feature phones
Non-smart cellular devices
Feature phones are mobile phones with basic functionality—calling, texting, and perhaps a simple camera or music player—but lacking the touchscreens, app ecosystems, and internet capabilities of smartphones.
The term emerged retroactively once smartphones became dominant: My grandmother still prefers her feature phone.
Some users choose them deliberately for simplicity, durability, or to avoid digital distraction.
- callsContacts by telephone
- handsetHeld telephone component
- SMSMobile text protocol
- keyboardArray of input keys
- no-frillsWithout extras or embellishments
mobiles · mobile device · text messaging · prepaid · emerging markets · batteries · Nokia · GSM · SIM cards · mobile networks · pay-as-you-go · cellular towers · T9 texting · roaming · small screen · durables · Bluetooth · emergency backup
- old phonesNokia 3310, Motorola Razr, Siemens, Sanyo, Panasonic
- mobile networksGSM, cellular network, mobile network, cell tower, base station
- NokiaNokia 3310
- Java MEKVM, Sprite
feature phonessmartphones
Handheld touchscreen computers
smart phones · iPhones · pocket computers · handheld computers · superphones
feature, features, featured, featuring, featureless, featurette, phone, phones, phoned