Definition:
Feature phones are basically low-end mobile phones. The difference is that they have more computing abilities than “dumb phones”, though are lesser feature-packed than smartphones.
The latest, more advanced mobile phones are oftentimes referred to as feature phones. Feature phones lack an operating system and often run apps based on Java ME and BREW.
Feature phones have less advanced programming APIs and cannot run native applications specific to smartphone platforms.
All mobile phones have a number of features in common, but manufacturers also try to differentiate their own products by implementing additional functions to make them more attractive to consumers. This has led to great innovation in mobile phone development over the past 20 years.
The common components found on all phones are:
Feature phones are basically low-end mobile phones. The difference is that they have more computing abilities than “dumb phones”, though are lesser feature-packed than smartphones.
The latest, more advanced mobile phones are oftentimes referred to as feature phones. Feature phones lack an operating system and often run apps based on Java ME and BREW.
Feature phones have less advanced programming APIs and cannot run native applications specific to smartphone platforms.
All mobile phones have a number of features in common, but manufacturers also try to differentiate their own products by implementing additional functions to make them more attractive to consumers. This has led to great innovation in mobile phone development over the past 20 years.
The common components found on all phones are:
- A battery, providing the power source for the phone functions.
- An input mechanism to allow the user to interact with the phone. The most common input mechanism is a keypad, but touch screens are also found in some high-end smartphones.
- Basic mobile phone services to allow users to make calls and send text messages.
- All GSM phones use a SIM card to allow an account to be swapped among devices. Some CDMA devices also have a similar card called a R-UIM.
- Individual GSM, WCDMA, iDEN and some satellite phone devices are uniquely identified by an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.
- Roaming which permits the same phone to be used in multiple countries, providing that the operators of both countries have a roaming agreement.
- Send and receive data and faxes (if a computer is attached), access WAP services, and provide full Internet access using technologies such as GPRS.
- Applications like a clock, alarm, calendar and calculator and a few games.
- Sending and receiving pictures and videos through MMS, and for short distances with e.g. Bluetooth.