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There's a few problems with this article.

First is the assumption that this is not supposed to be a smartphone, and the underlying concept that the only thing that can be a smartphone is a glass brick. Really, what these are is a smartphone with physical buttons. This is much more desirable in Japan as a number pad is a surprisingly effective way to enter Japanese text. LG is not looking to get the kind of person who would buy the basic call and text only phone with this. LG still makes the old feature phones, as does pretty much every manufacturer. Of course they'd rather you buy the $600 flagship, but they're out in stores if you look.

Second is that old phones are desirable for normal use. The ones paying big money for them are collectors. That one people are paying four figures for? It's gold plated. Really, what most people want is the best of both, functionality of a modern phone with a week long battery life.

Third is the implication that feature phones are making a comeback in Japan. Sure, there was an uptick, but smartphones are still outselling them nearly three to one.

Also, similar phones have been around for a while in Japan. But the interesting part about this new LG one was skipped. This phone is coming to other markets as the Wine Smart, including some in Europe, like the UK.