Ghost phones: What's behind the unexpected rise of old cell phones without apps or touchscreens?

Disposable phones – which survived the great extinction of their species – went from being icons of spy cinema to a double-edged weapon : they serve both to protect privacy and to set up a scam without leaving traces .

So-called "feature phones," like the old Nokia phones, are characterized by being basic devices, without a touchscreen and with just enough to make calls or send text messages . But their true power lies in what they don't have: they're not tied to an identity, which makes them invisible .

Thus, they became the "ghost" device for receiving authentication codes and confirmation messages without compromising the main line. Since they are not associated with a digital identity, they provide an extra layer of separation between the user and the services.

Despite the nickname, these phones aren't disposable : they cost around 30,000 pesos and are more durable than current smartphones. The term "disposable" isn't due to their lifespan, but rather to the role they serve: they're secondary phones, perfect for those who prefer to go unnoticed, separate their affairs, or leave no trace.

To get them off the radar, it's possible to associate them with virtual SIMs through apps like Google Voice, HotTelecom, and RingCentral. These temporary numbers, which guarantee anonymity , can be activated or deleted in minutes, through the same website from which the service is purchased.

"Disposable phones offer a sense of privacy, but they're not without risks. While they can provide protection against spam and intrusive tracking, they're also a hiding place for scammers and fraudsters, who can use them without leaving a trace. That's why they should be used with caution," says Adrianus Warmenhoven, cybersecurity expert at NordVPN.

These basic devices found unexpected refuge in the pockets of Generation Z, who incorporated them as part of a more conscious "digital diet": fewer screens, more control . Far from being a technological lag, their simplicity ended up turning them into a valuable resource, driving an ever-growing demand.

The global prepaid cell phone market, which is directly linked to the use of disposable phones, was valued at $ 582.17 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.51% through 2033.

The appeal of their offering is that they provide a passive form of connection, keeping them away from the digital labyrinth. They enable the essentials: making calls and sending messages, but without apps, likes , or notifications interrupting every minute. They act as a handbrake against the dizzying pace of social media.

However, this disconnection isn't always absolute: many users combine them with other devices or eSIMs, allowing them to stay online, albeit with much more deliberate and selective control.

As some experts explain, the privacy they promise may be just a mirage. Unless certain precautions are taken—such as paying in cash, not using personal accounts, avoiding apps, and restarting your device frequently—what should be a shield can become a weapon, but from the wrong side.

The problem is that when used carelessly or without restrictions, such as sending messages or logging in, traces reappear and anonymity begins to crumble.

Travelers also rely on these feature phones to maintain privacy abroad, avoid roaming charges, and protect their primary numbers. They keep them connected without opening the door to hacking, spam, or surprise charges. In airports, terminals, and unfamiliar cities, they act as discreet allies that don't betray their owner.

Even parents think they're a safe, low-cost option for contacting their children in emergencies, but they're unaware that these devices can be compromised, exposing personal information or even endangering their loved ones.

"To fulfill that purpose, you should use it exclusively for texting and emergency calls. Using it the way Gen Z typically does—installing additional apps, linking accounts, or adding payment methods—defeats its purpose," Warmenhoven adds.

Although there are some generic models, which are cheaper but also less durable, the most logical thing is to opt for a basic range mobile phone but from a brand, as is the case of the BLU Z5 Dual SIM 32, equipped with a tiny 1.8" TFT screen, a 600mAh battery and Bluetooth connection. It costs 34 thousand pesos .

For those looking for something more sophisticated, the TCL FLIP 3 is a flip phone with a keyboard, which comes with Wi-Fi for checking email, although it doesn't allow you to download third-party apps. The 1,850 mAh battery is its weakest point. It costs around 40,000 pesos .

For those looking for a classic phone, the Nokia 106 (2018) is a more than attractive option, with a 1.8-inch display (120 by 160 pixels) with only 4MB of RAM and 4MB of storage and an 800 mAh battery. It costs around 35 thousand pesos .