Feature phones are not as dead as thought, with one third of poll voters using one at least occasionally. While some use them full-time, others are considering ditching their smartphones entirely. However, smartphones remain a necessity in some countries for banking and client communication.

Many users employ feature phones as a second device for extra flexibility beyond dual-SIM options. Popular reasons for use include a desire for simplicity, privacy benefits to avoid data-vacuuming apps, and breaking digital addiction.

While price, battery life, and aesthetics are rarer considerations, feature phones persist. Although mainstream manufacturers have abandoned the genre, smaller brands continue to produce them, including "pretend" feature phones that are actually locked-down Android devices.