Imagine this: in a world obsessed with sleek smartphones, why are so many Pakistanis suddenly reaching for old-school button phones? It's not just nostalgia – something much more interesting is happening!
Pakistan's mobile landscape is undergoing a surprising shift. Data from the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) reveals that, of the 12.05 million mobile phones assembled in the first five months of 2025, a whopping 54%, or 6.53 million units, were 2G feature phones – those trusty button phones we thought were relics of the past.
Remember those early cellphones? I certainly do. My first phone, a chunky little thing, was a 2G feature phone. As a dramatically inclined 12-year-old, I developed the habit of slamming it on the ground to emphasize my oh-so-important pronouncements. It was a ridiculous, attention-seeking act, inspired by bad TV dramas. Luckily, the phone, a robust Nokia 2220, could withstand my theatrics. Its killer app? Pinball Club, the undisputed king of mobile games! You could practically drop that thing from a second-story window, and it would keep on ticking. Try doing that with my current glass-and-aluminum smartphone; I shudder at the thought.
These resilient devices are making a comeback. In the US, they're dubbed 'dumbphones,' embraced for their ability to facilitate social media detoxes. In Pakistan, particularly in Karachi's bustling Saddar Mobile Market, shopkeepers call them 'button phones' and stock a diverse range of new and used models. And guess what? They're surprisingly popular.
Built to Endure:
Let's delve deeper into the numbers. The PTA data shows that local manufacturing and assembly are booming. During the first five months of 2025, 94% of mobile phone demand was met through local production, a significant jump from the five-year (2020-2024) average of 77% and the nine-year (2016-2024) average of 52%, according to media reports. This surge in local production fuels the availability and affordability of button phones.
To get a better understanding, I ventured into the heart of Saddar Mobile Market, scanning the storefronts for those telltale boxes of G'Five, Vivo, and the legendary Nokia – the ultimate button phone. I walked into a shop adorned with refurbished landline telephones, and asked the salesman, Naveed, a pretty blunt question: "Who even buys button phones these days?"
His answer, delivered with a hint of amusement, was straightforward: "The elderly. The older generation simply doesn't care for smartphones." It's true. The older generation of Pakistan, numbering 16.5 million people over 60 (according to the 2023 census), prefer the simplicity and reliability of button phones. Think of your own grandparents – chances are, they're rocking a button phone.
Muhammad Ilyas, an elderly salesman at the market, proudly displayed his well-worn CAT button phone. "I could put my SIM card in any set I wanted," he said, gesturing towards the sleek smartphones behind him, "but I don't really need one. This phone will last forever!"
Gen Z and Security Concerns:
But here's where it gets controversial... It's not just the older generation fueling this button phone revival. Surprisingly, Gen Z – the digital natives, the social media gurus – are also embracing these devices. And this is the part most people miss...
While they may not be as big of a consumer base as older adults, young Pakistanis have their own compelling reasons for carrying a button phone. Security is a major factor. Karachi has a reputation for phone snatching, with approximately 13,213 cases reported in the first nine months of 2025 alone, according to the Citizens Police Liaison Committee. "Younger people prefer to keep button phones when they're outside," explained Muhammad Irfan, a seller of used smartphones and tablets. He sells around 20 button phones a month, primarily to young people. A button phone serves as a low-value decoy, deterring potential thieves.
Enter Taxes and Button Phone Loopholes:
It's a common sight: a friend pulls out their latest iPhone at lunch, primarily for snapping photos of food. But that iPhone rarely makes calls, unless there's free WiFi available. For everyday communication, they rely on a button phone. This leads to an interesting loophole that many millennials and Gen Z iPhone users have adopted to avoid hefty taxes on imported devices.
Pakistani tech laws mandate that all imported devices be registered with the PTA, threatening to block SIM cards through the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). This regulation applies to both imported phones and unregistered devices brought in by foreigners. But does this disproportionately affect iPhone users? Why? Because iPhones are significantly more expensive than most Android devices. Even depreciated valuations of older iPhone models by the Directorate General of Customs Valuation range from Rs70,000 to Rs350,000! The cost of the phone is one thing, but the subsequent taxes are another burden.
For example, the iPhone 16 Plus (512GB), valued at $1,050 (over Rs300,000) in April 2025, would require an additional Rs87,219 in duty, according to the Federal Board of Revenue's tax rates. So, it's no wonder Gen Z is suddenly interested in these 'so-2010' devices.
Endlessly Appealing iPhones:
But here's what bothers me: Is it really worth buying a six-figure iPhone and then spending more on a 'life jacket' button phone?
According to Midhat, a software engineer and proud owner of a non-PTA-approved iPhone 15 Pro worth Rs140,000, the answer is yes. She cites two key reasons: security and features. "If someone steals my iPhone and it's screen-locked, they can't break into it like other phones," she explained. "Sure, there is software you could use to break into it, but that would ruin its IMEI number."
She contends that while brands like Samsung are improving, they can't match the iPhone's data security. "It also has some great features that you can't find on other phones, like the camera." There's a certain irony, though, in owning a phone so valuable that you're afraid to take it outside. "It's such an expensive phone. You can't take it out in Karachi. Most people I know just keep it at home and use another phone for everyday purposes."
Rameesha, a customer experience consultant and iPhone enthusiast, added that there's little point in paying thousands for PTA registration when iPhones depreciate so quickly due to Apple's rapid model updates.
And then there's the "bitter reality" that iPhones are status symbols. "It's a good visual to have," Rameesha stated. Pulling out an iPhone in a room changes the dynamic. The iPhone isn't just a phone, it's a statement.
So, driven by safety, financial considerations, or status, the button phone has quietly and confidently reclaimed its place in Pakistan's tech landscape. They may lack flashy cameras and seamless functionality, but they're durable, keep you out of trouble, and in a city where carrying an expensive smartphone can feel like a burden, the button phone is the perfect solution.
What are your thoughts? Do you see the practicality of using a button phone alongside a smartphone, or do you think it's an unnecessary expense? Share your opinions in the comments below!
