How about if there was a locked down smartphone OS with only call/messaging/camera and maps functionality. No other apps possible

This is kind of why I like the Windows Phone platform: it's generally sort of laggy, lacks apps for most things, and the apps it does have are generally not swift or feature-packed. It provides the basic functions fine, and with the Lumia 950, has a great camera, display, and is durable. It isn't versatile or swift enough to where I can get lost for hours on it like I tend to do with Android devices.

Even the lack of ad-blocking in the browser I find beneficial, because there is practically no way I can tolerate the web without ad filtering, so I use it mostly for utility, not much for leisure.

Trying to switch back to Android recently, and I find that the instant responsiveness, the virtually unlimited selection of great apps, means that its a lot more likely to turn into a time sink for me.

I think having a browser is what keeps me hooked. I removed all my social media apps out of privacy concerns, install only utility apps as needed, but that pesky browser seems to always be open...

I also spend more time on it when I haven't slept well. I'm happy to do other things when I'm rested but when I'm tired I don't want to do anything, and apparently looking at my phone meets the criteria for not doing anything.

I made a similar comment like this a couple months ago...it seems like it would be hard to draw the line on what to include and what not to include.

I'm considering getting a dumb phone for on-call and talking to my friends/family...but if I wanted all of that other functionality I could just delete the apps that are addicting off of my phone.

Just don't get a data plan.

Then you can use maps stored on the device and get a modern camera and lots of storage and so on but you aren't constantly checking apps for notifications and whatever.

This is what I do. I use HERE WeGO for offline maps, check messages when there's wifi. Saves a lot of money too! Never experienced problems so far. I think it's easier when you never had a data plan, going 'back' might be tough as you've changed your habits to rely on a data plan.

This is a good idea!

You can always just... not download the apps you don't want.

Bonus: Turn your phone's display to monochrome mode. Force it to become less visually stimulating to our monkey brain.

This is a fantastic idea and one I'm immediately adopting. Thank you!

Looking forward to https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/light-phone-2-design#/

So, a feature phone?