Some of the Most Classic Phones and Their Features

The mobile phone market has changed beyond all recognition in the 25 or so years since the devices first went on general sale. With new handsets being released on a regular basis, encouraging users to always have the most up-to-date model, many older phones were consigned to the rubbish bin.

In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in these early models which are now seen as landmarks in the development of mobile phone technology. Such phones are increasingly prized by collectors.

Although it is not able to connect to modern mobile phone networks, a premium example of the Motorola 8000 series, the first handheld mobile phone launched in the UK back in 1985, can sell for up to £500. At 600 grams, the 8000 is more than four times heavier than a modern iPhone and 15 times heavier than the Modu, the lightest mobile phone currently available.

Classic Nokia Phones

Another highly desirable model is the Nokia 6310i. Launched in 2002, it was the first model from the company to include Bluetooth. Rugged, reliable and featuring a long battery life thanks to a power pack that formed almost the entire back panel of the handset, the 6310i was a huge success right from the start.

Aimed solidly at the business market, the phone soon became the dominant GSM device in the corporate world and remains popular to this day, despite being discontinued in 2005.

Collectors looking to get their hands on the iconic phone made famous in the 1999 action film The Matrix need to exercise caution. The model in the film was a Nokia 8110 but the filmmakers adapted the handset to include a spring-loaded cover for greater dramatic effect.

This feature was then incorporated into the similar-looking Nokia 7110, leading many to believe that this, not the 8110, is the handset featured in the film. Produced three years later, the 7110 is far more advanced and was the first mobile to allow rudimentary internet access thanks to the inclusion of a WAP browser.

Smartphone

Newer phones are also in demand from enthusiasts. The Nokia 6700 designation has been used on two separate models - the Slide and the Classic - of which the Classic is by far the most valuable. It features a 2.2-inch display screen and a microSD slot that allows the internal memory to be expanded to a maximum of 16GB.

With a 5MP camera with LED flash, the Classic is a great handset for those looking for an alternative to a touchscreen smartphone. This means that if you decide to sell your Nokia 6700 Classic you'll find plenty of willing buyers.

For many, the original Apple iPhone, launched in 2007, is the most iconic handset of the past 25 years. With a touchscreen interface, built-in Wi-Fi and ability to run apps, it took the mobile phone market into a completely new direction.

Daniel Harper is a seasoned computing and technology writer. He has been writing for websites and print media for over 15 years. His articles on the value of older mobile phones should be of enormous help if you decide to sell a classic Nokia phone to make a little extra money.