If you have an old cell phone at home you could have a real collector’s item in your hands that is worth a fortune.
You may have an old phone worth a fortune at home.
We often spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to buy the latest smartphone model. However, by selling an old mobile phone that we have at home, we can earn a lot of money, even thousands of dollars, useful for buying a new device or simply to have an extra income.
Some of the first mobile phones introduced on the market can have great collectible value, especially if still complete with the original packaging.
So here is the list of 10 "old" phones that are worth a fortune.
What’s the most valuable old phone?
Some old phones are worth a fortune when compared to their purchase price when they were released on the market. We find models from different eras and different brands, united by planned obsolescence and a growing economic value. Here are the "vintage" cell phone models with the highest value for collectors:
1. Motorola DynaTAC 8000x - $8,000
Those who own a Motorola DynaTAC 8000x have hit the jackpot. Designed by Martin Cooper in 1973, it was the first mobile phone sold commercially. It was launched in 1983 and cost around $4,000.
It weighed one kilo and, with its 33 centimeters in length, it was certainly not intended to fit into a pocket. Today the device can be sold up to $8,000 if in good condition. Of course, as long as you find an interested buyer.
300 thousand copies were sold.
- Motorola DynaTAC 8000x
- Source: eBay
2. Nokia 8110 - $3,000
The Nokia 8110 landed on the market in 1996. In 1999 it was the protagonist of a strong wave of popularity thanks to the cult film "Matrix", becoming famous throughout the world with the nickname "Banana Matrix". The cover in front of the keyboard can be lifted. At the time, consumers had to shell out just under $1,000 to buy it.
Models still in the original packaging can be worth up to three times the original selling price, or $3,000. However, if the mobile phone has been used, the loss of value is considerable: you can pocket a maximum of 100 euros.
- Nokia 8110
- Source: eBay
3. iPhone 2G - $2,000
When Apple launched the first iPhone in 2007, it was the beginning of a new era. From then on it wasn’t about making a call or sending messages. It was the breakthrough, like having a small computer in your pocket, the use of which was extremely simple.
Technically speaking, the iPhone 2G is mostly useless today. However, collectors are willing to pay a lot of money for a first-generation iPhone. The value depends greatly on the condition of the device. For a used iPhone 2G you can earn around $150. Models never used or with the original packaging can be worth over $2,000.
- iPhone 2G
- Source: eBay
4. Nokia 8800 - $1,300
Nokia phones, a Finnish manufacturer, were in the pockets of many of us in the 90s and at the beginning of the millennium. Then Apple arrived, ushering in a new era.
Old Nokia cell phones can be very valuable today, as in the case of the Nokia 8800. Launched on the market in 2005, it was considered a luxury cell phone thanks to its scratch-resistant screen and elegant cover mechanism.
Online these models are sold for between $120 and $200, but if in excellent condition the Nokia 8800 can be worth up to $1,300.
- Nokia 8800
- Source: eBay
5. Mobira Senator - $1,000
Another Nokia phone, the Mobira Senator is similar to the radio receivers of the Second World War. Born in 1981, today it is worth approximately 1,000 euros.
- Mobira Senator
- Source: eBay
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6. Motorola 3200 - $800
This old Motorola 3200 still has many admirers today. It is the successor to the Motorola DynaTAC 8000x and arrived on the market about ten years later.
The 3200 weighs half as much as its predecessor but is just as bulky. Basically, it is worth around $100, but with the original packaging, it can be sold between $300 and $800.
- Motorola 3200
- Source: eBay
7. Nokia E90 Communicator - $499
Similar to the 9000 Communicator model but with a color screen, a Nokia E90 can also be sold today for $350 (although some have been willing to shell out $499 in 2018).
- Nokia E90 Communicator
- Source: eBay
8. Nokia 9000 Communicator - $340
Released in 1996, the Nokia 9000 Communicator created a stir for its unique futuristic design. It opens like a laptop, revealing a full keyboard and a giant (for the time) screen. Depending on the conditions in which it is sold, a model in excellent condition can also be sold for $340.
- Nokia 9000 Communicator
- Source: eBay
9. Ericsson T28 - $145
The first mobile phone with a lithium polymer battery, characterized by the iconic green screen and the classic foldable flap on the keys. Born in 1999, it won the title of lightest mobile phone on the market for three years in a row. The selling price today is around $145 and up.
- Ericsson T28
- Source: eBay
10. Nokia 3310 - $20
Iconic and unforgettable and (almost) indestructible. The Nokia 3310 was created in 2000 and remains a true icon of mobile telephony today, due to its design and the unforgettable Snake game. It is a highly sought-after but also very widespread model, which is why today its value online is only around $20.
- Nokia 3310
- Source: eBay
How to sell valuable phones and make money
There are many old phones in the world, as well as video game consoles and PCs. But only a small minority are worth thousands of euros.
Rarity plays an essential role. The rarer an object is, the higher its value, as long as there is demand.
The best way to sell vintage technological devices varies based on what you want to sell but, generally speaking, three macro-options are available:
- auction houses (for six-figure sales): if you have something truly precious in your hands it is advisable to rely on professionals.;
- eBay (for semi-precious items): if you own devices worth hundreds of euros but no more, managing the sale yourself may be easier. eBay is full of DIY sellers selling vintage technology at various prices;
- Etsy (if you have a lot of devices to sell): What if you don’t just have a drawer full of old technology, but an entire house? Consider opening a shop on the Etsy platform.
Original article published on Money.it Italy 2024-07-08 15:31:03. Original title: Questi 10 telefoni “vecchi” valgono una fortuna
