No, you do need a special device. Our app works great on any fairly recent model iPhone or Android device.
With a basic smartphone, you will be able to hear radio traffic from your phone while it is locked. But, you will need to unlock your phone to respond. This works great if you mostly want to monitor traffic and will communicate in a relatively calm environment.
But, if you need to respond through your phone frequently or will use the app in situations where unlocking your phone might be difficult or prohibited (driving, etc), you might consider our PTT Button add-on or a PTT smartphone from Sonim to pair with Tango Tango.