A WhatsApp companion phone is an additional phone that is used alongside a primary smartphone solely for accessing WhatsApp. This allows users to separate their personal and work lives, have two WhatsApp accounts, and enjoy the app on a secondary device.
Why have a WhatsApp companion phone?
There are several key reasons why someone may want to use a WhatsApp companion phone:
- Keep work and personal life separate – Having a separate work and personal WhatsApp account means you can switch off from work without notifications disturbing your personal life.
- Two WhatsApp accounts – Linked devices allow you to access two different WhatsApp accounts from two phones. Useful for separating business and personal chats.
- Battery life – Secondary phones tend to have better battery life and fewer power-draining apps compared to smartphones.
- Distraction-free – A companion phone is focused on WhatsApp alone, letting you avoid distractions from other apps and notifications.
- Easy to carry – Smaller, lighter companion phones are easier to bring around alongside your regular smartphone.
- Cheap secondary device – Getting an extra phone for WhatsApp can be cheaper than upgrading your main smartphone.
What are the benefits of having a companion phone for WhatsApp?
The main benefits of having a WhatsApp companion phone include:
- No distractions – A single-purpose device allows you to focus just on WhatsApp without other apps interrupting.
- Long battery life – Less power-hungry hardware and only one app means batteries can last for days.
- Separate work and personal life – Keep work and personal chats on separate devices to maintain boundaries.
- Privacy – Keep sensitive chats more private on a device used only for that purpose.
- Cheap secondary device – Basic companion phones are affordable compared to high-end smartphones.
- Two WhatsApp accounts – Use two different accounts for business and personal needs.
- Easier to use – With fewer features, companion phones are simpler and more straightforward.
- Lightweight – Smaller size makes carrying a second device easy.
What are the downsides of having a WhatsApp companion phone?
There are also some potential disadvantages:
- Managing two phones – Keeping two devices charged and updated can be a hassle.
- No smartphone features – You lose the advanced utilities and functions of smartphones.
- Upfront cost – Buying a second phone means additional upfront expense.
- Limited usage – Standalone WhatsApp phones can’t be used for much else.
- Spotty connectivity – Cheaper companion phones may have poorer reception.
- Small screens – Compact displays on secondary phones can be hard to use.
- No app integration – WhatsApp won’t integrate with other apps and functions on a companion phone.
What are the most popular WhatsApp companion phones?
Here are some of the most widely used companion phones for WhatsApp users:
| Phone | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Nokia 8110 4G | Slider design, large buttons, long battery life |
| Nokia 2720 Flip | Flip form factor, big buttons, durable build |
| Alcatel Go Flip 3 | Low cost, flip design, hearing aid compatibility |
| HMD Nokia 215 | Very inexpensive, simple interface, basic internet |
| Blloc Zero18 | Minimalist design, E Ink display, long standby |
These phones prioritize long battery life, easy WhatsApp access, and simple user interfaces in compact and durable builds.
What features to look for in a WhatsApp companion phone?
Here are some key considerations when choosing a secondary WhatsApp phone:
- Long battery life – Look for devices with batteries that last days, not just hours.
- Dedicated WhatsApp button – Quick access buttons make using WhatsApp simple.
- Big, tactile buttons – Buttons should be easy to press and feel responsive.
- Easy notifications – Indicator lights and sounds make it clear when a WhatsApp message arrives.
- Durable build – Tough materials that can withstand drops and knocks prolong the phone’s life.
- Storage – Enough memory and storage for WhatsApp messages, contacts and media.
- Connectivity – Solid network capability keeps you connected to WhatsApp at all times.
How much does a WhatsApp companion phone cost?
WhatsApp companion phones are relatively inexpensive, often ranging between $50 to $150 depending on the brand and model. Here are some example prices for popular options:
| Phone | Price |
|---|---|
| Nokia 8110 4G | $90 |
| Alcatel Go Flip 3 | $100 |
| Nokia 2720 Flip | $80 |
| HMD Nokia 225 | $70 |
| Sonim XP3 | $150 |
So for a relatively small upfront payment, a companion phone allows you to get dual WhatsApp access and better battery life.
Can you use WhatsApp on two phones at the same time?
Yes, WhatsApp does allow users to access the same account from two different phones at the same time. This is achieved through WhatsApp’s ‘Linked Devices’ feature.
To link two phones to one WhatsApp account:
- Open WhatsApp on your main phone and go to Settings > Linked Devices
- Tap on ‘Link a Device’
- Open WhatsApp on your secondary phone, tap on ‘Link Device’ and scan the QR code displayed on your main phone
- Confirm the setup process on both phones
Once linked, you’ll be able to access the same WhatsApp account across both phones simultaneously. Calls will still only ring on one device though.
How do I set up a WhatsApp companion phone?
Setting up a new WhatsApp companion phone is quick and easy to do:
- Insert your SIM card into the new phone.
- Connect to WiFi or Mobile Data.
- Download and install WhatsApp from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
- Open WhatsApp and agree to the Terms of Service.
- Enter your phone number and verify it via SMS/call.
- Name your phone something distinct (“Work Phone”)
- Link your new phone to your existing WhatsApp account via Linked Devices.
Your companion phone will now mirror your main device, getting all messages through the same WhatsApp account. You can customize notifications and settings on each phone differently.
Can you use a WhatsApp companion phone without a SIM card?
Generally, no – WhatsApp requires a phone number linked to a SIM card to create an account and receive verification codes when logging in from a new device.
However, it is possible to use a WhatsApp companion phone without a separate SIM if:
- Your main smartphone and companion phone support dual SIM.
- You insert the same SIM into both phones.
- You verify WhatsApp on the companion phone using the SIM already linked to your account.
This avoids having two different phone numbers. But both devices will still ring when you get WhatsApp calls.
Do I need mobile data for a WhatsApp companion phone?
You’ll need an active mobile data connection or WiFi on your companion phone to use WhatsApp.
When linked to your main smartphone, the companion phone syncs WhatsApp content over the internet – so can’t be used offline.
To ensure uninterrupted WhatsApp access on your second device, it’s recommended to have:
- Cellular data via an active SIM card.
- WiFi connectivity where possible.
This gives you the flexibility to stay connected on the go or at home. You can disable mobile data when not needed to save battery life.
Conclusion
A WhatsApp companion phone provides an affordable and specialized second device focused on WhatsApp messaging. Key benefits include avoiding distractions, separating work and personal chats, extra battery life, and having two WhatsApp accounts on different phones.
Top options for companion phones include the Nokia 8110 4G, Nokia 2720 Flip, Alcatel Go Flip 3, and HMD Nokia 225. When choosing a secondary phone, look for long battery life, a dedicated WhatsApp button, durable build, and reliable connectivity.
Setting up a companion device is quick and easy using WhatsApp’s Linked Devices feature to access the same account. Just be sure to have an active SIM or WiFi connection to keep your second phone synced and messaging!