Buying a feature phone in 2023: here's what we recommend under Tk. 3,000/-

Even in this era of smartphones, feature phones have not gone completely obsolete. With handy communication functionalities and basic but essential features, dedicated feature phone users still prefer the simplicity of a handy mobile phone over the complications of modern technology.

A feature phone is often enough to quickly look through texts and handle important calls, while also decreasing the pressure on a smartphone, which can be used for apps, gaming, writing and much more.

If you're looking for affordable yet useful feature phones to buy, here are our top 5 picks for feature phones under Tk. 3,000. Please note that the availability of colours and price range may vary across different stores. 

Nokia 106

Price: Tk. 1,799/-

Display: 1.8 inches

Resolution: 120x160 pixels

Dimensions: 111.2 x 49.5 x 14.4 mm

Battery: 800 mAh, removable

CPU: MTK6261 D central processor

Operating System: Nokia Series 30+

Network bands (GSM): 900/1800 (EU)

SIM card type: Dual SIM

Colour: Grey

This phone will allow you to conduct long phone call conversations and even effortlessly play classic games like Snake Xenxia. The battery serves up to 800 mA in an hour, with talk time lasting about 15.7 hours. The phone comes with a micro USB charger but supports standard USB power plugs too. It has FM radio enabled on it as well. The packaging is environment-friendly and free of brominated and chlorinated compounds and antimony trioxide. Nokia 106 is available in retail shops of Nokia and other sell points for mobile phones.

Samsung Metro 313

Price: Tk. 2,750/-

Display: 2 inches

Resolution: 128x160 pixels

Dimensions: 112.7 x 46.4 x 13.1 mm

Battery (Capacity and type): 1000 mAh, Lithium-ion

CPU: Single Core

Operating System: Feature Phone

Network bands (GSM): 2G GSM

SIM card type: Dual SIM

Colour: White, Black, Blue, Yellow

Bluetooth: Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR

The model supports different audio playing formats, including MP3, AAC, WAV and 4MP video playing resolution. The phone comes with TFT technology and a GSM that allows approximately 13 hours of talk time. The processor is enabled with a CPU speed of 208 MHz and holds up a USB standard of 1.1. It also supports FM radio and a MicroSD card of up to 16 GB. In addition, the rear camera comes with a CMOS VGA resolution. Samsung Metro 313 is collectable from Samsung phone shops and outlets, or any retail point selling Samsung phones.

Walton ML21

Price: Tk. 1,200/-

Display: 2.4 inches

Resolution: 240x320 pixels

Dimensions: 124.5 x 53 x 13.5 mm

Battery (capacity and type): 1000 mAh, Lithium-ion

Network bands: 2G, GSM 900/1800 MHz

SIM card type: Dual SIM, standby

Colour: Black, Blue, Red

Internet: GPRS

The battery performance is not bad compared to the price and other non-negligible features of the phone. The Bluetooth-enabled model comes with a digital camera and supports a MicroSD card of 16 GB maximum. MP3 and MP4 multimedia support are available as well, with a video resolution of 3 GP. This phone can also record while having the FM radio turned on. Walton ML21 is obtainable from any Walton outlet and retail sell point trading Walton phones.

Itel IT 2173

Price: Tk. 940/-

Display: 1.80 inches

Resolution: 128x160 pixels

Dimensions: 118.90 x 77.40 x 14.30 mm

CPU: 1 MHz Processor

Battery (capacity and type): 1000 mAh, Lithium-ion

Network bands: 2G, GSM 900-1800

SIM card type: Dual SIM

Colours: Black, Light Blue, Red

USB: Micro USB

This phone comes with a TFT display and a camera of 0.03 MP, a flashlight and HTML supported internet browser. The storage is 32 MB (both RAM and ROM), and the memory card slot allows a 32 GB card at maximum. The model features Quarter QVGA, with the battery fair enough to get messaging and calling done with the estimated 10 hours of talk time. The phone is capable of lasting an approximate 220 hours in standby mode. The Micro USB supported phone has Bluetooth and FM Radio features available too. Itel IT 2173 is obtainable from any Itel outlet and retail sell point trading Itel phones.

Symphony L140

Price: Tk. 1,430/-

Display: 2.4 inches

Resolution: 240x320 pixels

Dimensions: 127.5 x 53.5 x 14.6mm

Operating system: Feature Phone

Battery (capacity and type): 3000 mAh, Lithium-ion

Network bands: 2G

SIM card type: Dual SIM

Data Service: GPRS

Camera: 0.08 MP (Back)

Colours: Dark blue and black, black and light green, full black

As far as feature phone batteries go, this phone has a good one. FM radio, stereo loudspeaker and recording options are available, with the standby time being an estimated 600 hours - depending on the network and phone's circumstances. The phone allows a MicroSD card of 16 GB at the maximum. Symphony L140 is available at retail sell points of Symphony and other phone shops selling Symphony products.