Nokia 9500 Communicator: the QWERTY keyboard smartphone that was ahead of its time

The Nokia 9500 Communicator is one of those devices that, looking back, seem incredibly ahead of their time. A phone with a full QWERTY keyboard, WiFi, web browser, email, spreadsheet, and word processor — all in 2004. If that's not a modern smartphone ante litteram, then what is?

The story of the Nokia 9500

The 9500 was the heir to a long Nokia tradition of "Communicators" — phones designed for professionals who needed more than just a phonebook. The series began in 1996 with the legendary 9000, and the 9500 represented its technological peak.

With integrated WiFi — an absolute rarity for a 2004 phone — and a full QWERTY keyboard that opened on the side, the 9500 was a pocket computer before that term became fashionable.

Technical specifications

• Type: Communicator (horizontal slider)
• Internal display: TFT 4096 colors, 640 x 200 pixels
• External display: monochrome
• Connectivity: GSM 900/1800/1900, WiFi 802.11b
• Camera: 0.3 megapixel
• Keyboard: Full QWERTY
• Battery: Li-Ion, up to 150 hours standby
• Operating system: Symbian Series 80
• Memory: 80 MB integrated

The book-like design

The 9500 opened horizontally like a book, revealing the full QWERTY keyboard and the large internal display. Closed, it was a normal phone with an external display and numeric keypad. It was a dual-mode device that worked perfectly in both configurations.

Collector's value in 2026

The Nokia 9500 is highly sought after by Nokia Communicator collectors. A working unit in good condition is worth between €60 and €180. With the original box and accessories, the value increases significantly.

Where to find an original Nokia 9500

Infosate has a selection of vintage Nokia Communicators. Visit our Nokia collection to find the 9500 and other models from the Communicator series.