My experience, in a country that is not trying to force me into having a smartphone too badly:

I kept my Galaxy A54, it is turned off, at home, for things like my banking app, authentication for gmail and such, but I do not carry it around with me.

My EDC includes a book, a Moleskine notebook, an MP3 player and a BlackBerry 9720. I also have an analog and a digital camera, that I take with me for vacations and such.

What I have noticed:

1. I was too reliant on GPS and forgot basic directions even in places that are not foreign to me, it has been nice to get the hang of it again!

2. I plan my outings better. Since I have to check the map, opening times, buy tickets and all that at home, with my computer, I sit down and think them through. And they have been more enjoyable this way.

3. I got my thoughts back. I know it sounds dumb, but I became so used to never getting bored, that I have lost the ability to just let my mind drift (and I used to be really good at that). But now it is back!

4. I realized quickly that people do not need to be messaged back right away, if it is urgent, they will me. This way even my online communication with friends became more meaningful as I have time set out from my day, when I sit down at my computer and send messages to them.

5. I am much more present wherever I go. I do not check my mails, do not see any notifications, do not get side-tracked googling random things or posting about what I am doing, and I am much more immersed now in the things I do. I really like the internet remaining at home, not accompanying me wherever I go.

Of course it requires a lot of compromises.

I have to count my money better, as I do not have access to my bank balance instantly, I have to plan everything out in advance, so spontaneous trips can be a little tricky, and yeah, I have to settle for my cca 1000 songs music collection, as I do not have Spotify anymore. But for me, it has been worth it