Retro mobile phones

Retro mobile phones in depth

Retro mobile phones are handsets with traditional form factors, simpler layouts and fewer technologically advanced functions than more cutting-edge models. Their simplicity make them easy to use for anyone and their classic designs are still a favourite with many mobile users around the world.

Retro mobiles are an excellent selection if you feel you do not want or need a massive array of features and would rather have a mobile phone that makes it a breeze to make calls and send texts.

Why buy a retro mobile phone?

Retro mobiles can offer a number of advantages over the latest handsets. These include:

Ease of use

The simple menus and familiar layouts used by retro phones mean that they are a brilliant for older people who may find today’s multi-functional mobiles difficult to understand and navigate.

The relative lack of options in menus, for instance, makes it easy for users to find what they are looking for quicker. Meanwhile, the classic shape and layout of the keypad on the phone means that they will be able to dial numbers and input text more easily too.

Great as secondary/standby phones

Buying a low-cost retro mobile phone is an excellent and cheap way of ensuring that you’re still able to stay in touch with important contacts if your more expensive, high-end phone is damaged or lost. It’s also useful to have a backup phone in the event of emergencies or if your main phone’s battery runs out.

Some people, for instance fans of outdoor pursuits or dangerous sports, also prefer to have a cheaper, retro mobile phone to take away with them to avoid damaging their main handsets.

Fashion

Just as some people prefer vintage clothes, many consumers find traditional phones more appealing than newer models. As a result, there is a huge market for classic, collectible handsets, many of which sell for much more than newer, high tech models.

Smaller and lighter design

Retro mobile phones are often much smaller than newer models because they do away with modern features such as slide-out QWERTY keyboards, built-in cameras and huge on board memory that take up excess space.

Cheaper

Because they employ less cutting-edge technology, retro mobile phones are much, much cheaper than the latest handsets. This means they are ideal for anyone on a tight budget.

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Who are retro mobile phones suitable for?

A retro mobile phone is a superb choice for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on their handset and is unlikely to want or need a lot of advanced functions. They are also apt for older consumers and as ‘standby’ phones.

However, a retro phone would not be suitable for people who want a phone that can do everything from download applications, watch movies in HD and enjoy a super-fast mobile internet experience.

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Which are the best retro phones?

The huge demand for retro mobile phones means that there is a wide range of handsets on offer. But among the best around are retro mobiles in Nokia’s Classic range. These combine a familiar candybar shape with simple to use menus. Also popular with retro mobile phone buyers are select models from LG, Samsung and Sony Ericsson.

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History of the retro mobile phones market

The market for retro mobile phones is a fairly recent phenomenon, but one that has grown very quickly as the value of many older mobiles increase in value with time as they become rarer to find.

Some of the rarest and most expensive phones include the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X and the Nokia Mobira Citiman.