There's one solution few people consider: don't get a data plan.
The original iphone launch trained us that smartphones must have a data plan. You couldn't buy one without data. But now you can. I have an iphone with unlimited calls and texting, for $40 a month.
I use wifi at home, but when I'm out and about I'm not connected. I've never had a single problem as a consequence.
You might say "but....google maps!". I've found that without Google maps, I am forced to actually learn my way around. Within a day or two I know a new city better than most locals.
My phone is much less distracting as a consequence.
I wish there were GPRS-only plans. They're everything I need for Threema/WhatsApp/FB Messenger/whatever - which saves my friends $$$ on texts.
My advice as an "iPhone under-user" (often without data plan):
Forevermap is an OSM-based offline map app, and is good enough in many countries. Definitely good enough to find your way home.
Never install Facebook with the excuse of messaging. The Facebook Messenger app is much more focused.
There's an iOS app that has a relatively recent dump of StackOverflow if you want to code on the train. I'm not sure if I want to recommend it as the UI is really sketchy, but it has helped me.
Data is only going to get cheaper, and voice and SMS only plans are only going to get more scarce. Even without a data plan, prepaid in fact, 3 are 'only' charging $0.016 / MiB here in the UK. I remember when web hosts were charging rates that high.
In another few years it's likely you won't even need to make the decision about whether you need or want a data plan or not. You'll just get data. At least I hope so.
Perhaps I wasn't clear. I wasn't avoiding data because of cost. I don't WANT it.
Many people want their phones less distracting, but they lack the willpower not to check their phones. But remove the data plan, and you don't need willpower to avoid checking it.
The original iphone launch trained us that smartphones must have a data plan. You couldn't buy one without data. But now you can. I have an iphone with unlimited calls and texting, for $40 a month.
I use wifi at home, but when I'm out and about I'm not connected. I've never had a single problem as a consequence.
You might say "but....google maps!". I've found that without Google maps, I am forced to actually learn my way around. Within a day or two I know a new city better than most locals.
My phone is much less distracting as a consequence.