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Giving someone a phone without a data plan this holiday season? Start with these.
Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Thought Leadership, Speed Desk and How-To. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds.
Jessica led CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Giving someone a phone without a data plan this holiday season? Start with these.
If all you really want to do is make calls, the $20 Samsung t159 does just that...and not much else. But the keys are large, the design is familiar, and voice commands are always welcome.
The Kyocera DuraXT isn't just a flip phone. It's one tough mother of a flip phone that shrugs off dust, shock, and water. Call quality is great, too, and it's a vehicle for Sprint's push-to-talk protocol.
The first of this line was a sorry excuse for a cell phone, but I'm happy to say that Verizon's Samsung Gusto 2 has redeemed its reputation. It's comfortable, and calls sound great. While not exactly cheap at $79.99, it's one reliable option in Verizon's portfolio.
Looking for something more robust than a flip phone, but without the monthly smartphone data plan? LG's reasonably priced Rumor Reflex comes to Sprint and the prepaid Boost Mobile. A QWERTY keyboard complements that touch-screen display, and apps inside keep you connected to e-mail, social networks, and the Web.
When it comes to flip phones on a no-contract carrier, it's hard to beat the Samsung Entro's price. I mean, this phone costs $15 upfront, which is almost unheard of for a postpaid cellie. Sure, it's extremely bare-bones (for example, there's no camera), but if all you want to do is send a call or receive a text, the Entro is well-qualified.
Cherry-red and dare I say, even stylish, the Samsung Chrono 2 lends its uncomplicated frame to the time-honored tradition of keepin' it simple. It comes free with a two-year contract, and costs just $20 prepaid.
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