Feature Phones: A Guide to Choosing the Best

If you're in the market for a new phone but don't want to break the bank, a feature phone might be the way to go. They're often cheaper than smartphones, with prices starting from around $20.

Feature phones have come a long way in terms of functionality, with many models offering apps and internet connectivity. Some even come with built-in cameras and GPS.

When choosing a feature phone, consider your specific needs. Do you need a phone for emergencies only, or do you want one that can handle more tasks?

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A feature phone is essentially a recreation of phones from the past with modern technology.

They're often designed to look like phones from the late nineties, with physical keypads, smaller screens, and basic cameras.

Feature phones are usually built out of plastic, with removable backs and batteries, and are much smaller in the hand than modern smartphones.

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These phones are often very affordable, costing less than even the best cheap smartphones.

You won't be using social media apps or watching streaming services on a feature phone, as they have limited internet capabilities and basic built-in apps.

Feature phones typically have physical keypads, limited internet capabilities, and basic built-in apps, which sets them apart from smartphones.

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The first feature phone was released in 1992 by Motorola, a device that revolutionized the way people communicated on-the-go. The first feature phone, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, weighed a whopping 2 pounds and had a battery life of only 30 minutes.

The early 1990s saw a significant shift in feature phone design, with the introduction of the Nokia 1011 in 1992, which was the first phone to use a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. This innovation paved the way for more user-friendly and visually appealing phones.

By the mid-1990s, feature phones had become more affordable and widely available, with prices dropping from around $1,000 to under $100. This made feature phones a staple in many households, with over 100 million units sold worldwide by the end of the decade.

One of the key features that defined feature phones was their ability to send and receive short messages, or SMS. The first SMS was sent in 1992, and by the late 1990s, SMS had become a popular way for people to communicate with each other.

As technology continued to advance, feature phones evolved to include additional features such as games, calculators, and even email capabilities. The Nokia 3310, released in 2000, is a prime example of this, with its built-in Snake II game and support for email and internet browsing.

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In the mid-2000s, best-selling feature phones like the Motorola Razr V3 and Sony Ericsson W580i dominated the market, making up the bulk of retail sales.

Feature phones accounted for 60 percent of mobile telephones in the United States in 2011, and 70 percent of mobile phones sold worldwide.

Smartphones didn't start gaining traction until 2013, when they outsold feature phones for the first time, making up 51.8 percent of mobile phone sales in the second quarter.

By 2012, about 83 percent of Canadians owned a cellphone, with two thirds of those owners having a smartphone.

In the mid-2000s, feature phones like the Motorola Razr V3, Sony Ericsson W580i, and LG Black Label Series dominated the market, accounting for the bulk of retail sales.

Smartphones from BlackBerry and Palm were still considered a niche category, mainly used for business purposes.

By 2011, feature phones made up 60 percent of mobile telephones in the United States and 70 percent of mobile phones sold worldwide.

In 2012, 83 percent of Canadians owned a cellphone, with two-thirds of mobile phone owners having a smartphone.

Non-smartphone users tended to be female, older, and have lower incomes, while smartphone owners were more likely to be male, younger, and have higher incomes.

In 2013, smartphone sales surpassed feature phone sales for the first time, with 225 million smartphones sold worldwide, a 46.5 percent gain over the same period in 2012.

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Are dumb phones making a comeback? Global sales of feature phones are rising faster than smartphones. This trend is likely driven by the desire for affordability and longer battery life. Younger users are trying out basic phones like the Nokia 3310, which was relaunched in 2017. Google searches for dumb phones rose by 89% between 2018 and 2021, according to SEMrush.

This feature phone boasts a 2.4-inch colour display, perfect for making calls, sending texts, and checking the time. The screen size is just right for a quick glance at the time or a phone number.

The phone has two card slots, one for a microSD card and another for a dual SIM card, giving you the flexibility to use two different phone numbers or expand your storage. This is super useful if you want to keep your personal and work numbers separate.

In terms of connectivity, the phone supports 4G network speeds, ensuring you stay connected on the go. However, it's worth noting that it doesn't have Wi-Fi capabilities, so you'll need to rely on cellular data.

The phone's battery life is impressive, lasting for several days on standby. This means you can leave the phone on without worrying about it dying quickly. Plus, it's IP54 splashproof, so you don't have to worry about accidental drops in the rain or snow.

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A feature phone's screen size can range from 2.4 inches, as seen in some models. This small display is still functional and easy to use.

Some feature phones come with a MicroSD card slot, allowing you to expand your storage. This is especially useful for storing photos, music, and other files.

The maximum network speed supported by many feature phones is 4G. This means you can enjoy fast internet speeds and stay connected with friends and family.

Not all feature phones have Wi-Fi capabilities, so you may need to rely on cellular networks for internet access. This can be a drawback for some users.

The standby battery life of a feature phone can last for several days, making it a great option for those who don't need to use their phone constantly.

Some feature phones are designed with durability in mind, featuring an IP54 splashproof rating. This means you can use your phone in rainy or humid conditions without worrying about damage.

Many feature phones come with a memory card slot that allows you to expand your storage. Here are some key specs to look for:

Some feature phones also come with an assistance button, which can be a useful feature in emergency situations.

When choosing a new phone, one of the first things to consider is the type of phone you want. You'll be getting either a traditional rectangular handset with a screen and buttons beneath it, or a flip phone where the screen folds over the keypad in a clamshell design.

The traditional rectangular handset is often referred to as a "candy bar" phone.

Feature phones may seem old-fashioned, but they still pack some useful features. Most feature phones come with basic cameras that allow you to capture photos and sometimes record videos.

The quality of these cameras is usually lower than those found in smartphones, so don't expect to take professional-grade photos.

Using a feature phone as a WiFi hotspot is possible, but it's not a guarantee. Some feature phones support 4G LTE and have the necessary hardware to share your mobile data connection with other devices.

You can enable the hotspot function in the phone's settings to share your connection, but the connection speed and stability might not be as robust as with a dedicated hotspot device or smartphone.

If your feature phone supports 4G LTE, you can share your mobile data connection with other devices, making it a convenient option for those without a smartphone or dedicated hotspot device.

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Many feature phones support Bluetooth, allowing you to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

You can use Bluetooth to connect to headsets, car audio systems, and other phones for transferring files. The pairing process is straightforward and easy to use.

Basic tasks like sharing contacts, photos, and music are possible with Bluetooth.

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Feature phones differ from smartphones in their simplicity and functionality. They typically have physical keypads, limited internet capabilities, and basic built-in apps.

One key benefit of feature phones is their extended battery life. They are often designed to last longer without needing a recharge, making them a great option for users who are always on the go.

In contrast to smartphones, feature phones are generally more affordable, with prices often under £100. This makes them a practical choice for users who want a straightforward communication device without breaking the bank.

Feature phones are also more durable than smartphones, built to withstand rough handling, drops, and other physical stresses. This makes them ideal for users who need a device that can handle more demanding environments without easily breaking.

Feature phones are a thing of the past, but with modern technology. They're essentially retro phones with more modern tech.

These devices usually have a physical keypad, a much smaller screen, and a very basic camera. They're often built out of plastic, with a removable back and battery.

Feature phones are much smaller in the hand than modern smartphones, and they cost less too. You can get a feature phone for less than the best cheap smartphones.

One major limitation of feature phones is that you won't be able to use social media apps like X or Instagram. The cameras on feature phones aren't great either, so you won't be taking worthwhile images.

Feature phones also have limited internet capabilities and basic built-in apps. They run on simpler operating systems optimized for basic telephony and messaging tasks.

Smartphones, on the other hand, offer advanced features like touchscreen interfaces, app stores, and access to high-speed internet. They usually run on sophisticated operating systems like Android.

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Feature phones offer a range of benefits that make them a better choice for some users.

One major advantage is their affordability, with prices often under £100. This makes them a practical choice for those on a budget.

Their simplicity is another key benefit, as they prioritize basic calling and texting functionalities over the complexity of smartphones.

This means they're ideal for users who don't need advanced features like internet browsing or app usage.

Feature phones also have longer battery life, making them a great option for those who are always on the go.

Their design often prioritizes ruggedness and durability over sleekness and fragility, making them more resistant to rough handling and drops.

This makes them a great choice for users who need a device that can withstand demanding environments.

Feature phones can access the internet, but their capabilities are limited compared to smartphones. They typically support basic web browsing, email, and sometimes social media apps, but the experience may be slower and less feature rich.

You can use feature phones for simple tasks like checking the weather or reading news online, but it's not ideal for streaming or using data-intensive apps.

Feature phones support simple applications such as calendars, calculators, and basic games. However, they don't have access to the wide range of apps available on smartphones.

A feature phone's simplicity ensures reliable communication in emergencies when smartphones fail or run out of battery. Its long battery life and durability further enhance its suitability as a dependable backup communication tool.

You can rely on a feature phone to make calls and stay connected even in situations where your primary device is unavailable.

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Feature phones are a great option for those who prioritize affordability, simplicity, and extended battery life. They offer basic calling and texting functionalities without the complexity or distractions of smartphones.

Feature phones are ideal for users who don't need advanced features like internet browsing, social media, or app usage. They're a practical choice for those looking for a straightforward communication device without the added expense or technological complexity of a smartphone.

A feature phone can be a good backup device, especially in emergencies when smartphones fail or run out of battery. Its simplicity ensures reliable communication and its long battery life and durability make it a dependable backup communication tool.

The GH Tech Team recommends feature phones that are easy to use, have good speaker sound quality, and intuitive interfaces. They've tested various models and compared them to smartphones, looking for simple features that deliver the basics.

If you're considering a feature phone, look for models like the Nokia 3210, which keeps things focused on calls and texts, or the Doro's Leva series, which offers straightforward, stress-free calling and texting.

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Feature phones are built to last, with designs that prioritize ruggedness and durability over sleekness and fragility. They can withstand rough handling, drops, and other physical stresses better than most smartphones.

If you're looking for a device that can handle more demanding environments without easily breaking, a feature phone is a great choice. Their simplicity ensures reliable communication in emergencies when smartphones fail or run out of battery.

A well-specified feature phone can be used in industrial environments, outdoors, and at workplaces that proscribe dedicated cameras. They can also serve as an emergency telephone and are equipped with hardware functions like FM radio and flashlight.

Feature phones are ideal for users who don't need advanced features like internet browsing, social media, or app usage. They offer basic calling and texting functionalities without the complexity or distractions of smartphones.

Many feature phones support email, but the experience is basic compared to smartphones.

The interface on feature phones is usually simple and lacks advanced features, making it challenging to read and compose lengthy emails.

You can send and receive emails on a feature phone using its built-in email client, but it's not as convenient or efficient as using a smartphone or computer.

The screen size and resolution can make it difficult to read and manage your email on a feature phone.

It's possible to manage your email on a feature phone, but it's not ideal for those who rely heavily on email for work or personal use.

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The Nokia 3210 is a great option for those who want a retro phone that keeps things simple. It has 4G, long battery life, Bluetooth, and the classic Snake game.

If you're looking for a clamshell-style phone, the Nokia 2660 Flip is a good choice. It has big buttons, a clear display, and a range of colors to choose from.

For older relatives, Doro's Leva series is a great option. The Leva L10 is a simple pick with a clear screen, loud audio, and an assistance button that can share your location with trusted contacts.

The Leva L20 is another good option from Doro, with big, high-contrast keys and the same assistance button as the L10. It's perfect for those who want a flip phone with easy-to-use keys.

If you want a bit more from your flip phone, the Leva L30 is a good choice. It has an outer display for caller ID and notifications, making it easy to stay connected.

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The Nokia 3310 is a classic example of a feature phone that still holds up today. It has a battery life of up to 22 hours of talk time and 31 days of standby time.

Nokia's focus on durability is evident in their use of a physical keypad and a robust design. This makes it a great option for those who want a phone that can withstand rough handling.

The Motorola RAZR V3 is another iconic feature phone that was popular in the early 2000s. It had a sleek design and was known for its flip-open mechanism.

The Siemens SL45 is a feature phone that was popular in the early 2000s, known for its slim design and long battery life. It had a battery life of up to 15 days on a single charge.

The Nokia 1100 is a feature phone that was designed for basic functionality and affordability. It has a battery life of up to 46 days on a single charge.

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