even mint mobile is slowly getting rid of any non smartphone devices. t-mobile owns them now 

 this is so cool, i love this. 

 Could always just put your phone on super power saver mode. Then you can only use a certain number of apps that you designate like calls, texts, etc 

 Just needs encrypted messages 

 Another alternative is GrapheneOS

https://grapheneos.org/

The basic application set (Calculator, Camera, Clock, Contacts, Messaging, Phone) get you this functionality.

And you can then augment with additional items as you see fit.

 

 Add this launcher
https://github.com/DroidWorksStudio/mLauncher?tab=readme-ov-file 

 I like this idea, but lack of encrypted messaging (Signal/Matrix) makes this a no-go for me.

I second the recommendation of GrapheneOS to at least prevent some of the tracking.

Having a simpler phone would be great, but a good second choice is to limit what apps you install so you have less distractions available.

There have been several times where I've picked up my phone because I'm slightly bored, stared at the home screen for a few moments, and put it back down after nothing grabs me. After that happened a few times, I've started reaching for my phone less often. 

 society peaked at nokia brick phones 

 💜 https://i.nostr.build/Z5eQM.jpg  

 I built a lot of the activation infrastructure that T-Mobile USA used for almost a decade. Love the telecommunications space. Hate the telecommunications corporate culture. 

 I worked for EE which I believe used to be UK T-mobile and Orange put together 🥹🫂 

Yeah I hated working there. Was soul crushing, but I kept optimistic and had amazing co-workers who I’m still friends with to this day. Great guys 🙏🏽 

 Yea T-Mobile UK and T-Mobile US are very different in some ways- very much alike in others. The corporate culture was just too much to tolerate. 

 🫂🫂🫂💯 

 Always was 

 i tried doing this, i have a razr flip phone i bought on ebay, brand new still in box, compatible with t-mobile, they said they don’t give out sim cards anymore for those. 

 What carrier?  What year was the razr? 

 2010, t-mobile 

 I wound just ask for a SIM card on a new line, leave the store and put it in the phone. Worst that happens is you have to get a newer flip phone. 

 I ask because some older phones from the 2G and 3G era no longer are compatible. 

 so dumb. i just want to make calls and texts i don’t want any internet 

 Found the problem.. According to GSMArena it looks like the V3xx (which I think is that type of phone) only does 850/1900 3G. The issue would be that T-Mobile is in the process of repurposing 1900 3G spectrum as B2 LTE.

I'm sure you can find a newer flip phone but yes.. that phone will likely stop working even if - in your area - it works right now. I'd be willing to bet the seller on eBay knew that too. 

 This phone would work for you. 

https://www.amazon.com/Nokia-2780-Unlocked-Verizon-T-Mobile/dp/B0BLDZDN9R/ref=asc_df_B0BLDZDN9R?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80814222249878&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584413757970024&th=1 

 But for overall durability and price these are excellent. 

https://www.amazon.com/CAT-FLIP-BLACK-T-MOBILE-LOCKED/dp/B0BZQKYKQF/ 

 Actually buy the unlocked CAT flip. Supports a broader range of bands and carriers. 

https://www.amazon.com/Cat-S22-Flip-Touchscreen-Resistant/dp/B0BTTQGVVW/