The LoFone is marketed as a minimalist 'dumbphone' that comes with an economical E Ink display and completely dispenses with distractions such as social networks. Unlike most direct competitors, apps such as WhatsApp and Spotify will still be available.
Unlimited SMS here are rare, and my carrier in particular does not have them at least on the lower-end plans. I rarely notice though.
Telegram is popular here, especially among youth - my university groupchats are there, for example. Whatsapp is still probably bigger though.