If you have one of these "dumb phones" you have a great treasure: you can sell it for thousands of dollars.
Nowadays, mobile phones have become mini computers where you can do everything: from sending emails, taking high-quality photos and videos, watching movies on streaming apps, managing social networks, making video calls and even making payments.
The list of functions seems endless, and every year technological innovations surprise us with new capabilities that make our lives easier. However, it wasn’t always like this. If you look back at the first decade of the 21st century, you’ll find that phones were quite different.
So-called "dumb phones" were simple devices, with which you could do little more than send text messages, make calls, and in some cases, play primitive games like the popular Snake.
These devices didn’t have touch screens, sophisticated cameras, let alone internet access or apps. They were basic communication tools, designed to perform specific functions without complications.
Today, devices that were once the greatest technological innovations are considered obsolete compared to modern smartphones. But what may surprise you is that some of those stupid cell phones you have hidden in a drawer could be worth a real fortune.
Yes, you read that right. In a world where nostalgia and collecting are a big deal, certain of these old phones are fetching exorbitant prices on the second-hand market and at auctions.
There are people willing to pay thousands of euros for a mobile phone that was considered a popular device at the time. The reason lies in several factors: the rarity of these phones, the state of preservation, and in some cases, the historical significance of the device.
If you’re wondering how much these phones are worth, you’ll be surprised to know that prices can reach impressive numbers. For example, phones like the Motorola StarTac from 1996, one of the first phones, can reach prices starting at $500.
The Orbitel Citiphone, launched in 1987 and considered one of the first commercial cell phones, can sell for more than $1,200. The iconic Nokia 3310, known for its durability and long-lasting battery, has reached $1,500.
Rare models, like the Ericsson R290 or the 1999 Nokia 7700, can sell for $2,000 and $2,500, respectively. But the prices don’t stop there. The Nokia Sapphire 8800, known for its luxurious design and high-quality materials, can go for as much as $3,400.
If you're lucky enough to own a Motorola 8000x, one of the first cell phones released in 1983, you can sell it for around $4,000. The most surprising case is the original iPhone, which was released in 2007.
While it's not technically a dumb phone, if you have one that's not unlocked, you can sell it for a staggering $100,000 or more. A model in excellent condition recently sold for $170,000 at auction, proving that this gear is quite valuable.
Why are they willing to pay so much? Nostalgia plays an important role in this phenomenon. For many, these phones represent a vital pastime, without the constant distractions of social networks and applications. In addition, some models are genuine designer gems.
If you have an old cell phone sitting in a drawer, don’t throw it away! It could be worth a lot more than you think. Go through your old stuff, search the attic, or ask family members. Who knows, you might have a little tech treasure that you can sell for a good sum.