If you have a box of old flip phones and early smartphones hiding in a closet, you might be sitting on more than a pile of dead batteries. Certain models are now collectibles, and the right one can bring a serious chunk of cash instead of ending up at the electronics recycler.
Most old phones are still basically trash money. The ones below are the exceptions. Prices here are rough ranges for phones people actually pay for now. What you can get depends on condition, whether it still powers on, if it is unlocked, and whether you kept the box and accessories.
Table of contents
- 2007 original iPhone (first generation)
- iPhone 3G (2008)
- Motorola DynaTAC 8000X “brick phone”
- Motorola MicroTAC 9800X
- Motorola International 3200
- Motorola RAZR2 V9
- Nokia 8110 “banana phone”
- Nokia 7280 “lipstick phone”
- Nokia 7600 teardrop phone
- Nokia 9000 Communicator
- Nokia E90 Communicator
- Nokia N-Gage “taco phone”
- T-Mobile Sidekick LX 2009
- BlackBerry Porsche Design P’9981
2007 original iPhone (first generation)
The very first Apple iPhone from 2007 is the big one. It is the chunky metal and plastic model with the 3.5-inch screen, no App Store and that silver back. Collectors see it as the start of the smartphone era, which is why clean examples are in demand. Working first-gen iPhones with some wear and basic accessories often sell in the $200–$500 range, and nicer boxed phones can land higher.
The real outliers are truly factory-sealed phones that were never activated. A few sealed 4 GB and 8 GB boxes have changed hands for eye-watering amounts, with the very best bringing between about $60,000 and $190,000. That kind of money only happens for untouched, verified originals with crisp shrink-wrap and correct labels. Anything that has been opened, used or reboxed drops back to the “hundreds, not tens of thousands” level.
iPhone 3G (2008)
The iPhone 3G from 2008 was the first iPhone with fast mobile data and the App Store. It has a rounded plastic back instead of metal and came in black or white. It is not as famous as the original, but it still has a strong following with Apple fans who want one of each early model. Working iPhone 3G handsets in decent shape typically sell in the $300–$450 range, especially if they are unlocked and include a charger.
Higher prices go to phones that look almost new, with clean glass, minimal scuffs and all original parts. Having the box, inserts and paperwork can make a real difference. Watch the small print though: the 3G and 3GS look very similar at a glance, and buyers who collect early Apple gear usually pay more for the true 3G model.
Motorola DynaTAC 8000X “brick phone”
The huge white and gray Motorola DynaTAC 8000X is the classic “brick phone” from 1980s movies and Wall Street photos. It was one of the first mobile phones you could actually carry, and it cost as much as a used car when it came out. Because of that history, collectors will pay real money for one that still looks the part. Working DynaTAC 8000X phones with the antenna, battery door and keypad intact often sell in the $1,800–$2,500 range.
Top examples with very light wear, original charger, manuals and box can go much higher, into the low five figures in some cases. Non-working shells, missing doors or cracked antennas are worth far less. Also watch out for display dummies and later “brick-style” phones that only look similar. The exact model number on the label under the battery is what matters.
Motorola MicroTAC 9800X
The Motorola MicroTAC 9800X was the flip phone that followed the brick. It has a big top section and a flip-down mouthpiece, and it was one of the first mobiles that actually fit in a pocket. People who grew up with these now want a nice one back, which keeps prices solid. Clean, working 9800X handsets usually sell in the $250–$350 range.
Collectors look for original housings, firm hinges and intact battery doors, plus a period charger. Heavy yellowing, cracks, repairs or cheap replacement shells drag the value down fast. Motorola used the “MicroTAC” name on many models, so double-check the exact 9800X marking under the battery or inside the case before assuming you have the higher-value version.
Motorola International 3200
The Motorola International 3200 looks more like a chunky radio than a modern cell phone. It was one of the earliest GSM handsets and a status symbol for business users in the early 1990s. Today it appeals to people who collect the very first digital mobiles. Working 3200s with the original antenna, battery and charger often sell in the $220–$320 range.
Because many of these were used hard, really clean examples are harder to find. Missing battery doors, cracked antennas or hacked-in chargers cut prices a lot. There are also similar-looking Motorola transportable phones and car kits that are not worth as much. Again, model numbers on the label tell you which one you have.
Motorola RAZR2 V9
The Motorola RAZR2 V9 is the sleeker, more polished follow-up to the original RAZR. It has a slimmer metal body, a large outer display and a more high-end feel. Even though plenty were made, collectors go after nice V9s because they are a kind of “final form” flip phone before smartphones took over. Working, unlocked V9s in good cosmetic shape often sell in the $90–$150 range.
The flip hinge and screens are the big value points. A V9 with a tight hinge, bright outer and inner displays and only light scuffs is far more desirable than one with worn keys and cloudy glass. Original chargers, matching color accessories and, ideally, the box can push a phone toward the top of the range. “Refurbished” units with generic shells might look shiny but usually bring less.
Nokia 8110 “banana phone”
The original Nokia 8110 from the mid-1990s has a curved body and sliding cover over the keypad, which led to its “banana phone” nickname. It later became iconic after a similar model showed up in The Matrix. That mix of funky design and movie nostalgia makes it a favorite for collectors. Working 8110s with their slider in place often sell in the $70–$120 range.
Do not confuse this with Nokia’s newer 8110 4G remake, which is fun but not especially valuable. On original phones, cracked sliders, damaged hinges and missing battery doors are common and cut the value sharply. A complete set with original Nokia battery, charger and packaging is what really gets people to pay up.
Nokia 7280 “lipstick phone”
The tiny Nokia 7280 from 2004 looks more like a fashion accessory than a phone. It has a mirrored front, bold patterns and a scroll wheel instead of a keypad, which is why people call it the “lipstick phone.” That design makes it a pure style collectible. Working 7280s in nice shape typically sell in the $200–$260 range.
Because looks matter so much here, scratches on the mirror, worn paint or missing end caps cut value quickly. Collectors also check that the scroll wheel works smoothly and the phone still powers on. The best money goes to phones that look close to new and come with the box, lanyard, charger and paperwork.
Nokia 7600 teardrop phone
The Nokia 7600 is the odd, teardrop-shaped 3G phone with buttons around the screen. It confused people in 2003, but its weird shape makes it stand out now. Fans of early 3G and unusual designs track these down. Working 7600s with decent housings usually sell in the $90–$140 range.
There are removable trim panels on the sides, and those can crack or go missing, so check that everything matches and fits properly. Swapped or badly repainted shells hurt value. As with most Nokias on this list, phones that still boot, hold a charge and show a bright screen are worth much more than dead bodies, even for parts.
Nokia 9000 Communicator
The Nokia 9000 Communicator opens like a tiny laptop, with a screen and full keyboard inside. In the mid-1990s it was closer to a pocket computer than a phone, which is exactly what appeals to collectors today. People who remember business travelers flipping these open on planes now want a working one again. Functional 9000 Communicators commonly sell in the $130–$200 range.
The outer shell, hinge and inner display are the main weak spots. A Communicator with a loose hinge, cracked casing or lines across the internal screen is not going to touch the top of the range. Phones that include their original charger, serial cable, manual and box are the ones that draw more serious bids and offers.
Nokia E90 Communicator
The Nokia E90 Communicator from 2007 is the later, more modern version, with a color inner screen, GPS and a sleeker look. It still has the big flip-open design and full keyboard, which a lot of people miss. Working E90s with only light wear often sell in the $160–$220 range.
Collectors pay most for phones that are unlocked, fully working on both screens and show only small marks on the housing. Water damage, corrosion under the battery, dead pixels or keyboard issues push value down fast. Original packaging and accessories help, especially for buyers who want a “business travel time capsule” from the late 2000s.
Nokia N-Gage “taco phone”
tech-x-world via eBay
The Nokia N-Gage tried to be a game console and phone in one back in 2003, with game cards and dedicated buttons. You had to hold it sideways to take calls, which made it the butt of jokes. That oddball reputation is exactly why gamers and Nokia fans chase it now. Working N-Gage handsets usually sell in the $130–$180 range, and complete sets with games can go higher.
There are different versions, and some collectors prefer the original over the later N-Gage QD. Check for corrosion in the battery compartment and that the game card slot still reads properly. Original game shells, inserts and cables all add value. A tidy bundle with popular titles will bring more than a beat-up phone on its own.
T-Mobile Sidekick LX 2009
AaSieLTD via eBay
The Sidekick LX 2009 is the sliding messaging phone a lot of teens begged for in the late 2000s. The screen flips up to reveal a big keyboard, and the whole thing screams MySpace and AIM chats. People who grew up on Sidekicks now buy one back for the nostalgia. Working LX 2009 models with bright screens often sell in the $70–$120 range.
Collectors look for firm hinges, a clean keyboard and a screen without heavy scratches. Phones locked to long-dead data services still have value as collectibles, but unlocked or U.S. carrier versions tend to be easier to move. Box, charger, data cable and original T-Mobile branding all help bring stronger offers.
BlackBerry Porsche Design P’9981
The BlackBerry Porsche Design P’9981 is a luxury version of the BlackBerry Bold with a stainless steel frame, angular keyboard and leather back. It was sold through high-end boutiques with a huge original price tag, which keeps it in the “status object” category today. Standard P’9981 phones in good condition often sell in the $400–$800 range, while gold or special editions can go much higher.
Serious buyers look for original Porsche Design markings, correct fonts and high-quality materials. Cheap lookalikes and knockoffs are common and worth very little. Phones with their box, charger, leather case and paperwork tend to bring the most. Special “VIP” or limited-run versions are in their own price bracket.
If any of these names ring a bell, it might be worth digging through your old tech box before you haul it to recycling. Only certain models and conditions bring the big money, but even one good hit from that drawer could turn into a solid payout when you sell it.
