They're gaining a little popularity, but most phones are still flip phones. The main reasons I've seen are that the pre-paid and free-with-plan ones are flip ph

They're gaining a little popularity, but most phones are still flip phones. The main reasons I've seen are that the pre-paid and free-with-plan ones are flip phones, and mobile internet is more popular, so a full built-in web browser doesn't give much advantage. Smart phones also usually don't have infra-red contact-info transfer, which frustrates a lot of people, though I don't really think it's hurt sales. They're also usually only in black and white, and lack a good place to put cell phone charms or purikura stickers, which probably kills some of their appeal. Edit: Also, lack of Live TV is a big one for businessmen who are sports fans. Lack of a FeliCa reader might be an issue for some people, but probably not a deal breaker, since most people probably also have SuiCa, PasMo, IcoCa, or Edy cards.