Full featured smartphones are great. However if you don’t want or need multimedia features, web browsing, GPS, direct connections with social sites, and so forth, a more basic cell phone is what you want.  Luckily, there are still some basic phones out  there. Here are some good options.

The Jitterbug J is probably considered the king of basic cell phones. With large buttons, large font, simple navigation, a good grip, and nice volume, it’s a perfect choice for many elderly individuals. The plans offered are best used by those who won’t use huge amounts of talk time over the course of  month.  For those who prefer Verizon Wireless, there is the Samsung Haven which looks a bit more like the typical cell phone but offers voice calling and text messaging primarily, with simplified navigation and fewer features than the typical modern cell phone.

One of the lesser known options however is John’s Phone. It provides voice calling, period. It’s a quad band phone and users can set up to 10 numbers for speed dialing.

For those who want a few more features, there are phones like the LG Accolade which also offers messaging (text and multimedia), GPS support, and a 1.3 megapixel camera.  For those who want a flashier look in a basic cell phone and one which also offers GPS support and a very simple 2.0 megapixel camera, the LG dLite is an option.

Of course some people may be searching for a simple phone that is right for kids. Probably the best option in this scenario is to peruse the offerings provided by Kajeet. These kids cell phones offer features and plans that help parents keep tabs on their kids for safety and financial purposes.

There are several options from prepaid providers. If all you want or can afford is a basic phone, these are great options. There’s no contract and no committment. If you don’t do much calling the pay-by-the-minute options is perfect. If you use a lot of talk time, their unlimited plans are affordable. The Samsung T105 is a good prepaid cell phone that’s pretty simple and is offered by Tracfone. The Motorola C260 is another Tracfone that is a good option. Voice calling, text messaging, caller ID and call waiting are provided.  

Net10 phones are another popular prepaid option with many basic cell phones. Their LG300G provides calling and messaging. The external display shows your airtime balance plus you get call waiting, caller ID, and voice mail.

Phones like the Doro PhoneEasy 410 and Just5 are also designed for simplicity. The Doro 410 offers an FM radio, voice calling, text messaging and no contractual committment. This basic cell phone has a large keyboard, easy to read text and an emergency (SOS) button.

If all you need is a basic cell phone, there really are quite a number of options. There are some designed with kids in mind, some for the elderly, and a number that are just right for the rest of us.