Feature Phone vs Smartphone: Which Is Cheaper and Which Is Right for You?
Published 22nd of May 2012·Updated 15 April 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy April 2026
A feature phone costs a fraction of what a smartphone does to buy and run, making it a genuinely smart financial choice if you mainly use your phone for calls and texts. A smartphone is the better option if you rely on apps, mobile data, and internet access every day. The right answer depends on how you actually use your phone, not on what marketing tells you to want.
Short Summary
Feature phones are basic handsets that handle calls, texts, and limited functions without running a full operating system such as Android or iOS. They cost as little as £10 to £30 to buy outright.
Smartphones offer full internet access, apps, and advanced cameras, but come at a significant cost. Even mid-range models from manufacturers such as Samsung or Motorola cost £200 to £400 outright, and the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy flagship can exceed £1,000.
Monthly contract costs reflect this difference. A feature phone SIM-only plan can cost under £5 per month, while a smartphone contract with handset included often runs to £30 to £60 per month or more.
What is a feature phone?
A feature phone is a mobile handset that goes beyond the absolute basics of a standard phone but does not run a full smartphone operating system. It handles calls and texts reliably, and many models support email, basic internet browsing, and a limited number of applications from the manufacturer.
Feature phones do not have access to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. If you want WhatsApp, Instagram, or mobile banking apps, a feature phone will not serve you well.
How do the costs compare?
The cost difference between a feature phone and a smartphone is substantial, both upfront and over the course of a contract.
| Cost | Feature phone | Budget smartphone | Mid-range smartphone | Flagship smartphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront (SIM-free) | £10 - £40 | £80 - £150 | £200 - £400 | £800 - £1,200+ |
| Monthly SIM only | £2 - £8 | £8 - £15 | £15 - £25 | £25 - £50 |
| Typical 24-month total | £58 - £232 | £272 - £510 | £560 - £1,000 | £1,400 - £2,400+ |
Over a two-year period, a feature phone and cheap SIM can cost 90 per cent less than a flagship smartphone on a contract.
What are the practical differences in daily use?
Calls and texts: Feature phones handle these just as well as any smartphone. Call quality on a modern feature phone is comparable to a high-end handset on the same network.
Battery life: Feature phones last significantly longer between charges. A standard feature phone typically lasts five to seven days on a single charge; most smartphones need daily charging.
Apps: This is where feature phones fall short. If you use mobile banking, navigation apps, streaming services, or messaging apps such as WhatsApp regularly, a feature phone will not meet your needs.
Camera: Feature phone cameras are basic. If photos matter to you, a smartphone is the better choice.
Internet: Most feature phones support basic browsing, but the experience is slow and limited compared to a smartphone.
Which is better value for money?
For someone who mainly calls and texts, a feature phone on a cheap SIM-only plan from a network such as giffgaff, Smarty, or SMARTY (which use O2 and Three's networks respectively) offers exceptional value. You can stay connected for well under £10 a month with no long contract commitment.
For anyone who relies on apps for work, banking, or daily life, a smartphone is a necessity - but it does not need to be an expensive one. Budget Android handsets from Motorola or Nokia offer reliable smartphone functionality for under £150 outright. Pairing a budget handset with a SIM-only plan cuts the cost significantly compared to a contract that bundles a handset.
Does the type of phone affect your credit score?
Your choice of phone can affect your credit file. A pay-monthly smartphone contract is a credit agreement, and it is reported to the credit reference agencies. Making every payment on time builds positive credit history; missing payments damages it.
A pay-as-you-go SIM - whether in a feature phone or a smartphone - is not a credit agreement and does not appear on your credit file. If you are rebuilding your credit, a pay-monthly contract can help, provided you are confident you can afford the monthly payments throughout the contract term.
FAQ
Are feature phones still available in the UK?
Yes. Feature phones are widely available from manufacturers including Nokia, Alcatel, and Doro. They are sold in major supermarkets, on Amazon, and directly from mobile networks. Nokia's range of feature phones is particularly well regarded for reliability and battery life.
Can I use WhatsApp on a feature phone?
Generally no. WhatsApp requires a smartphone operating system (Android or iOS). A small number of feature phones support a limited version of WhatsApp (notably some Nokia KaiOS devices), but functionality is restricted compared to the full smartphone app.
Is a pay-monthly feature phone contract treated the same as a smartphone contract for credit purposes?
Yes. Any pay-monthly mobile phone contract is recorded as a credit agreement on your file, regardless of whether the handset is a feature phone or a smartphone. The monthly payments are reported to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
What is the cheapest way to run a mobile phone in the UK?
A pay-as-you-go SIM in a second-hand or budget handset is the cheapest option. Networks including giffgaff and Smarty offer SIM-only plans with no minimum spend, meaning you only pay for what you use. Monthly costs can be as low as £3 to £5 for light users.
Should I buy a phone outright or get it on contract?
Buying outright and pairing with a SIM-only deal is almost always cheaper over the long term. Contract prices bundle the handset cost into your monthly payment with interest or margin added. If you cannot afford to buy outright, compare the total cost of a contract against the cash price of a similar handset before signing.