Types of Mobile Phones – JSS1 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note (Second Term)

A mobile phone is a handheld electronic device used to make calls and send messages without a wire. There are two main types: feature phones and smartphones.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define a feature phone and a smartphone.
2. State the features of each type of mobile phone.
3. Give examples of feature phones and smartphones.
4. Compare feature phones and smartphones using a table.
5. Choose the right type of phone for a given need.

What are the types of mobile phones?

There are two main types of mobile phones: feature phones and smartphones.

• Feature phone: a simple phone with a keypad, used mainly for calls and SMS.
• Smartphone: an advanced touchscreen phone that works like a small computer.

What is a feature phone?

A feature phone is a basic mobile phone designed to do a few things very well, mainly calls and text messages.

In Nigeria, people often call it a “basic phone” or “torchlight phone”.

Features of a feature phone

• Physical keypad: it has real buttons that you press to type numbers or messages.
• Small screen: the screen is usually small and is not touch-sensitive.
• Long battery life: it does little work, so the battery can last many days or even a week.
• Primary use: it is mostly used for voice calls and SMS (text messages).

Examples of feature phones

• Nokia 105: a simple keypad phone.
• Itel “Torch” phones: basic phones with a built-in torchlight.

What is a smartphone?

A smartphone is a mobile phone that works like a tiny computer and can also make phone calls.

It has an operating system that lets it run many different apps.

What is an operating system?

An operating system is the main software that controls a phone and lets you use apps.

• Android: used by Samsung, Infinix, Tecno and many other brands.
• iOS: used by the iPhone.

Features of a smartphone

• Touchscreen: you use your fingers to tap and swipe on the screen instead of pressing buttons.
• Internet power: it is built for browsing the web, using WhatsApp, watching YouTube and checking emails.
• High-quality cameras: it takes photos and records videos.
• Apps: you can download very many apps for school, games and banking.

Examples of smartphones

• Samsung Galaxy
• iPhone
• Infinix
• Tecno

What is the difference between a feature phone and a smartphone?

A feature phone is a simple keypad phone for calls and SMS. A smartphone is a touchscreen phone that runs apps and uses the internet.

Which type of phone should you use?

Neither phone is “better” than the other; the right choice depends on what you need.

• Choose a feature phone if: you only need to make calls, you live where electricity is scarce for daily charging, or you want a very tough phone.
• Choose a smartphone if: you need to do research for school, you want to use social media, or you want to take great pictures.

What problems do repairers meet in each type of phone?

Each type of phone has faults that a repairer meets often.

• Feature phone: worn keypad buttons and weak batteries are common faults.
• Smartphone: cracked glass screens are a common fault.

Evaluation

1. Define a feature phone.
2. Define a smartphone.
3. List three features of a smartphone.
4. Give two examples each of a feature phone and a smartphone.
5. State two differences between a feature phone and a smartphone.

Assignment

Draw two circles on a sheet of paper. In one circle, list three things a feature phone is good for. In the other circle, list three things a smartphone is good for.