Surely, among our readers there are still those who continue to use push-button phones. We are talking not only about people who do not recognize modern gadgets and use mobile phones exclusively for calls, but also about those who, due to circumstances, need an additional phone. To tell you which Android feature phones are the best in 2020, we carefully analyzed the proposed solutions and collected them in one place.
No. 10 – Fly FF249
Price: 1,600 rubles
A mobile phone from a well-known brand has large buttons, which are also located at a decent distance from each other. Due to this, they are convenient for typing text even for users with large fingers. Another trump card of the model is a 4000 mAh battery, which is enough for 2 weeks of battery life.
The advantage of the model over other budget phones is the presence of two speakers - conversational and main. Both of them are loud enough, so you will definitely hear an incoming call, and after accepting the call you will not have problems recognizing the speech of the interlocutor. Among the minuses, we highlight the absence of T9.
Fly FF249
No. 9 – ELARI SAFEPHONE
Price: 2,500 rubles
Our top push-button phones on Android continues with ELARI SAFEPHONE - a miniature device (63x124x14 mm) that easily fits in your pocket. Despite this, the buttons here are larger than those of most larger colleagues. The font on them is large, so the model is perfect for the older generation with low vision.
The device comes pre-installed with the WhatsApp messenger with which your relatives can always stay in touch with you. Among other strong points, we highlight the powerful vibration motor, which can be felt even through a thick winter jacket. As for the weaknesses, this is the flimsiness of the case, as well as a bug with an incorrect display of the battery charge level.
ELARI SAFEPHONE
Is it possible to find a feature phone with WhatsApp today?
The British TV channel Sky News published interesting statistics in 2020: sales of smartphones over the year increased by 2%, push-button phones - by 5%. The authors of the material explain these figures by the fact that modern users are oversaturated with social networks and are tired of being online 24/7, but cannot completely give up telephone communications.
There is market confirmation of this assumption: Nokia and Motorola have already redesigned their flagship models of push-button phones. Nokia 3310 went on sale with a color display, Internet access and support for fourth generation cellular networks. Since the beginning of 2019, Google has been working on adapting the Android OS and the Chrome browser for phones without a touch screen.
There remains a small percentage of users who do not want to switch to smartphones, but continue to use phones with mechanical input. Most of these devices already have basic smartphone functions, so the need to buy another new product from Apple, Xiaomi or Samsung is not obvious. The popular messenger is also available on these models.
No. 8 – Samsung G9198
Price: 100,000 rubles
Samsung G9198 is a flagship clamshell smartphone. Its main feature is a powerful hardware platform led by the Snapdragon 808 chipset. Of course, at the moment the processor is not breaking performance records, but at the time the gadget was released it was one of the most powerful on the market.
The device has two displays at once, both of which are made using Super AMOLED technology. Their resolution and dimensions are also the same - 1280 by 768 pixels and 3.9 inches, respectively. Both panels are protected by Gorilla Glass 4, which prevents scratches and other damage. Among the disadvantages are how much the model costs and the fact that it is sold only in China.
Samsung G9198
BQ 2800G Online
One of the simplest push-button phones with a set of smart functions. The simplicity lies in the fact that it does not support LTE and is equipped with a 1000 mAh battery. This is the minimum acceptable value for a smart push-button operator - after all, it can do much more than ordinary “dumb” models and consumes more energy. There are two cameras in the BQ 2800G Online, but both are the simplest - 0.3 megapixels. There is Wi-Fi support, the screen is 2.8 inches. An unpleasant thing to note is only one slot for SIM cards.
The BQ 2800G Online runs on the Mocor5 operating system. This is a specific build of Android for phones without touch screens, created by chipset developer Unisoc (ex-Spredtrum). A similar shell is used, for example, in Qin models, created with some participation from Xiaomi. The green and blue buttons on the front panel of the BQ 2800G Online, by the way, provide access to WhatsApp and Facebook.
BQ 2800G Online
No. 7 – SONIM XP6
Price: 62,000 rubles
SONIM XP6 is an excellent solution for those who are looking for a reliable device. It's all about its protection from moisture and dust according to the IP69 standard. Due to this, the device is able to survive operation even in the harshest conditions, and also works quietly after being submerged under water. The speaker produces a volume of 103 dB, so you will certainly hear it no matter where you are.
The body is made of rubber, so it fits well in the hand and does not slip at all. The battery capacity is 4800 mAh, which is enough for a week of battery life of the device. If you often make long trips outside the city where there is no electricity, you will like the smartphone. The only downside is the cost.
SONIM XP6
#6 – BQ Berkeley
Price: 3,600 rubles
BQ Berkeley is a gadget with a full QWERTY keyboard, which has a Russian layout. Typing text on it is convenient because the keys have good travel. Android is used as the OS, so the user will have access to all popular instant messengers and browsers. When surfing the Internet, you will have to put up with the fact that the model does not support LTE, only 3G.
But there are no problems with the case - it is made with high quality, there are no gaps at the joints, and no play either. It is also worth noting a powerful GPS sensor that displays the owner’s location with an accuracy of 5 meters. The main disadvantage in the reviews is the 3.5-inch display with terribly low viewing angles.
BQ Berkeley
Is it possible to install WhatsApp on a feature phone?
It is not always possible for a user to purchase a modern gadget that supports WhatsApp. There may be various reasons for this, ranging from lack of funds to the fact that older phone models have a much clearer interface. However, messengers are becoming part of life everywhere and many want to join the modern way of communication without changing the familiar and convenient model to a new one.
It is possible to install WhatsApp on a push-button phone if it supports Java and Internet programs. It is also worth considering that the application requires a certain amount of internal memory. To avoid problems with installation in the future, you need to immediately determine how much internal memory the phone has for user management and how much WhatsApp weighs.
#5 – Runbo X3
Price: 25,000 rubles
At the equator of the rating of the best push-button phones on Android is the Runbo X3 model, which is a good option in terms of price-quality ratio. The device is a smartphone protected from dust and moisture that can survive a fall on concrete or immersion under water. Inside the case with rubber inserts that provide a secure grip, there is a 3800 mAh battery. It lasts for a week of battery life.
The device is capable of operating in PTT Walkie Talkie 5km radio mode at frequencies of 400-470 MHz. The controls use physical buttons that can be used even with gloves. True, they are quite small, so typing text is not very convenient. This is the only thing that buyers complain about in the reviews.
Runbo X3
Feature phone models with WhatsApp support
Any device that meets the minimum technical requirements to install WhatsApp supports the messenger. But there are smartphones in which the application is already built-in by the developers: for example, WhatsApp for LG S310, Nokia 5130, Sigma Comfort 50, Fly DS120 and others.
Nokia 515
The Nokia 515 model is practically the only representative of simple and elegant push-button phones. The back panel and side surfaces are aluminum, the keyboard is made of plastic polymer. The display is shock-resistant, with a second-generation Gorilla Glass protective coating, a 5 MP camera, support for memory cards up to 32 GB, Bluetooth 3.0. Twitter, YouTube, Facebook are functioning. The phone costs almost 7,000 rubles. – for a push-button monoblock the amount is large.
Nokia 515.
Samsung GT S5611
Samsung GT S5611 is a neat all-in-one with a standard (3.5 mm) headphone jack, microUSB and microSD support. The design of the phone is simple and reliable. Screen quality is mediocre. Samsung GT S5611 is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera module with basic settings. The image quality is acceptable for this model. There are applications for viewing information on social networks.
Samsung C3592
The phone is equipped with a 900 mAh battery. This is a standard solution for a push-button device. One charge is enough for 4 days of use for calls and SMS. The display is convenient and bright. The internal storage capacity is not enough, but there is support for a memory card up to 32 GB. 2 MP camera, no flash. There are no side volume keys.
Philips Xenium X1560
The Philips Xenium X1560 case is made of high-quality materials. The phone is bulky, largely due to the 2900 mAh battery. The manufacturer assures that the device can last up to 100 days in standby mode on a single charge. In practice, you have to charge the Philips Xenium X1560 about once a month. Additionally, the battery can be used to recharge other devices. The settings and interface are standard for push-button phones.
Nokia 6700 Classic
Several technologies debuted in the 2009 mobile phone: UNC, which ensures clear voice transmission, CABC, which adjusts the brightness not only to external conditions, but also to the picture on the screen (for games, the brightness increases, when reading text, the screen is dimmed). Performance and other parameters are typical for that generation of devices.
The push-button model for WhatsApp is Nokia 6700 Classic.
Blackberry Q10
The Q10 doesn't look like other feature phones that can use WhatsApp, but the design is typical of Blackberry smartphones. Half of the body is occupied by the screen, with a QWERTY keyboard located below. Display size – 3.1 inches. This is AMOLED with a resolution of 720x720 pixels. Due to the fact that the screen is square, part of the surface is not used. For example, you cannot fully stretch a photo. This is a minus that prevents the Blackberry Q10 from being called a multimedia device.
The smartphone uses a 2100 mAh battery. The manufacturer assures that this will be enough for 310 hours of standby time, 10 hours of talk time. In practice, the phone works much less.
The model is available with two filling options: either a dual-core TI OMAP at 1.5 GHz or Qualcomm with the same characteristics and LTE support. There are three more versions on Qualcomm. In Russia, only one configuration works. The interface is fast, but not as fast as on the iPhone 5. There is a drawback: when the case warms up, the speed drops and applications freeze.
The phone has 16 GB of internal memory, of which only 10 GB is available. You can install a memory card (up to 64 GB supported). RAM 2 GB, available – 1.3 GB. Up to 8 applications can be open simultaneously. The controls are inconvenient. You often have to manually close applications to speed up your device and prevent overheating.
Blackberry Q10 has an 8-megapixel camera with flash. Implemented Time Shift technology. You can take a series of pictures, and then choose arbitrary expressions for faces. Nokia Lumia has something similar. Video is recorded at 720p by default, but you can manually set it to 1080p.
You can download WhatsApp for BlackBerry, but you will have to do it through third-party portals.
Elari Safephone
The smartphone is positioned as a solution for older people. This is a simple device that allows you to stay in touch with loved ones. Elari Safephone has a stripped-down version of Android (no app store). It is possible to track the location of the device and an SOS button with which you can call for help.
Phone model with the ability to use the WhatsApp messenger.
Ruggear RG310
The 2013 phone is protected from dust and water according to the IP68 standard, in addition there is a rubber bumper. The specifications are weak and there are no modern features, but you can connect the main device via Bluetooth to receive calls and messages.
Sonim XP6
Sonim specializes in rugged smartphones.
The new product for 2014 has the following features:
- the display has second-generation Gorilla Glass coating;
- Android 4 operating system installed;
- inside – quad-core Snapdragon 400 at 1.2 GHz;
- battery capacity – 4800 mAh;
- 5 MP camera (no front one).
Protection according to the MIL-STD 810G standard implies resistance to falls from a two-meter height, various overloads, and exposure to aggressive substances. The phone operates normally at temperatures from -20 to +55 degrees Celsius and can withstand an hour-long immersion of 2 m under water.
No. 4 – Sharp AU KDDI SHF31
Price: 36,000 rubles
Sharp AU KDDI SHF31 is a development from a manufacturer that is not very well known in Russia. The smartphone is made in a clamshell form factor and has a good 13-megapixel camera that produces photos with decent detail and color rendition in ideal lighting. Another trump card of the device is the NFC module, which allows you to use it as a bank card when paying for purchases in a store.
The model supports 4G LTE bands, so you can use instant messengers, browsers and other delights of the Android OS at high speed. As for the shortcomings, we include the battery capacity - 1410 mAh. Its full charge is often not enough even for a day of use.
Sharp AU KDDI SHF31
WhatsApp for feature phones
The Whatsapp messenger application can be downloaded for old and Samsung feature phones. There is no official version for such phones, since there are not many owners of old or push-button phones.
You can download this program for Wave, Galaxy, Duos models. When searching, specify the specific phone model. For example: Download Watsapp for Samsung GT S5230. If you have an older model push-button phone, it is likely that it is impossible to install messenger on it. The list of such phones is not long at all.
And so, if your phone model supports WhatsApp and you have downloaded the software, then after downloading the program, enter the phone number to which an SMS message with an activation code will be sent. Confirm it and the installation will be completed.
Whatsapp for feature phones
One of the advantages of Whatsapp is the absence of logins and passwords. Identification occurs using a phone number. You can send free messages without any character limits. The application is free only for the first year of use, but it is worth paying attention to.
If you are still using a feature phone, try adding some modern features to it using Whatsapp messenger.
This communication application is known to every mobile device user around the world. This software offers you to send short and long text and voice messages absolutely free. There is no official version for push-button phones. Not many people use them these days.
But on the Internet you can find and download for free a simplified version of Whatsapp for push-button phones. In order to download the application you need access to the Internet. If your mobile device is not in the list of supported devices, it will not be supported and you will not be able to download WhatsApp. If your phone is on the list, then simply open and install the messenger. As confirmation, you will be sent a message with an activation code. Enter it in the required field and after that you can use WhatsApp.
Send free messages without character limit to your contacts who use the same application. Nowadays, many people still use push-button phones: find yours and download WhatsApp!
#3 – RugGear RG310
Price: 9,990 rubles
The RUGGEAR RG310 is the perfect affordable device for those who need a reliable smartphone. It is waterproof, so it will continue to work even after an accidental fall into water. Unlike other liquid-tolerant devices, the smartphone has very loud speakers, so you will definitely not miss an incoming call and will hear everything the other person says. The physical buttons are large, making them easy to use even with gloves.
The battery capacity is 3600 mAh. This reserve of resources is enough for a smartphone to last 5 days of battery life. All this time, you will have an NFC module at your disposal, thanks to which you don’t have to take your wallet with you on your trip. Among the minuses, we highlight the screen with poor viewing angles and low brightness.
RugGear RG310
No. 2 – Lenovo A588T
Price: 6,990 rubles
LENOVO A588T is a good Android feature phone that compares favorably with many of its competitors. The owners include loud sound as well as stable communication as the main features of the device in the reviews. In the last question, it outperforms many new models at a price several times higher, since it does not lose the signal even outside the city. This makes the device a good option for those who often go to the garden or country house, but want to stay connected.
The smartphone runs on Android 4.4. The OS functions quite quickly, despite the fact that there is only 512 MB of RAM. The main disadvantage of the device is its autonomy - the 2250 mAh battery does not last more than a day even with moderate use of the device.
Lenovo A588T
What phones support Whatsapp
To answer the question whether WhatsApp can be installed on a push-button phone, it is not necessary to list the model range that supports this function; it is enough to just describe the system requirements for the messenger. This is exactly what will be done now, but just in case, a list of popular push-button smartphones with WhatsApp support will now be presented:
- LG GX300 Black;
- Nokia Asha 300 Red;
- Sonim XP6;
- Samsung Duos Lite E2152 Ceramic White;
- RugGear RG310;
- Fly MC175 Khaki.
Of course, this is not a complete list, and it is quite possible that you have a feature phone with WhatsApp support that is not on the list. Well, now we will tell you in general what devices you can install the popular messenger on.
Android devices
Naturally, if we talk about smartphones, then to install WhatsApp, it must have a popular operating system. And Android is the most popular. Accordingly, if you are the owner of a push-button phone with this mobile OS installed on it, then with a high degree of probability the messenger can also be installed on it. The most severe restriction will be only the version - it must be at least 2.1 KitKat. Of course, the smartphone should also have enough internal memory to install files, but this is unlikely to be a hindrance, since WhatsApp does not weigh much at all.
IOS devices
WhatsApp developers have also prepared a version for the equally popular iOS, which is installed by default on all Apple smartphones. Here, for the most part, everything also depends on the version of the operating system, it should be no lower than 4.3, however, due to the company’s policy, this will not be a problem, because iOS is constantly updated even on older devices.
Speaking about iOS, it is worth understanding that a push-button iPhone is out of the question, so don’t even hope to find such a sample phone. But despite this, WhatsApp works excellently on the sensor, which is most likely the merit of the Apple company’s engineers, who installed a high-quality touchscreen in the device.
There is a nuance with the operation of the WhatsApp application on iOS: on smartphones, that is, iPhone, it is compatible and works perfectly, but on tablets, called iPads, there is no corresponding version. But we are talking about the official versions of the program; you can always download and then install the version of WhatsApp for iPhone.
Please note that everyone has noted that the messenger works poorly on unlocked iOS devices. And since the device is “illegal,” technical support will most likely refuse to help in solving the problems that have arisen.
