What Is Feature Phone?

Let's face it. A phone with all the latest features can be enticing. And we love having them on hand, too! But feature phones still have a lot to offer. They offer long talk times, impressive battery life and the ability to exchange information with other devices. Many people choose a feature phone for its durability and affordability over smartphones that cost hundreds of dollars. The Feature phone allows you to use your mobile device like a phone, text, and play music. You can always change the song playing by pressing the numbers on your keypad. Some basic mobile phones do not offer an internet connection or advanced features like a touchscreen, MP3 player, etc. They are primarily meant for voice calling and basic texting and are often very affordable. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) classifies a feature phone as costing less than $100. In India and other countries, it's a phone that costs less than 10,000 Indian rupees. Most feature phones are now LTE-enabled, though they don't offer data plans. They receive data over a network, but they can't send it. They're great for people who don't need or want a smartphone, like those on a very tight budget or senior citizens. A feature phone is a primary mobile phone (in the early 2000s, it was commonly called a "dumbphone"). A feature phone usually has the essential characteristics of a mobile phone and has capabilities such as a portable media player; however, they do not run third-party applications in contrast to smartphones. In 2011, feature phones accounted for 70% of the mobile phones sold worldwide. In India and Brazil, where the price is essential in purchasing, feature phones are still popular. So, the next time you reach into your pocket or bag to check the time, send a text message or snap a photo of your lunch, remember that you're using a feature phone.