It is at least curious (if we analyze it carefully), as those known as feature phones, currently the smartphones that technically sweep them are suitable. The truth is that it seems as if time has stopped and simple mobiles have never ceased to have value. But, for what or who would want to have one of these terminals in the middle of 2021.
The logical technical advances of the passage of time, ended up making a logical evolution of those mobile phones that became smartphones. However, there has been a curious parallel line within that evolution, since feature phones are new terminals created in the image and likeness of those devices of yesteryear, which continue to be sold throughout the world.
The feature phones today
These terminals offer the most advanced version of mobile phones from the early 2000s. That is, they are connected terminals (now in 3G or 4G) and that allow you to connect to the Internet and even have current applications such as WhatsApp or Facebook, depending on of the operating system that they integrate.
Now, in the middle of 2021, they continue to launch and evolve to some extent. They are popular in emerging countries such as sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the globe where it is necessary to connect the population with an economic solution. In Europe, feature phones are still an option but with a different conception. They are used more as a solution for older people or those who prefer to have something simple to work with, and even as a method for some children to be connected by phone with their parents.
Nostalgia also plays a role
However, nostalgia is important when it comes to launching feature phones. Nokia continues to market reissues of some of its most iconic devices such as the 3310, 8110 or 5310, but with some functions of the times such as color screens, music player, application store or simple cameras. This “retro” air, added to its low price, continues to be an attraction so that the features you can continue to sell. This success is due in part to the KaiOS operating system, which took over from Mozilla with Firefox OS.
Do they have a future?
The truth is that the future of this type of terminal is not very promising. It should be taken into account that very basic low-cost smartphones can already be found on the market, which will replace feature phones in the aforementioned emerging markets, with connection needs. In addition, the bullet of nostalgia will run out, since the nostalgic of that time will give way to the nostalgic of another, who did not live the times when a brick was carried in his pocket.