(Credit: xuhengshan2cx.sg, UnivercellMobile)
Trying to find phones without a camera in Singapore for work or reservist can be challenging! With improved technology, every new smartphone on the market seems to boast even better built-in camera capabilities than their predecessors – not exactly what we are looking for here. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best non-camera phones and smartphones that can be used within army camps or at work — perfect if your new workplace is in a high-security area!
| Type of phone | Phone model | Screen size (inches) | Battery (mAh) | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
| Smartphone | Newman F11 | 2.8 | 4,000 | – | 69g | $51.12 – $87.09 |
| SGINO 8 | 6.7 | 5,000 | 167.6 × 75.3 × 8.6mm | 195g | $588 | |
| Standard phone | Nokia 105 | 1.8 | 1,450. removable | 121.5 x 50 x 14.4 | 93g | $49 – $93 |
| Artfone CS181 | – | 1,000 | 121.6 x 55.4 x 14.3mm | 130g | $31.93 | |
| Nokia 3310 | – | 900 | 113 x 48 x 22mm | 133g | $30.41 | |
| Nokia 1616 | – | 800 | 107.1 x 45 x 15mm | 78.5g | $11.49 | |
| Samsung E1272 | 1.77 | 800, removable | 95 x 46.5 x 17.95mm | 82.9g | $33.68 – $38.04 |
Other than elderly phones, Newman is also a brand that’s well sought after for the best non camera phones in Singapore. That’s particularly true for those who are about to be enlisted in the army, going for their reservist or simply working in a highly restricted area of their organisations.
The Newman F11 (available on xuhengshan2cx.sg) is one of the best non camera smartphones in Singapore. It boasts 4G capabilities, an interactive touch screen and best of all, it retains the conventional aesthetic of being a flip phone!
Homegrown brand iNo Mobile specialises in manufacturing non-camera smartphones. Like its predecessor, the SGINO 7, the SGINO 8 doesn’t have a camera function, but that doesn’t mean they compromise on other performance aspects. The SGINO 8 is the brand’s latest release and comes with an impressive set of features for its affordable price point. Stand out specifications include the Android 13 operating system, 8GB of RAM and even a fingerprint scanner for added security.
If you ask any lao jiao (someone older or more experienced) which affordable non-camera phone they recommend for you to own in a red zone, odds are they’ll point you to Nokia phones! Out of their lineup, your best bet will be Nokia 105 (available on UnivercellMobile). Despite its low price tag, Nokia has jam-packed plenty of features into this no-frills device! With a Dual-SIM feature, you’ll get to use your work contact and personal contact on this best non-camera phone. There are also games where you can pass the time if your journey to work is long and boring. From its minimalist look and removable battery, you’ll find all the necessities here to make using this best non-camera phone a breeze. Psst, this phone also allows a good social media detox during your reservist!
Not keen on spending too much on a designated non-camera phone? The Artfone CS181 (available on LED Light Store) is a sleek non-camera phone that comes with all the basic functions. It has a basic user interface that’s clear-cut and easy to use. You won’t have a tough time locating your contacts or messages just to keep in touch – this Artfone gets it done in just a sec! It also has a battery capacity that can last up to 200 hours, so you don’t have to worry about its juice even when you’re outfield.
Take a trip down memory lane with the Nokia 3310 (available on sunshinefacel9.sg). This best non-camera phone is sturdy, durable, and unbelievably affordable. You don’t have to feel heartpain if you accidentally misplace this phone. Also, this basic mobile phone is made to last a lifetime, so you won’t have to worry about totalling it during accidental drops. The Nokia 3310 is also thick enough to make sure that you’ll be able to have a good grip on it.
Too busy with work and only need a basic phone for calling and sending text messages? The Nokia 1616 (available on vintageshop1.sg) is one of the best non-camera phones that has all the specifications you’ll need for those book-in days. It’s one of the lightest models, so you won’t have to worry about it weighing you down. And that’s even with its metal frame and back cover that’s scratch-resistant and hardy – no need to worry about any breakage here!
Does your vocation or posting require you to regularly carry out physical and laborious tasks within camp red zones? Trying to fiddle with a large phone while lugging heavy equipment can be cumbersome. The Samsung E1272 (available on sunshinefacel9.sg) is a compact clamshell mobile phone that not only fits perfectly in the palm, but also brings back nostalgic memories! Despite its small frame, you can still use this best non-camera phone to tune in to your favourite radio station!
| Non-camera phone | Screen size (inches) | Battery (mAh) | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
| Nokia 105 | 1.8 | 1,450. removable | 121.5 x 50 x 14.4 | 93g | $49 |
| Artfone CS181 | – | 1,000 | 121.6 x 55.4 x 14.3mm | 130g | $31.93 |
| Nokia 3310 | – | 900 | 113 x 48 x 22mm | 133g | $30.41 |
| Nokia 1616 | – | 800 | 107.1 x 45 x 15mm | 78.5g | $11.49 |
| Samsung E1272 | 1.77 | 800, removable | 95 x 46.5 x 17.95mm | 82.9g | $33.68 – $38.04 |
From March 2016, the SAF has eased rules on electronic devices in army camps:
Even though Green Zones in army camps means you can bring in your smartphones with cameras, it’s still better to play it safe and check on intra-unit policies with your superior. If your camp is in a designated Red Zone, where camera-enabled smartphones are not allowed, your best bet is a non-camera smartphone or to disable your camera function in accordance with SAF standards. Read on down below for a guide on how to do the latter.
The short answer is yes, you can! If you’re looking to explore other alternatives before going into non-camera smartphone options, here are two best approaches to convert your current mobile device into a phone without a camera:
Prior to modifying your smartphone, you should be certain that these modified phones are allowed in red zones — you wouldn’t want to go through all the hassle for no reason! Do also ask your unit’s security officer if proof of camera removal is required. If you’re planning to go ahead with these methods, you’d want to avoid doing so with an expensive flagship mobile phone. We recommend conducting this operation on affordable entry-level smartphones.
Whether you’re looking for the best non-camera phones or wanting to sandblast your phone’s camera, we hope you’ve solved your dilemma! Before enlisting or returning for reservist, you should also buy some of these best phones for elderly to keep in touch with your elderly parents and grandparents. As some of these non-camera phones do not have internet access, you may be bored when travelling to camp or work. Here’s where the best ebook readers will come in handy to help you pass the time! Once the work week is over, spend your weekend at these Haji Lane bars and cafes to chill with friends!
This article was updated on 26 February 2024. Additional research done by Caryn Tan.
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