KaiOS gives feature phone manufacturers a great opportunity to develop small compact phones for the general public. Its ability to support 4G networks creates a win-win situation for both the consumers and makers of these phones.
These feature phones were highly popular when they first came out, but were gradually replaced by the touch screen smartphone.
The most crucial aspect of KaiOS is its ability to optimize low cost and low-memory feature phones. This leads to internet access and digital services at a significantly lower cost. Its main purpose, in essence, is to bring more people into the digital world.
Buying KaiOS phones in 2022 for AT&T, Verizon, and T-mobile
Carriers in the US are now transforming their networks to accommodate new developments. They’re preparing for the adoption of 5G technology as they completely end their support for the older 3G networks. Most primary carriers have already started shifting to 5G. By the end of this year, almost all carriers will end their support for older networks.
These are the official dates given by the carriers:
- Sprint's 3G: Jan. 1, 2022
- AT&T's 3G: Feb. 22, 2022
- Sprint's LTE: June 30, 2022
- Verizon's 3G: Dec. 31, 2022
- T-Mobile's 2G and 3G: The end of 2022
So what does this mean for 3G devices? As soon as these carriers end their support, their users won’t be able to make calls, send texts and connect to the internet. Emergency services for older 3G devices are not going to work. All 3G devices will become obsolete.
But don’t panic just yet. If you’re still using a 3G device, you can always exchange it or upgrade it by buying a new device that supports 4G at the very least.
What Are KaiOS phones?
KaiOS phones are small and compact factor phones that were designed to be low-priced with the core features being phone calls and texting. It also brings some internet services through simpilified KaiOS Apps. These phones come without the touch screen feature, and are typically flip phones or candy bar phones.
KaiOS is committed to closing the gap between those who are digitally connected and those who aren't through affordable devices. As a company, it aims to provide 4G and mobile devices that support it at significantly lower prices. Their developments are palpable in current feature phones that come with KaiOS.
Besides making calls and sending texts, KaiOS has many features that make former luxuries available to more people in the general public. Some of these features include:
Wi-Fi, 4G and GPS
Despite being smaller in size, they still have Wi-Fi to keep you connected. Their support for 4G networks also provides faster data transfer rates and makes them compatible with most carriers. They are also GPS enabled, which is an important feature in kids and seniors’ phones.
Built-in Popular Apps
Feature phones with KaiOS are loaded with popular apps. These include WhatsApp, Facebook, Google, Google Maps and YouTube. They’re extremely useful to kids, older people and people who are new to digital technology as these apps are simplified and easy to learn.
KaiOS App Store
Like other operating systems, Kai has also introduced its own app store for its users. There, you may find the Kai OS version of various Android and iOS apps. New apps are continuously added to the store to create more opportunities for its users. However the selection of apps is of course smaller as KaiOS as a third place platform is hundreds of time smaller than Android.
What is the difference between KaiOS and Android?
KaiOS was originally built for feature phones. It was designed to link modern technology to older phone models. And while it may not be as powerful as Android yet, it’s steadily growing and creating more opportunities for their users.
KaiOS is a relatively new OS that came out in 2017. It gained popularity shortly after its release, and became widely used among seniors. It eventually held a big portion of the feature phone market. Its apps are HTML 5 based, which are easier to make and are configurable. The amount of apps it has, however, is limited.
These are some of its advantages
- KaiOS phones are inexpensive. And despite their lower price, they still offer great value to their users with 4G.
- Apps in KaiOS are more straightforward and minimalistic. They don't require much space, they’re easy to build and are less complex.
- KaiOS is “lighter” than its counterparts, which makes it more power-efficient. This makes it a great choice for smaller battery backups.
That being said, KaiOS also comes with some downsides. The first one is its privacy issues. Due to its ability to acquire and run on remote storage, its privacy protection hasn’t been fully developed yet. Second is that its OS has some performance issues. It can lag once in a while, and may perform slower when running apps due to its smaller memory.
Android, on the other hand, is a mature OS with more flexibility, developer options, an open-source nature, robust security and a privacy implementation. It’s more complex and has millions of apps. It requires more extensive hardware and software to run smoothly. And while it can also lag sometimes, it outperforms every other OS in many ways.
Android phones generally cost more than KaiOS phones. They usually have better hardware and software support. They were designed for more people in general, and they’re developed more consistently. The Android OS arguably remains one of the best in the world in every aspect.
What is the difference between KaiOS 2 and KaiOS 3?
KaiOS was forked from B2G (Boot to Gecko). It's an open-source and community-driven successor of the Firefox OS, which was discontinued by Mozilla in 2016. It’s first version was the KaiOS 2. Its OS kernel is Linux-based and was initially called KaiOS 2.5. It supports around 1000 apps on KaiStore. A few upgrades were eventually made on the OS, but a major one was made in September 2021.
KaiOS 3, however, is a significant upgrade from KaiOS 2.5. It comes with the latest Mozilla Gecko engine (version 84), the latest chipset board support package and Linux kernel. However, it's only available now to a few devices in the US.
Some of its notable features include:
The latest engine and chipset - This opens the gateway for new web technologies. Users can make real-time collaborative content with richer web content.
Enhanced security and privacy - Another important highlight of the newly rolled out kilos. This helps keep your data and privacy secure and protects you from malware while you’re browsing or running an app.
Improved stability and performance - This helps in preventing browser and app crashes. It ensures no memory leakage and a faster launch and shutdown time. The new database technology improves the performance of the overall app giving users a seamless experience.
New UI design - This makes the app more accessible and user-friendly. The optimized design enhances the user experience.
The difference between KaiOS 2 and KaiOS 3 in terms of Apps
Still, the apps supported by KaiOS 2 are not fully supported by KaiOS 3 yet. For Apps to support KaiOS 3, developers have to make the transition and worringly Facebook, Google Assistant, and WhatsApp are are not included in the KaiOS 3.
Key differences in features of KaiOS phones and smartphones
KaiOS or feature phones are fundamentally different in their hardware. Feature phones are smaller than the average smartphone. In terms of software, KaiOS phones are decently equipped and can support the latest network technology and most popular apps. They also have their app store.
Some other key differences include:
Cost and affordability: KaiOS phones were designed to be well-equipped and affordable. They’re generally low-priced and have a more user-friendly interface. In essence, they provide a digital connection at a far lower cost.
Size and design: They’re much smaller than smartphones. They have a smaller screen and a physical button keypad. They also fit well in small pockets.
Battery life: They consume less power than smartphones because they’re smaller, have a lower-resolution screen and use less apps. Their optimal performance and less power-consuming components make them have longer standby and talk times.
Rugged and durable: All feature phones are rugged and durable. They don't have glass panels or large display screens that make them vulnerable, and they’re easy to repair
Ease of use: They’re generally easy to use. Their handy size, physical buttons, less cluttered user interface and more simpler apps make them easier to operate.
KaiOS and apps
KaiOS supports many apps even if their app store isn’t that big. They provide support for most popular apps.
Does KaiOS 3 support WhatsApp and Google apps?
Yes, it supports WhatsApp and several Google apps. Both WhatsApp and Google announced to stop their support for KaiOS versions lower than 2.5. Phones with version 2.5 and above can still support them.
Can KaiOS install Android apps?
No, KaiOS can’t install Android apps. These apps need to revamp themselves according to HTML-5 based apps to run on KaiOS.
How do I play Music for KaiOS Phones?
Music can only be played with the pre-installed apps or with music apps from the KaiStore. Please take note of the formats and supported extensions before playing music or installing any app.
How do I play Spotify for KaiOS Phones?
KaiOS does not support Spotify. You can’t play anything on Spotify in KaiOS. A tweaked or modified version might work, however it officially doesn’t support Spotify.
Pros and Cons of Using KaiOS Phones
Every phone and operating system has their pros and cons, and there’s always room for improvement. That’s what drives innovation and takes us to new horizons. It is important to understand the pros and cons of KaiOS phones before you get one.
Pros
Inexpensive and useful:
Kai phones are highly affordable and practical. They’re one of the cheapest phones available in the market and can keep up with all the current technological standards.
Simple user interface and apps: They support all the popular apps including WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Their minimalistic and lighter interface makes it easy to navigate and use.
Lower power consumption: Its components and OS are well optimized. They provide longer backups and recharge much faster.
Cons
Limited app availability:
KaiOS phones can’t run as many apps. Its app store also holds fewer apps than other popular app stores. Users have to rely on fewer apps.
Security and privacy: KaiOS has a bad reputation for security and privacy. The newer version, however, promises to improve this.
Performance problems: Unlike Android, KaiOS is not open source. Developers therefore don't have free direct insight into problems. The existing OS also does not perform very well. The browser and apps tend to crash once in a while, and the OS lags when multiple apps are used.
Who would choose a KaiOS phone over an Android phone?
KaiOS phones are a great choice for people who have fewer technology requirements. It's regarded as the phone for the masses. They’re great for areas where smartphones are not widespread and areas with low literacy rates.
They are also quite popular among older people due to their simple user interface. Moreover, they also do well as a first phone for kids. They’re inexpensive, rugged and provide good connectivity.
Why do they prefer KaiOS phones over smartphones?
There are several reasons why some people prefer them. While their performance, operating system and app store may pale in comparison to smartphones, they come with unique advantages and benefits that are important to their users.
Some of these advantages include:
- Lower price
- Minimalistic design
- Durable and rugged
- Longer battery life
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Supports 4G
- Value for money
- Easy to use interface
The best feature phone to buy (Not KaiOS)
KaiOS phones usually meet the requirements you would normally have for a smartphone. Most of their features generally do well, although a few essential ones lag behind. That being said, wouldn’t it be great to have a phone with all of their advantages and none of their downsides?
Well, there happens to be a model out there with the form and design of a KaiOS phone, but runs on Android. It's just as easy to use and can support all the apps from the Play Store. It has a far more stable, safe and secure operating system. And it costs much less than the average smartphone, but also comes with an official warranty.
If any of that sounds good to you, then we’d like to introduce the phone below.
The VoicePing P-one is a compact, feature phone with a candy bar design. It runs on Android and performs like a smartphone. It was designed for seniors and kids, and is a great choice for people looking for a phone that has the essence of both feature phones and Android phones.
Some of its notable features include:
Hardware
- Processor: 1.5 GHz quad-core processor with 1 GB of RAM
- Storage: 8 GB. Supports up to 128 GB with an SD card
- Camera: 8 MP
- GPS Enabled: Yes
- Wi-Fi and 4G: Yes
- Physical Buttons: T9 physical button keypad
- SOS Button: Yes
Software
- Android OS: Google Play Store, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram
- AT&T and T-Mobile Compatibility: Yes
- Price: Approximately 129 dollars
- Warranty: 1 year
It doesn’t come with any of the problems that KaiOS phones normally have. It’s features are completely modern, and it can keep up with the latest tech trends. It’s also a great choice for people who prefer the feel and aesthetics of an old school phone.
Our picks for the best KaiOS phones in 2022:
The first phone on our list is the Nokia 8110. It quickly gained popularity when it came out in 2018 due to its sleek and modern design. With its long battery life, modern design and Nokia's reliable quality, you can't go wrong with this one.
Some of its notable features include:
- Technology: 4G
- Screen Size: 2.4 inches with 240x320 pixel ratios
- Rear Camera: 2 MP
- Battery Life: 11 hours of talk time
- Weight: 117 grams
- Storage: 4GB
- Dimensions: 133.5 x 49.3 x 14.9mm
- Price: Approximately 70 dollars
- Works On: AT&T
- OS: KaiOS 2.5.1
Its design and ability to support 4G also make it the best choice for people who want a KaiOS phone as their second phone.
The Nokia 6300 is a sleek and advanced phone with a candy bar design. It has a distinct appearance compared to other Kai OS phone models.
Some of its notable features include:
- Technology: 4G
- Screen Size: 2.4 inches with 240x320 pixel ratios
- Rear Camera: 0.3 MP
- Battery Life: 10.9 hours of talk time
- Storage: 512 MB Ram, 4 GB storage
- Dimensions: 131.4 x 53 x 13.7 mm
- Weight: 104.7 grams
- Price: Approximately 69.99 dollars
- Works on: AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon
- OS: KaiOS 2.5.4
Another great choice for people who love KaiOS phones with modern features. Nokia phones have always been reliable. They’ve produced countless innovative and durable models, and their quality never fails.
The Alcatel SMART Flip 4052 is a flip design phone, and is a treat for people who liked flip phones back in the day. It's an easy-to-use, primary feature phone that perfectly fits the definition of KaiOS phones.
Some of its notable features include:
- Technology: 4G LTE
- Screen Size: 2.8 inches with 240x320 pixel ratios
- Rear Camera: 2 MP
- Battery Life: Standby battery time of 280 hours and 10 hours talk time
- Storage: 4 GB
- Dimensions: 104.9 x 52.8 x 19.05 mm
- Weight: 117.9 grams
- Price: Approximately 49.99 dollars
- Works on: AT&T
- OS: KaiOS 2.5.2
Other features include: Wi-Fi, a 3.5 mm audio jack, Bluetooth, flashlight and long battery life. At under 50 Dollars, it’s definitely an excellent choice for older people who like KaiOS flip phones.
The Plum RAM 10 Volte 4Gis the newest member of the plum family. Its design makes it an excellent choice for seniors. It’s durable, shockproof and supports 4G. It also has the IP68 water and dustproof rating.
Some of its notable features include:
- Technology: 4G
- Screen Size: 2.8 inches with 240x320 pixel ratios
- Rear Camera: It has a dual camera
- Battery Life: Standby time of 5 days and a talk time of 8 hours
- Weight: 109 grams
- Storage: 512MB
- Dimension: 141 x 89 x 62 mm
- Price: Approximately 90 dollars
- Works On: AT&T and T-Mobile
- OS: KaiOS
Other features include: Bluetooth, an FM radio, flashlight and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Its box includes a USB cable, headphones, a battery, a SIM card ejection tool and a charger. Its military-grade casing makes it last much longer than other models.
The Nokia 225 4G has a sleek design and physical button keypad. Its best features are its premium design and durability.
Some of its notable features include:
- Technology: 4G
- Screen Size: 2.4 inches with 240x320 pixel ratios
- Rear Camera: 0.3 MP
- Battery Life: 6 hours of talk time
- Storage: 0.13 GB
- Dimensions: 124.7 x 51.05 x 13.7 mm
- Weight: 90.1 grams
- Price: Approximately 45 dollars.
- Works on: AT&T
- OS: KaiOS 2.5.1
Other features include: Bluetooth, a 3.5 mm headphone jack and an F.M. radio. It also has a dedicated button for emergency assistance.
Conclusion:
KaiOS phones are built for the general public. Their simple design, minimalistic user interface and ease of use make them worth considering. They’re inexpensive, durable and provide digital connectivity at more affordable rates.
The limitations of their operating system prevents them from using other operating systems’ apps. Even with their own app store, you won't find as many apps. And many of the apps available to them are limited edition.
If you’re looking for a cheap or inexpensive phone that supports 4G, has a clean interface, can run popular apps, then a KaiOS phone would be a great choice.