Best basic phones

Though its clamshell design isn't pretty, the Kyocera DuraXT is tough as nails, with great call quality, and a respectable camera to boot.

Verizon customers looking for a simple phone will appreciate the Samsung Gusto 2's emphasis on call quality and comfort, despite a few minor flaws.

Although it has a competitively low price, Verizon carries better-performing feature phones than the Revere 2 at just a few dollars more.

As a feature phone, the Rumor Reflex can do the basics well and its QWERTY keyboard and touch-screen display make it easy to use.

You can't beat the Samsung Entro's no-contract price and simplicity when shopping for a dead-simple phone that only fields calls and texts.