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Maxcom Comfort MM428 and Artfone CS182 simple phones fail to impress in Which? labs
Simple phones should be an easy to use alternative to a smartphone, but two models we recently reviewed aren't worth considering.
While the Maxcom Comfort MM428 and the Artfone CS182, popular at online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, are being promoted as no-fuss solutions, issues with usability and performance mean they are too flawed to recommend.
Read on to see where these phones fall down, and which alternative models you should consider instead.
Find out how to buy the best simple mobile phone or head to our simple mobile phone reviews to see the models we've lab tested.
Maxcom Comfort MM428 review – Which? score: 46%
The Maxcom Comfort MM428 is a basic phone for calls and texts that's also meant to be suitable for people who prefer straightforward options. The company sells several simple cordless and corded phones at Currys, with prices ranging from around £25 to £40.
This model has an easy-to-use interface and an SOS button for fast emergency calls to loved ones, but anyone with visual impairments will struggle to use its very small screen (1.77 inches). It doesn't let you see much at once, which can make reading menu options and text messages tricky. This also requires the user to click around more often.
Our testing revealed that the sound quality for phone calls is only average and struggles to cut through any background noise. The phone isn't compatible with hearing aids, either.
Maxcom doesn't provide any help for entry-level users on the phone. Navigating around the phone is laborious and there's no T9 predictive text. This would speed up texting by predicting the words you're typing after pressing each key just once. Without this, you have to press each number button numerous times to get the correct letters and write even a simple text message. This might be problematic for those with dexterity issues.
When we reset the phone during our testing, it started to back up in Polish and we had to fiddle around to change the language settings.
It's not equipped for smart features, such as downloading apps, and you can't connect it to Bluetooth or use it to browse the internet. It's also worth noting it only has 2G connection, which will limit you to basic functions like calls and texts.
Find out more in our full Maxcom Comfort MM428 review.
Phones that aren't compatible with 4G or 5G will be severely impacted in the near future due to the upcoming switch-off of 3G. This will mean all such phones will default to 2G, which is largely limited to basic phone calls and texts.
Three expects to phase out 3G by the end of 2024 and does not offer 2G. Vodafone and EE plan to phase out 3G in 2023, but have not confirmed when they might phase out 2G. O2 does not plan to phase out 2G or 3G until 2033. Read our guide on when 2G and 3G is being switched off for more information.
Artfone CS182 review – Which? score: 55%
If you've been on the hunt for a reasonably priced simple phone, you may have come across Artfone – a popular brand on Amazon. It's another phone that shouts about its accessibility features like the emergency calls button, large font options and high-volume speakers.
However, the CS182 disappointed in our tests. With its tiny 1.8-inch screen, you'll struggle to use it if you have any vision problems. It has large buttons, but is another phone without T9 predictive text, making texting laborious. It's also only 2G compatible.
There's no setup assistant on the phone itself. So even before you've got going, you're forced to rely on the instruction booklet's fairly sparse information. For example, it doesn't explain how to add contacts. The 0.3Mp camera on the rear of the phone is barely worth having and doesn't have a flash to brighten dark pictures.
Read how this phone did in our other tests in the full Artfone CS182 review.
Simple phones vs smartphones
Fortunately, there are a wide range of simple mobile phones on offer to help connect those who need more accessibility features. You may need to pay a bit more for the best, but you will likely find it's worth the extra money to avoid a frustrating simple phone. See below for some recommendations.
If you're comfortable with learning how to use one, you might want to consider a cheap regular smartphone instead of a simple phone. We've found plenty of good models for under £300 that will usually outperform a simple phone, and include additional features such as 5G, good cameras and impressive battery life. Most smartphones have accessibility features too, such as hearing-aid compatibility, different font settings and audio description.
If you’re still unsure about which type of phone is right for you, it's best to go into a shop and ask to try out a simple phone and a good-value smartphone. Try out some of the functions you’d use most often, such as finding numbers in the phonebook, writing text messages, and browsing the internet. This will give you a better understanding of the type of phone you'd prefer.
For more tips and advice on smartphones, read our guide on the best mobile phones, or read on for our simple phone recommendations.
Doro simple phones
Doro is one of the largest simple-phone manufacturers that produces phones for those who have issues with dexterity, sight or hearing. It offers different styles, including clamshell phones with big buttons and touchscreen phones.
Doro 8100
The Doro 8100 looks and acts a lot like a smartphone, with a 6.1-inch HD+ touchscreen and a triple camera system on the back. However, it has some key differences. It's specifically designed for people who might not be used to navigating smartphones. Instead of having apps laid out on the homescreen, like on most smartphones, it leads you to apps via commands such as 'call' and 'send'. It also has an assistance button for contacting loved ones in an emergency.
Read our full Doro 8100 review or check out current prices for this handset below.
Doro 6880
With a clamshell design – better known as a flip phone – the Doro 6880 is simple device with a few extra useful features. It has 4G, is M4/T4 and M3/T3 hearing aid compatible, and the secondary front-facing screen shows you who's calling before you answer.
Find out the full story in our Doro 6880 simple phone review, or where to buy it below.
See our favourite Doro simple phonesfavourite Doro simple phones
Emporia simple phones
Another main player in the simple phones market is Emporia, which describes its phones as easy to use.
Emporia SUPEReasy
The Emporia SUPEReasy is designed for smartphone beginners. It is 'swipe-free', meaning you don't swipe the touchscreen to answer calls like you do on most smartphones, and you use the call buttons instead. It's M4/T4 hearing aid compatible and has 4G connectivity as well as wi-fi.
Find out if this phone is for you in our full Emporia SUPEReasy review or check retailers below.
Emporia ACTIVE 4G
If you're thinking 'the simpler the phone, the better', then take a look at the Emporia ACTIVE 4G. It's a small and light phone with a 2.31-inch display and an assistance button on the back.
Find out how the Emporia ACTIVE 4G did in our tests in our full review or check prices below.
Shop smart for simple phones
We only recommend phones that are easy to use, have crystal-clear calls, and worry-free battery lives. We evaluate how easy it really is for anyone to use and how useful the extra features are. We test phones from a range of brands including Artfone, Doro, Emporia, Nokia and more.
We have Great Value simple phones for around £30 and our Best Buy simple phones start at around £60, if you're happy to spend more.
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