Lily Allen uses a kids’ phone to reduce the time spent on social media – and it’s something you can do too.
The British singer and actor revealed in an interview with the Sunday Times, that she and her husband, David Harbour, use a system on their phone called Pinwheel that has no browsing capability and no social media, but has other apps such as Uber and Spotify.
She explains that smartphones have ‘destroyed’ humanity ‘as a species’ and says the devices have had a grievous impact on her creativity.
She said: ‘The creative side of my brain has been ruined by smartphones.
‘I feel like everyone feels the same. I don’t know anyone who can possibly say that the quality of their life is improved by the presence of a smartphone.
‘I think it’s destroyed us as a species. It’s horrendous that they’re designed to be so addictive. Some of us have more addictive personalities than others. It’s evil.’
Previously in 2019, Lily Allen announced that she is giving up her smartphone because she spends seven hours a day looking at it.
In a live video at the time, the 39-year-old said: ‘I’m done with this dead a**e app and Twitter and email and WhatsApp. All of it can go and suck its mum’s… I just wanted to let you know that.
‘I care about the world and I care about creating things and I don’t really care about the validation that comes back any more.’
Ms Allen uses an operating system attached to certain smartphones called Pinwheel, which allows users to have the functions of a smartphone but without the internet or social media.
So if you’re looking to follow in Lily Allen’s steps, there are a few basic phones you should consider.
Light phone
The Light Phone is a minimal phone that also does not have social media or a browser, but does have maps and podcasts and it can hotspot.
This is a great alternative if you’re looking for a way to ween yourself off using social media without letting go of all the practical functions a smartphone has.
To use the phone in the UK, you would need the international version, which is compatible with carriers Vodafone, 3, and Giff Gaff. The Light phone requires a nano SIM card, which is the same size an iPhone uses.
The international Light Phone is available to buy in the UK, and will cost £235, or it can be bought on eBay.
What is a Pinwheel phone?
The Pinwheel phone is a real smartphone that has Pinwheel OS installed which allows parents or caregivers to control what is on the phone.
It is not an app, but an operating system that disables social media and internet browsers to allow certain apps to feature on the phone.
BlackBerry Curve 8520
Going back to basics, but miss the practical keyboard of a smartphone? You may want to try the Blackberry at a cool £25 on eBay.
Taking it back to the late 2000s, the Blackberry is a great choice that has standard features, but with limited apps. However, it should be noted that the Blackberry uses a mini SIM, which is bigger than the nano SIM cards used by Apple.
This phone also allows you to browse the web and check your emails, but mindlessly scrolling on your feed may be a bit more difficult.
Doro 2404
If you’re ready to go completely cold turkey, you may want to consider a Doro 2404 at around £50.
Its large screen with 90s buttons means it’s great for those who are partially-sighted or just prone to forgetting glasses, or if you’re just tired of the smaller keyboards on some smartphones.
The flip phone is created for senior citizens, but has all the basics you’re looking for, such as calls, texting, weather, and even a camera, plus FM radio, a calculator, and games. However, it should be noted these phone needs a micro SIM card.
This will be a massive change from using an iPhone but is way more sturdy than an one too.
Motorola razr V3
If you’re looking for that satisfying slam that you can only get with a flip phone, but want something more stylish than the Doro, you might want to consider the Motorola RAZR, available on eBay for as little as £50?
This phone is an echo of those teenage days where having a phone was cool – but it also allows you to take a little breather from social media without compromising on style. The phone requires a mini SIM card to run, which is slightly bigger those ones used in iPhones.
Nokia 5310
Simple. Elegant. Understated. If you’re looking for something that just allows the basics, and can be droppedwithout too much damage, this phone is going for as cheap as £15.99 on eBay.
What more is there to say – other than it also takes a mini SIM.
Boring Phone 2
With a tagline of ‘designed to be used less’, the Boring Phone 2 can be set up to have no internet browser, social media, mobile games or application store.
However, it can have data messaging, voice and video calling which means you don’t need to give up the smart from a smartphone.
However, this phone is not yet available, and is currently on a waitlist, which may be a good way to weigh up your options in whether you’re ready to give up your phone as it is now.
Nokia 3310
The Nokia 3310 is not quite a brick phone, but still lasts (almost) forever.
It comes in four vibrant shades and is a fun alternative to a smartphone, while still expressing your individuality. The phone can do the basics, includes retro games like Snake, and requires a micro SIM to work. Available now for £59.99, it’s just the product to try if you want to ditch a smartphone.
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