Most users think cell phones are too complicated

Tue Jun 23, 2009 1:20PM EDT

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You can keep your iPhone, your Pre, and your newfangled Nokia, say cell phone users: Cellular handsets have simply gotten too complicated, according a survey undertaken by British mobile phone recycling company FoneBank.

FoneBank polled UK users about their phone habits and found that the vast majority -- 61 percent -- felt that their phone had "too many unnecessary features compared to ten years ago." As an example of this, 45 percent said that they didn't even use their MP3 player (in large part, I imagine, because they didn't know how). 30 percent said they didn't care about their phone's camera.

To be sure, the latest smart phones get all the press, but old-fashioned "dumb" phones remain some of the most popular handsets available. When asked what their favorite cell phone of the past 10 years has been, the winner was the venerable Motorola RAZR, prized for its portability and, apparently, its lack of extraneous features. A full 39 percent of phone buyers said they chose what phone to buy based not on what it could do for them but on how simple it was.

Consumers everywhere remain devoted to simple cell phones. While the iPhone remains the top selling handset, Motorola's RAZR is still the #2 phone in the U.S., based on the most recently available figures from NPD (Q3 2008). While it's the only extremely simple phone in the top five, it certainly isn't alone on the market: At the time of that study, only 30 percent of phones sold had a QWERTY keyboard available. 

And simplicity is the primary selling point for a small but important part of the cell phone market, with handsets like the Jitterbug offering a bare minimum of features -- no cameras, no streaming videos -- and affordable calling plans.

What about you? Is it more important to be able to browse YouTube while you're on the bus... or be able to figure out how to make a phone call?

 

Comments on Most users think cell phones are too complicated

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  • 1 Posted by prend_soin on Tue Jun 23, 2009 1:35PM EDT Report Abuse

    Well, the RAZR is by far my favourite phone, so there you go.

  • 2 Posted by bella77427 on Tue Jun 23, 2009 1:51PM EDT Report Abuse

    What's the gripe about? There are simple phones out there for people with simpler lifestyles.....they should get them. The iphones and blackberrys are there for those who need them. Just as how in the modern age of texting/messenger/email/fax...there are people who still believe in putting pen to paper and stamp to envelope to communicate with persons on the other side of the world. Whether they prefer it or they are simply intimidated and not willing to try something different they have the right to choose their method. On the other hand so does the tech junkie/freak and or enthusiast. Personally speaking I use mine to store pics and music...I hardly ever speak on the thing.

  • 3 Posted by dgutf on Tue Jun 23, 2009 2:05PM EDT Report Abuse

    To each his own. I have to bring my "brain" (Blackjack II) with me, or else I am lost. I tried going back to a simple phone, and it created 10 times more headaches than the simplicity solved. Those of us who need email, appointment reminders, quick web access, etc are very frustrated with the "ease of use" of simple phones. They are hardly easy for us to use. As for MP3 phones, although I dont know anyone who owns an I-phone, I also dont know anyone who uses their phone for music. They all have I-pods or Zunes or the such. Sound quality is better, easier to use, and they have an actual headphone jack, not those cheesy overpriced headsets you have to buy for Samsung or Sony phones.

  • 4 Posted by ka7aok831 on Tue Jun 23, 2009 2:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    I love my Palm Treo and its Palm OS data base and sync ability. I'm retired and do not use the internet capability - refuse to pay the ridiculous monthly fees. On the other hand, my wife is not tech savvy and she prefer the simplest phone there is. It's a big world and it should be about choice and personal preference even in cell phones.

  • 5 Posted by jim.pease on Tue Jun 23, 2009 6:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    My elderly father complained about the complexity of his phone all the time. When his last phone went to the bottom of the lake, he scoured flea markets looking for compatible phones with his service until he found an old Nokia that he liked. But I'm like the other posters - I like having my business calender on my MOTO Q.

  • 6 Posted by pei_dage on Tue Jun 23, 2009 6:27PM EDT Report Abuse

    Simple is easy. Well, there you go... I have a Samsung Instinct. I like using the camera, having pictures available, and being able to check e-mail while out and about. The phone seems simple and easy enough for me and I am old and retired. The internet provides entertainment, news, and allows me to keep in contact with friends at a distance without being intrusive. I find checking weather is also quick and easy. So it appears there is always plenty of room for simple phones and more complex phones to match one's livestyle. Hooray for us...

  • 7 Posted by rogueist on Tue Jun 23, 2009 6:54PM EDT Report Abuse

    Like someone else already said, to each their own. I personally like top end devices with as many bells and whistles as possible. But my dream device still does not exist - at least not in the US. I think some of the Japanese DoCoMo phones might be closer. Personally I want a nice 10mp or better camera built into the phone, and unlimited data capabilities.

  • 8 Posted by pinchbug20 on Tue Jun 23, 2009 7:43PM EDT Report Abuse

    I used to love my Razr. All of them. Especially the Razr2- V9. But when it came time for me to upgrade; ATT had come out with the Blackberry Curve. I had never owned a Blackberry & wasn't sure if I'd like it. But after having it in my hands & using it for a couple of weeks, I knew I was hooked. I can honestly say I don't think I'll ever go back to a regular phone. You can just call me a Crackberry now. I would recommend the Blackberry to anyone if you are wanting more than just a phone.

  • 9 Posted by rayvr@att.net on Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:32PM EDT Report Abuse

    Some of the worst phones on the market are hawked by cellular companies as "free" phones for a two year contract. A friend has such a phone with "an mp3 player", but you can only hear it by holding the phone up to your ear. Receiving calls is also a mixed bag, with the ringer being barely audible. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! The two year contract is a prized contract for the phone companies, snaring customers into overpriced services.

  • 10 Posted by mike.apilado on Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    A phone is for talking. I still use a rotary dial phone. Hasn't failed me in thirty years, whipper snapper.

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