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smaller flip phones needed, part 2

Some of still want smaller flip phones. I have a computer and many cameras, and I don't need my phone to be a computer or a great camera I just want a small phone for calls and texting.

The Samsung Gusto is a superb example of what basic phones used to be. It is very compact, smaller than any 4G phone I can find. The text messaging is adequate. It has inbox, outbox, sentbox, drafts, to keep your texts separate instead of lumping them in one big ugly useless pile like the Kyocera Cadence does. You could text with one hand even if you have smallish hands, like I do. I have to use 2 hands on the larger basic phones. They are too large to hold and press keys with one hand. In every way, these larger newer phones are less practical and less useful.

Phone manufacturers and service providers seem to be under the illusion that the only people who want basic phones are half senile, doddering old people who are too stupid or scared to use smart phones, so they keep making them bigger and dumber. I'm not a senior, thank you, and I use complex computer software every day that most people couldn't even open. I'm not half blind either, so I don't need a huge screen. Nobody is paying attention to this group of users.

I bought an AT&T flip phone, an LG ZTE 222 that is the same size as the Gusto 3. AT&T wont be shutting down their 3G until next year so when my Gusto stops working I will switch to AT&T to finish out 2021. I don't know what I'll do then, because it doesn't look like the companies care about me or the other people who posted on Part 1 of this topic

https://community.verizonwireless.com/t5/Basic-Phones/Smaller-flip-phones-needed/m-p/1127057#M23634%2Fjump-to%2Ffirst-unread-message

Comments

Verizon_Support

We can certainly understand that not all devices are good for all users. We're sorry to hear that you've been having difficulty finding a basic phone that is the right fit for you. While we don't manufacture phones, we do try to keep a varied lineup of devices for our customers to use. Manufacturers are in the business of selling as many devices as possible, so they are almost always going to try to go with models that fit the biggest demographics. For flip phones, that can mean larger devices. From time to time, we do see unique entries in the basic phone class, so if you don't see anything that works for your needs right now, you might later. Sometimes, if they find a good niche product they can target a smaller group with, we'll see that as well. We certainly hope so. If you need help with your account, please do feel free to let us know. We're always standing by to help out.

bigsky3

I too liked the Gusto 3 (and the previous model Gusto 2 [?] ) as well. I have moved on just this year with all the news about 3G ending.

I recently came across this:

"Verizon is indefinitely delaying the shutdown of its 3G network, pushing back the original plan for the network to shutter at the end of 2020 to an as-yet-undetermined point in the future." (online quote from THE VERGE)

That Gusto 3 may serve you for a while yet...!

bewilder

I can't agree. Most people who want flip phones don't want larger screens. The whole point of a flip phone is basic communication, and you don't need a large screen for that.

In my opinion manufacturers create bigger screens because they are trying to get people to move to ever larger and larger screens and eventually to smart phones so they can charge even more.

Its insane that after 20 years of getting smaller and more convenient they are getting large and less so.

bewilder

"Verizon is indefinitely delaying the shutdown of its 3G network, pushing back the original plan for the network to shutter at the end of 2020 to an as-yet-undetermined point in the future."

Oh great. But will they let me replace my Gusto with one that's in better shape? NO! When they extended the shutdown previously, now almost 2 years ago, I could have replaced my decrepit Gusto 3 but I didn't find out about the extension BECAUSE VERIZON NEVER TOLD ME! By the time I found out, it was too late to activate a 3G phone! I have been stuck using the same old Gusto that was decrepit 2 years ago. Now they are extending 3G service even longer and I STILL cant replace my old Gusto.

Utterly ridiculous.

Doggo

Not really.

This is wanting a store to keep stocking shelves full of expired food because expiration dates are a "suggestion". Every carrier is retiring 3G, not just Verizon. There's a reason people have cell phones instead of hoping AT&T has a pay phone nearby, it's called progress.

From a business standpoint, it makes little business sense to cater to a declining market when smartphones are the new norm. Just like how rotary phones are retired, internet no longer tied to AOL discs and computers being several times more powerful, technology moves on wether or not a small minority disagrees.

Verizon isn't doing small flip phones, there isn't a profitable market for it. Either adapt or find a carrier that is willing to be stuck in the past.

bewilder

This thread is for people who want smaller flip phones. The title should give that away.

Deville2006

Oh Great! I accidently ran across this because I am so upset that I got antsy from the fact that 3G is going away in December 2022 and ordered another flip phone that is 4G. I LOVED my Gusto3, have had it for many years and it was all I needed. That stupid Orbit Journey 5 that I ordered turns out to be a complete nightmare, it is absolutely JUNK! compared to my old Gusto. I was going to return it (today) but found out they will not re-activate the Gusto back on 3G once it's de-activated, given that there's still 10 or so months before 12-31-22. This would have given me time to search for another more user-friendly flip phone. Wish a million times I would have just waited and continued using the Gusto to see if something would change with the migration to 4G/5G. I don't know why they can't re-activate the Gusto (3G) since this junk that I ordered is a joke! I have a smartphone (cheap) prepaid that I only use for decent pictures or if I want to text, which is rare.

bewilder

I am still using (and loving) my Gusto 3. Since they stopped activating 3 G phones years ago, I still have to use an old one on which the case is falling to pieces and the camera lens is beyond help. But I've tried a half dozen other dumbphones from Nokia to Kyocera and this one is still better than all of them.

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