The 10 Most Iconic Phones of the 90s | Infosate
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The 90s were the golden age of mobile telephony. From the first GSM at the end of the decade, in just ten years mobile phones went from being objects for a privileged few to mass communication tools. Here are the 10 phones that defined an era.
## 1. Nokia 3210 — the phone that won everyone over
The 1999 Nokia 3210 was the phone that put mobile telephony in everyone's pockets. The first Nokia without an external antenna, colorful interchangeable covers, pre-installed Snake. It sold over 160 million units worldwide — the best-selling phone of the 90s. If you lived through those years, you probably owned one.
## 2. Motorola StarTAC — the clamshell that changed design
The 1996 Motorola StarTAC invented the clamshell design. Inspired by the Star Trek communicator, ultra-thin and extremely light — it was the most desired phone of the second half of the 90s. All subsequent clamshells owe something to the StarTAC. A piece of industrial design history as well as telephony.
## 3. Nokia 8210 — small, light, irresistible
The 1999 Nokia 8210 was the dream phone for young people at the turn of the millennium. Tiny, extremely light, with interchangeable colored covers — it was the fashion accessory of the moment. Refined Scandinavian design in a pocket-sized format that seemed impossible for the time. Even today it is considered one of the most beautiful Nokias ever produced.
## 4. Ericsson T28 — the smallest in the world
The 1999 Ericsson T28 set a world record: the smallest and lightest GSM phone in the world. Ultra-thin design, internal antenna, impeccable Scandinavian aesthetics. It was the phone that turned heads — pulling it out of your pocket meant impressing everyone. Today it is among the most sought-after collector's items of the 90s.
## 5. Nokia 7110 — mobile internet ante litteram
The 1999 Nokia 7110 was the future. Spectacular scroll wheel inspired by The Matrix, WAP support for browsing the internet from the phone — an unthinkable thing for the time. Futuristic design and an opening mechanism that seemed straight out of a science fiction movie. The first step towards the modern smartphone.
## 6. Siemens C45 — the toughest ever
The Siemens C45 of the late 90s was synonymous with one thing: durability. Indestructible German construction, battery that lasted for days, solid and reliable keyboard. It was the phone that survived drops, rain, and any mistreatment. Even today, collectors seek it out because it still works perfectly after 25 years.
## 7. Motorola V3688 — science fiction design
The 1998 Motorola V3688 was the smallest and lightest phone ever seen — dimensions that seemed impossible. Ultra-thin clamshell shape and futuristic design that seemed to come out of a movie. In Europe, it was a coveted item for a very few. Today it is one of the rarest and most sought-after collector's items of the 90s.
## 8. Nokia 8850 — the luxury phone
The 1999 Nokia 8850 was the phone for those who wanted the best. Chromed metal body, ultra-thin design, very elegant sliding mechanism. It cost twice as much as other Nokias but was an absolute status symbol. Even today it is one of the most prized and sought-after Nokias by collectors worldwide.
## 9. Panasonic GD70 — Japanese quality in Europe
The Panasonic GD70 of the late 90s brought Japanese precision construction and aesthetics to Europe in a pocket-sized format. Compact and modern design, superior quality compared to the European average. It was the phone for those who appreciated Japanese technology — rare, well-built, and still highly sought after by European collectors today.
## 10. Ericsson GF768 — the pioneer GSM
The Ericsson GF768 from the second half of the 90s is one of the phones that contributed to the spread of GSM in Europe. Robust construction, external antenna, unmistakable Swedish quality. A historical piece that tells the story of the years when the mobile phone became a tool for everyone — no longer just for managers and professionals.
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📞 **Useful insights:**
- [Nokia 3310 – The complete guide](https://www.infosate.com/blogs/notizie/nokia-3310-la-guida-completa-caratteristiche-giochi-problemi-comuni-e-quanto-vale-oggi)
- [Motorola StarTAC – How it works and how much it's worth today](https://www.infosate.com/blogs/notizie/motorola-startac-come-funziona-e-quanto-vale-oggi)