We are experiencing the smartphone revolution unraveling before our eyes. Arguably, it is the most revolutionary invention of recent times and has transformed our lives in more ways than one. Like the rest of the world, Australia is not immune to the smartphone phenomenon.

By 2026, the smartphone penetration in Australia will increase to 87% representing 23.6 million smartphone users nationwide. While this augurs well for smart and fast connectivity and keeping up with global trends, smartphone usage is not without its pitfalls.

In this blog post, we will discuss the hidden costs of smartphones that are slowly taking their toll on society. We will shed light on how switching back to keypad phones can help us overcome those hidden costs without becoming technophobic.

The hidden costs of smartphones nobody talks about:

We start by talking about the financial costs of using smartphones. It includes obvious and hidden costs that we willingly and unwillingly pay because we cannot get enough of our smartphones.

Monthly data plans and costs: In 2021, Australians paid an average mobile bill of $348 and $420 on prepaid and postpaid packages. The demand has since gone up, thanks to the unrolling of the 5G connectivity that promises faster speeds resulting in more data consumption.

Repairs and replacements: Smartphones are more and more sophisticated, pushing their costs upwards. Even smartphone repairs are expensive thanks to multiple Covid-related factors. The never-ending glut of new smartphone models is always enticing consumers. Their easy availability on contract or credit means we are forever upgrading to newer models and paying a hefty amount.

In-app purchases: Nothing is free now on your phone. You must now pay for most mobile apps to listen to songs, store data, find the best restaurant deals or anything else. Although these payments seem trivial, when you make them, the aggregate impact is considerable that takes its toll.

Cost of accessories: Accessories now constitute an integral part of your smartphone experience. They include earbuds, chargers, cases, protectors, phone stands, power banks, wireless speakers, etc. Their cost depends on their quality, with the top-end products costing you big bucks. We happily pay for them without factoring them their cost impact.

Benefits of keypad phones:

Now that we have discussed smartphones’ hidden costs let’s focus on keypad phones. We will talk about their advantages and build our case for them.

• Lower cost: The most significant advantage of keypad phones is their price. They are substantially lower in price than smartphones. You will save a lot of money by opting for a keypad phone that you can use elsewhere as a more practical option.
• Extended battery life: A big issue with all modern smartphones is their reduced battery life. Running all those modern features requires a steady power supply, and smartphone batteries struggle to catch up.
• In comparison, a keypad phone battery lasts much longer. It consumes battery efficiently because of the low demand for power as compared to a smartphone. It can last for two or more days, which is remarkable, depending on usage.
• Reduced distractions: A keypad phone houses only the essential technology and has minimal distracting features. Many modern smartphone features are there just for the heck of it. Sometimes the user is at a loss to understand them and spends hours trying to get the hang of them.
• Keypad phones are free from such paraphernalia, and you have what you need to carry out your tasks.
• Durability: Lastly, a keypad phone has robust built quality and will last for a long time. Remember Konka FP8? Its durability is legendary. No smartphone of today can stand up to that level of strength. The same holds for almost all keypad phones, which goes to their advantage.

Keypad phone options in Australia:

Contrary to popular belief, there are several good keypad phones in Australia. You do not have to rely on cheap, counterfeit brands to own keypad phones. Big names like Samsung, Nokia, and LG have many popular keypad phones like Konka FP8, Nokia 105, Nokia 225 4G, Telstra Easycall 4, ZTE Blade A3, LG B470, Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s, and Samsung E1200. You can research and find more too.

Features that make keypad phone a good option:

We have talked about the benefits of a keypad phone; these benefits make keypad phones a better option than smartphones. You get a longer battery life, save money, and get a no-nonsense phone that will not let you go off-hook for hours.

A large consumer base is still happy to use keypad phones that offer them basic connectivity and functionality. Not everyone appreciates a phone buzzing now and then with notifications that usually mean nothing. Simplify your life by opting for a keypad phone.

How to find the right keypad phone?

As several options are available for a keypad phone, you need to find the one most suitable for your needs. By following these tips, you can find the right keypad phone for you.

Know what you need: First, you need to identify your needs. What is it that you want the most from your phone? Is it camera, texting capabilities, internet browsing, battery life or something else? Once you have broken down your needs finding the most suitable phone can be easy.

Design: Keypad phones can come in flip-style or candy bar shapes. Which one resonates with you? Find out and look for the available options.

Research: It is the most crucial aspect of finding the best smartphone. You can check online reviews, ask friends and family members, and make comparisons before making the final decision.

Getting used to the limited resources of a keypad phone:

A keypad phone is no smartphone. You will only find a few of the modern, fancy features that you find in smartphones. Here is how you can adjust to the ground realities of a keypad phone.

Set reasonable expectations: Know the limitations of your keypad phone and understand it has only limited features you can use. Expect it to operate and behave differently than a smartphone.

Pay attention to the benefits: Instead of focusing on what your keypad phone can’t do, divert your attention to its benefits and how it has simplified your life.

Texting with T9: If you want to use a keypad phone, you better get used to texting with T9. It will take time before you get used to it. It would be best if you practiced it before you reached perfection.

Tips for handling social pressure:

Owning a keypad phone is a brave decision, and you will likely be the butt of many jokes for using one. Here’s what you can do to handle societal pressure.

Grin and bear it: The first thing you can do is not be ashamed of your choice. You have made a conscious decision after understanding the pros and cons of a keypad phone. You must own that decision and face adversity with a grin.

Explain the benefits: Many consider keypad phones archaic, museum-worthy items. It is because most of them are unaware of their advantages. Enlighten those people and tell them how comfortable your life has become once you switch to a keypad phone.

Find support: Connect with other people who use keypad phones and are happy with their decision. It will reinforce your decision, and you will feel great about it. You will discover a community of people who do not miss the presence of a smartphone in their lives.

Conclusion:

Mobile phones have transformed our lives, but in our quest to embrace the techy lifestyle, we have become oblivious to the hidden costs of using a smartphone. By opting for a keypad phone instead, you accrue a lot of benefits, making it the smart thing to do.

With Australia’s ever-increasing cost of living, you can do a lot of good by going for the keypad phone. You will save money and see you are more connected with your friends and family members in the real world. So, why not give it a try?