Feature phones gaining popularity in Korea

Samsung's Minimal Folder.
(Credit: Samsung)

If you think that feature phones are a thing of the past, think again. In a technologically advanced nation like Korea, feature phones are surprisingly gaining popularity amongst the masses. According to market research company Atlas Research and Consulting, the market shares of feature phones in the country has significantly risen from 3 percent in March to 16-18 percent recently.

LG's Wine Sherbet.
(Credit: LG Electronics)

Currently, the most popular feature phones in Korea are LG's "Wine Sherbet" and Samsung's "Minimal Folder" models, released in December 2011 and October 2011, respectively. According to statistics by Atlas, Wine Sherbet recorded sales of 140,000 units, while the Minimal Folder managed 60,000 units -- both within the span of the last two months. Comparably, Samsung's Galaxy S4 smartphone sold 260,000 units in Korea last month.

According to ZDNet Korea, these feature phones were likely bought by those of the older generation, who probably don't make full use of the functions of a smartphone. The fact that feature phones are much more affordable than smartphones could also have a part to play in the users' decision.

Via Naver News