1.
flip phone; feature phone; traditional mobile phone
A traditional mobile phone with physical buttons, as opposed to a smartphone. The term comes from 'Galapagos keitai' (Galapagos mobile phone), referring to Japan's uniquely evolved phone market.
ガラケー is short for ガラパゴス携帯 (Galapagos mobile phone).
Etymology
The term references the Galapagos Islands, where species evolved uniquely due to isolation. Japanese feature phones similarly evolved with unique features (mobile payments, TV, etc.) that didn't spread globally.
Similar words
- ガラケー: traditional feature phone
- スマホ: smartphone
- ガラホ: a hybrid with flip phone form but smartphone OS
Usage
Some people still prefer ガラケー for their simplicity, long battery life, and durability. The term is slightly nostalgic and may carry a nuance of being old-fashioned.