As small as it gets, this phone supports dual-SIM feature, you can make calls using it and it's cheap

Size matters? If you end up using this phone, the hero of this piece, a diminutive feature phone that is also an exact, but small, copy of old Nokia phones, you will feel differently about this question. The Nokia-like phone from a brand called L8Star measures only around an inch, and yet it can support dual-SIM feature and can help you make calls.

Maybe the idea is to go through digital detox, something that is getting popular nowadays. To cash in on the opportunity, various device manufacturers have started coming up with watered down devices that claim to help with a digital detox. In essence, these are basic phones that cut down on all the smart features and offer only the basic connectivity options - calling, messaging and simple conveniences. Most of these devices are designed in a way so as to act as an assistant to your smartphone. Yet, if required, they can be a standalone mobile phone capable of taking calls and messages - the days when you want to avoid the complicated worlds of Instagram or Twitter.

There are a lot of options in the market. Just go on Amazon or any e-commerce platform and you will be able to get one according to your preferences. There are mini phones of all shapes and sizes with varying amount of features and capabilities. These devices are made by a single OEM and sold under various names.

We picked up one called the L8Star Mini Phone. And you can clearly see why we chose this one.

-- It is easily one of the smallest mobile phones we have seen in the current times.

-- It resembles the favourite classic design of the Nokia 3310, reduced to half of the original's form factor. Isn't that cute?

What do you get in the package?

-- The handset is almost as big an as average nail clipper, but slightly thicker. This one resembles an old Nokia 3310, complete with a fully functioning T9 keypad.

-- The Mini Phone isn't Spartan in terms of features. You get Bluetooth connectivity for taking calls from your smartphone. You can also shove two SIM cards in this, thus making this one of the smallest dual SIM phones you can buy right now. And yes, you can make calls like a normal phone.

-- With the Mini Phone, you can also slot in a microSD card and listen to songs. There isn't a headphone jack in this one, but you can possibly connect a Bluetooth earphone.

--If you love pranks, you can use the Mini Phone's voice changer to sound like a woman or vice versa while taking a call.

Is it practical to live with?

-- These devices are not meant to be used as a daily driver. Hence, in the era of smartphones, you could face difficulties completely relying on this - no WhatsApp, no PUBG-nothing.

-- With your smartphone in another pocket or in the bag, the Mini Phone perfectly acts as an extension of your smartphone. You can receive calls. You can use the Bluetooth dialer to dial in a number and make calls routed via your smartphone. You can even send SMS via the Mini Phone.

-- The tiny dimensions of the device means you can put in your pocket or attach it to a lanyard cable. I even attached it to my key ring and it wasn't difficult to use.

--Since it's much cheaper than a smartphone, it is perfect for those who want lesser wear and tear on their premium flagship smartphone. Get this if you don't want your Samsung Galaxy or your iPhone all scratched up in daily use.

-- The 0.66-inch OLED (yes OLED) display isn't suited to read anything. But it serves its promise - make you use your phone less and keep you detached from the digital world.

-- The Mini Phone only supports 2G SIM cards. There's no support for data or VoLTE, if you were wondering.

-- The 380mAh battery is puny by today's standards but is more than enough to make this basic phone last an entire day. There's a micro USB port to charge the device.

What does it cost and is it worth buying?

The one that we had on our desks was worth Rs 2,999. However, you can get the same device under a different name for maybe a lesser price. Additionally, you might be able to buy one these with a simple design for as low as Rs 900.

If you want a digital detox and are willing to live a minimalist digital life for a few days, a mini phone is perfect. However, if you are spending close to Rs 3,000 for one of these phones, it wouldn't matter as to spend a little more and get a Nokia 3310 or a similarly priced feature phone that offers a bigger and more useable display.