With increasingly complex mobile phones available, the purchase of a new one can be a minefield of fiddly buttons and buzzwords. Retailers always seem to focus on the latest device with the most functions – irregardless of how useful they may actually be.

However, despite the attention cutting-edge phones are getting, many manufacturers have spotted the growing demand for no-nonsense phones and are now catering for these customers too. As they are low-tech – and low-cost – these devices do not tend to get talked about much but they are there to be found if you know where to look.

Bare-bones phone
For those wanting the simplest – and cheapest – option, there’s the Samsung Keystone. Costing just €39 in The Carphone Warehouse or €19 on O2’s prepay plan, this is as basic as phones get.

Keystone users will not have to worry about being bogged down by features – this really is a phone and little else. The colour screen is easy to read, menus are simple to navigate and the handset is easy to hold and dial from.

In terms of battery life, Samsung promises an impressive 200 hours in stand-by mode, meaning users will not have to root for the charger too often.

Simplicity with an edge
For slightly more savvy users, there is Nokia’s popular 6303 Classic, which can be bought as a prepay phone on Vodafone or O2 for less than €100.

This phone boasts generous buttons, a clear colour screen and a menu system that is easy to go through no matter how inexperienced a phone user you are.

Nokia has struck a balance with it, however. Not only is it a simple device – perfect for users who just want to talk and text – it also has some of the more advanced features available should you want them. So, if you decide you want a camera and music player after all, the functions are there waiting for you. If not, you never have to worry about them getting in your way.

Accessible mobility
As simple as they are, these phones may not be ideal for users who want something extremely accessible, particularly for users with sight or hearing issues. However, there are phones that cater specifically for this market.

The EmporiaLife Plus is one such device and is available in Ireland through O2. The prepay handset is quite smart and costs €129.

Sporting an over-sized screen with an orange backlight to make it easy to read, the phone also has extra-large buttons to make dialling simple. The ringer and vibrate functions have also been enhanced to make it much easier to hear – or feel – when it rings.

The body of the phone is durable aluminium, while the back cleverly houses a large emergency button that can be programmed to dial a designated number with one touch.

A mobile for everyone
While mobiles can seem daunting, manufacturers want to gain everyone’s custom – not just that of the tech savvy. Phone makers know the latest technology is only a must-have for some and many just want a phone that works.

An added bonus is the fact that users with more focused demands can get the best deal possible – after all, they only pay for what they get.