago, but (at least in the US) all of the mobile networks are switching to LTE, and shutting down their 2G and 3G networks. I was unable to find any "dumb" phones with LTE support. The closest thing I found was some overpriced Android phone with most of the smartphone features stripped out.

Maybe try some "smart feature phone" like phones with KaiOS installed?

Re: What if you abandon your smartphone?

#5

Post by leethargo » Fri, Jul 24, 2020, 7:42 AM UTC

A related approach: Have a smart phone, but leave it at home.

I stopped my smart phone usage habits some years ago, but I find that I still "need" it for some specific 2FA apps, in particular banking. So I just keep it permanently sitting on my desk, silenced.

Re: What if you abandon your smartphone?

#6

Post by Asuchug4 » Fri, Jul 24, 2020, 7:44 AM UTC

Is is really possible? How do you deal with banking and 2FA? SMS are not safe.

Re: What if you abandon your smartphone?

#7

Post by sahbasanai » Fri, Jul 24, 2020, 7:56 AM UTC

Hi, I'm the author of the article and would be happy to discuss further in case there are any comments or questions.

Re: What if you abandon your smartphone?

#8

Post by sahbasanai » Fri, Jul 24, 2020, 7:57 AM UTC

Asuchug4 wrote: post #6

Is is really possible? How do you deal with banking and 2FA? SMS are not safe.

Hi, author of the article here. I have a token for 2FA - in addition to SMS as a third factor.

Re: What if you abandon your smartphone?

#9

Post by shadowprofile77 » Fri, Jul 24, 2020, 7:58 AM UTC

People love to paint as dramatic, blog post-worthy challenges what are not particularly difficult things with a bit of creativity. Speaking from several months of personal experience, it's not hard to do.

Re: What if you abandon your smartphone?

#10

Post by sahbasanai » Fri, Jul 24, 2020, 7:59 AM UTC

tsuyoshi wrote: post #2

I tried to do this not too long ago, but (at least in the US) all of the mobile networks are switching to LTE, and shutting down their 2G and 3G networks. I was unable to find any "dumb" phones with LTE support. The closest thing I found was some overpriced Android phone with most of the smartphone features stripped out.

Hi, author of the article here. I actually felt my stomach drop when I read your comment. It is a scary thought to have to have a smartphone to be minimally connected. I don't have anything against smartphones - and will possibly return to having one at some point - but it's good to have the option. I hope/expect that the market will soon respond by meeting consumer demand for simpler communication devices.