KATHMANDU, Jan 9: Bar-shaped phones in which input was given through a physical keypad were popular among users even till the late 2000s.

However, following the launch of the first generation of Apple's iPhone in 2007, most mobile phone companies were in the race to manufacture their own touchscreen products with improved functionalities of camera, display and data processing. While smartphones have taken over the global phone market with an uproar, the demand for feature phones has dwindled over the past decade. 

Although the demand for feature phones has plummeted in the capital city, many Nepalis are still using feature phones which were popular among Kathmandu dwellers less than a decade ago. “The demand for feature phones have declined by nearly 70 percent as more advanced smartphones made inroads in the market,” said Sanjeev Maharjan of M Zone Pvt Ltd -- a mobile store at Pako, New Road. 

Although the sale of feature phones has decreased, it still contributes a significant chunk of cellphone sale in the country. Govind Soni, assistant business operations manager of Integrated Mobility Solutions (IMS) -- the authorized distributor of Samsung products in Nepal -- told Republica. “It is no surprise that feature phones have lost ground in the Nepali market. The reason is obviously the availability of more advanced phones at a cheaper price.

However, it is interesting that despite the fact that there has been a difference of day and night in terms of functionality of phones, feature phones contribute to around 20 percent of phone sales in the country,” Soni said, adding that feature phones contribute to a tenth of Samsung phone sales in the country. 

Traders also claim that the main reason for feature phones to remain in market is its cheaper price, long-lasting battery life, simplicity to use and durability. “Feature phones are popular among senior citizens as it is simple to use and durable. Being available at a cheaper price, the phone is also popular among laborers and lower income families,” said Maharjan. 

Ajaya Jaiswal, another trader of mobile phones at New Road, told Republica: “As feature phones have a long battery life, they have become a 'go to' device for businesspeople who constantly need to communicate with their clients.” He further added that iPhone users, who feel the need to use multiple SIM cards, also tend to purchase bar phones as the iconic phone is not dual-SIM compatible.
“In addition to price constraints, as facilities such as Internet access has not reached many corners of Nepal, the inhabitants of rural Nepal neither feel the need, nor find smartphones useful as its smartphone battery drains faster than feature phones. So, feature phone has remained a popular choice among people in rural Nepal,” explained Maharjan. 
The price of feature phones range from Rs 900 to Rs 5,250, according to traders. The cheapest is Itel 2130, while the most expensive is Nokia 3310 costing Rs 5250, they added. 
Feature phones of brands like Samsung, Otto, Colors, CG, Panasonic, Lava, Micromax, Spice, Diamond, Celkon, DTC and Kiwi, among others, are available in the market. These phones have simplistic features such as dual-SIM compatibility, rear camera up 2 MP and 0.3 MP front camera, flashlight, and wireless FM radio. Demand for feature phones supporting CDMA network is also high, according to traders. 

JS Mobile and CTV Mobile at Tamrakar Complex, New Road, sell an average of three to four feature phones each daily. Similarly, Ajaya Jaiswal of Kohinoor Repairing Center told Republica that at least five such phones are sold every day. However, Manish Shahi of E-Zone Mobiles at Tamrkar Complex say that he has been selling 12 to 13 basic phones on a daily basis. “Samsung is the most sought after brand, followed by CG, Nokia, Colors and Otto,” added Shahi.

 
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