Is My Phone Smart? - Link to Care WA- Get Connected – Stay Healthy
Contact the Link To Care WA Hotline at 866-757-1832 (TTY: 711). Available to ALL Washington residents, Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm.
You can now request call support at the days and times that work best for you! Just click here and complete the form. We’ll do our best to call you back during the time windows you choose.

Is My Phone Smart?

You may have heard the term “smartphone” before. But what is a smartphone, really, and what makes it “smart”? How do they compare to other types of phones, like a non-smart cell phone or a landline? Use the guide below to determine what type of phone you have.

Features of a Smartphone:

A smartphone is a mobile phone that has similar functions to a computer. The features that make them “smart” include:

  • A large screen that reacts to touch.
  • Few (or no) buttons.
  • Ability to be used for both voice and video calls and text messages.
  • Can browse the internet and run programs (apps) like a computer.

Features of a Basic Cell Phone:

You may have a more basic cell phone (versus a smartphone) if it has the following:

  • Physical buttons.
  • Only makes voice calls and text messages.
  • Programs (apps) that do not use the internet, like games and a contact list.

Features of a Landline Phone:

A landline phone was the original type of phone before cell phones. These are typically found indoors and need to be connected to a physical phone line. They can only make voice calls and are not portable like a cell phone.

What Next?

After reading about these three kinds of phones, you should have a pretty good understanding of what type of phone you have.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US