Review of Phones That Help With Digital Wellbeing
In today’s hyper-connected world, finding balance with our devices is more important than ever. Digital wellbeing has become a priority for many, as excessive screen time can impact mental health, productivity, and relationships. Fortunately, several smartphones now come equipped with features designed to promote healthier tech habits. In this blog post, we’ll review the top phones that prioritize digital wellbeing, exploring their features, benefits, and how they can help you maintain a balanced digital life.
Why Digital Wellbeing Matters
Before diving into the phone reviews, let’s understand why digital wellbeing is crucial. Excessive smartphone use can lead to distractions, reduced focus, and even anxiety. Phones with digital wellbeing features empower users to set boundaries, track usage, and create healthier relationships with technology. These tools include screen time trackers, app limits, focus modes, and mindfulness integrations.
If you’re looking for a smartphone that supports your quest for digital balance, here are some of the best options available in 2025.
1. Google Pixel 9 Series
Key Digital Wellbeing Features:
- Digital Wellbeing Suite: Google’s Pixel 9 series includes a robust Digital Wellbeing app that tracks screen time, sets app limits, and offers a “Wind Down” mode to reduce blue light exposure before bed.
- Focus Mode: Pause distracting apps with a single tap to stay productive.
- Bedtime Mode: Encourages better sleep by silencing notifications and switching to grayscale.
Why It Stands Out: The Google Pixel 9 series is a leader in digital wellbeing, thanks to its seamless integration with Android’s native tools. The intuitive interface makes it easy to monitor and control your phone usage. The “Wind Down” feature is particularly effective for creating a nighttime routine, helping you disconnect and prepare for restful sleep.
Who It’s For: Ideal for Android users who want a clean, user-friendly experience with powerful digital wellbeing tools baked into the operating system.
2. Apple iPhone 16 Series
Key Digital Wellbeing Features:
- Screen Time: Apple’s Screen Time feature provides detailed insights into app usage, allowing you to set time limits and schedule downtime.
- Focus Mode: Customize notifications to minimize distractions during work, sleep, or personal time.
- App Limits: Restrict specific apps or categories to curb mindless scrolling.
Why It Stands Out: The iPhone 16 series excels in offering granular control over notifications and app usage. The Focus Mode is highly customizable, letting you create profiles for different scenarios, like work or family time. Additionally, Apple’s ecosystem integrates Screen Time data across devices, making it easy to maintain consistency.
Who It’s For: Perfect for iOS fans who want a polished, privacy-focused phone with advanced digital wellbeing features.
3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Series
Key Digital Wellbeing Features:
- Digital Wellbeing Dashboard: Tracks usage patterns and offers insights to reduce screen time.
- Bixby Routines: Automate tasks like enabling Do Not Disturb during specific hours or locations.
- One UI Focus Tools: Simplifies the interface to reduce distractions.
Why It Stands Out: Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series combines powerful hardware with thoughtful software. The Digital Wellbeing Dashboard provides actionable insights, while Bixby Routines let you automate healthy habits, like silencing notifications during meetings. The One UI interface is also highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the phone to your needs.
Who It’s For: Great for users who want a versatile phone with strong digital wellbeing features and a vibrant display for occasional media consumption.
4. Fairphone 5
Key Digital Wellbeing Features:
- Minimalist OS: Fairphone’s clean Android-based OS reduces bloatware, minimizing distractions.
- Screen Time Monitoring: Tracks usage and encourages mindful habits.
- Sustainable Design: Promotes a mindful approach to tech consumption with repairable, eco-friendly hardware.
Why It Stands Out: The Fairphone 5 is unique in its focus on sustainability and minimalism. By reducing unnecessary apps and offering a clutter-free interface, it naturally encourages less screen time. Its digital wellbeing tools are straightforward but effective, making it a great choice for eco-conscious users.
Who It’s For: Best for environmentally conscious users who want a phone that aligns with mindful living and digital balance.
5. Nothing Phone (3)
Key Digital Wellbeing Features:
- Dot Matrix Interface: A minimalist design that reduces visual clutter.
- App Usage Insights: Tracks and limits app usage to promote mindful interaction.
- Monochrome Mode: Switches the display to grayscale to discourage prolonged use.
Why It Stands Out: The Nothing Phone (3) combines a unique aesthetic with practical digital wellbeing tools. Its Dot Matrix interface is designed to be less addictive, and the Monochrome Mode is a clever way to make the phone less engaging during downtime. It’s a fresh take on smartphone design that prioritizes user control.
Who It’s For: Ideal for tech enthusiasts who want a stylish phone with innovative features to support digital wellbeing.
Tips for Maximizing Digital Wellbeing on Any Phone
No matter which phone you choose, here are some universal tips to enhance your digital wellbeing:
- Set App Limits: Use built-in tools to cap time spent on social media or gaming apps.
- Schedule Downtime: Enable Do Not Disturb or Bedtime Mode during specific hours to unplug.
- Use Grayscale: Switching to grayscale can make your phone less appealing for mindless scrolling.
- Curate Notifications: Turn off non-essential notifications to reduce distractions.
- Practice Mindful Usage: Reflect on why you’re reaching for your phone and prioritize intentional use.
Choosing a phone that supports digital wellbeing can make a significant difference in how you interact with technology. The Google Pixel 9, iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S25, Fairphone 5, and Nothing Phone (3) are excellent choices, each offering unique tools to help you stay in control. By combining these features with mindful habits, you can create a healthier relationship with your smartphone.
Ready to take control of your digital life? Explore these phones and their digital wellbeing features to find the perfect fit for your needs. Let us know in the comments which phone you’re considering or share your favorite digital wellbeing tips!
