Balance Phone, a minimalist phone created for digital well-being

Ben Schmidt on 26 November 2025

A minimalist phone platform designed to offer essential connectivity while blocking addictive apps and digital distractions

Balance Phone offers a smartphone designed around the principles of digital minimalism and mindful use. Rather than providing full access to all apps and services, Balance Phone delivers a curated, distraction-free environment: social media, streaming services, games, gambling, pornography and other potentially addictive apps or websites are blocked.

The phone retains essential functions for modern life, such as messaging, music, digital banking, health, mobility, and other everyday utility apps, allowing users to maintain important connectivity while avoiding the pitfalls of endless scrolling or addictive content. The user interface is intentionally minimalistic, this design is meant to help users “regain control” over their time and attention.

Balance Phone started with an app for Android to help reduce screen time and addictive use, but developers found that many users could uninstall it and return to regular smartphone use. To make the change more stable and “irreversible,” they partnered with Samsung and launched a dedicated smartphone with the minimal, locked-down operating system pre-installed.

The initiative attracts people who want to reduce overuse of social media or addictive apps, including families seeking healthier tech habits for children or teens. It also appeals to adults who want a simpler, more intentional digital lifestyle. It serves as a broader response to increasing concern about digital addiction, mental health, and the impact of pervasive smartphone use. By combining essential phone features with strict content controls, the project proposes a middle path between basic feature phones and fully featured “always-online” smartphones, aiming to restore balance between connectivity and mental well-being.

Characteristics of innovation

Addictions, Bank of innovations, Mental health, New technological tool, Personalization of the service, Right of choice of the user, User empowerment

Location

Barcelona

Partners / Founders

Financiado por la Unión Europea (NextGenerationEU), Gobierno de España (Ministerio de Industria y turismo), Samsung

Genesis

Balance Phone was founded by Barcelona entrepreneurs Albert Beltrán and Carlos Fontclara, who in 2024 transformed their personal struggle with smartphone overuse into a project offering a distraction‑free mobile device as a practical solution.

Level of implementation

Balance Phone has reached users in multiple countries and continues to expand its availability. Early feedback suggests that the approach effectively supports users seeking a simpler, less distracting digital experience while maintaining essential smartphone functionality.

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Ferran Benito on 30 July 2025

Virtual reality platform designed to promote physical and cognitive stimulation for older adults

OROI, plataforma de realitat virtual per millorar la qualitat de vida de la gent gran

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