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Motorola StarTAC 85: The Black Heritage BNIB
Quick View💎 Rarity Index: C (Common)
👁 Evaluation in my collection: BNIB – 10/10
⏱ Life timer: 7m | 📦 Boxed: YES
📅 Release Year: 1997 | 💰 Release Price: More than 1000 $
📊 Units Sold: ~2M
📰 Why this phone matters: The Motorola StarTAC 85 is one of the most refined and well balanced GSM variants of the legendary StarTAC family, the first true clamshell mobile phones ever produced. Introduced in the late 1990s, the StarTAC 85 improved on earlier versions with updated internal circuitry, stronger radio performance, reinforced hinge tolerances, and better durability, while preserving the compact flip design that made the StarTAC line a global icon.This unit is BNIB and comes as a complete full box set. That is an extremely rare condition for any StarTAC model. Most StarTAC 85 units were opened and used heavily, which over time led to worn housings, loose hinges, cracked antennas, and missing accessories. A full retail package with original box, inserts, charger, accessories and documentation, in unused or near unused state, places this device in the very top collector category. Fully boxed StarTAC 85 sets are believed to represent well under a few percent of all surviving devices.
Within the StarTAC GSM lineup, the 85 sits between the early 70 series and the later 130 models. It keeps the early generation proportions and clean design that collectors like, but benefits from mid cycle engineering improvements that make it more reliable for long term use. These refinements include improved grounding on the main board, more stable GSM 900 and 1800 radio stages, reinforced hinge stops, updated keypad dome sheets for more consistent feedback, and stronger internal plastics around key stress points. Many technicians consider the 85 one of the most robust early StarTAC variants.
The StarTAC family itself reshaped the mobile industry. Evolving from the earlier MicroTAC series, the StarTAC introduced the fully folding clamshell format and made compact, pocket friendly phones a reality for a wide audience. More than 60 million StarTAC units were sold worldwide, and in 2005 PC World listed the StarTAC as one of the greatest gadgets of the past 50 years. The StarTAC 85 carries this heritage with its minimalist black housing, slim antenna, clear monochrome display, compact footprint and precise hinge motion.
For collectors, a BNIB Motorola StarTAC 85 is one of the most desirable ways to own a piece of this history. It preserves not only the device, but also the full retail experience from the late 1990s, exactly as it would have been received by a first owner at that time. The combination of complete box, unused or near unused condition, and the technically refined 85 hardware makes this example a true boxed black heritage piece in the StarTAC line.
This StarTAC 85 – The Boxed Black Heritage stands as a museum grade artifact from the golden era of Motorola engineering. It is one of the finest surviving examples of the most influential flip phone design ever created and a centerpiece for any serious mobile phone collection.
📝 Reviews when released: N/A 💔
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Nokia 1011: The mass GSM Genesis
Quick View💎 Rarity Index: B (Uncommon)
⭐ WOW Factor: The first mass produced GSM phone
👁 Evaluation in my collection: Great – 9/10
⏱ Life timer: N/A | 📦 Boxed: YES
📅 Release Year: 1992 | 💰 Release Price: ~2500 DM
📊 Units Sold: ~100k
📰 Why this phone matters: The Nokia 1011 is one of the most historically significant mobile phones ever produced, recognized as the first mass produced GSM handset in the world. Released on 10 November 1992, the model number itself reflects the launch date. This device marks the beginning of the digital mobile age and the starting point of Nokia’s rise as the dominant global mobile manufacturer. It was also sold as the Mobira Cityman 2000 during the transitional phase between Mobira and Nokia Mobile Phones branding.This unit is BNIB and comes in an extremely rare green housing, a color variant produced in very small numbers compared to the standard black version. Finding any Nokia 1011 in unused condition is exceptionally difficult. Finding one in green, boxed, complete, and fully functional places this device among the rarest known surviving examples of the 1011 family.
The Nokia 1011 features the earliest generation of GSM 900 MHz hardware, a monochrome LCD, an extendable antenna, and memory for 99 contacts. It predates the introduction of the Nokia ringtone by two years and represents the fundamental transition from analog communication to digital network reliability. In 1992 it retailed for about 2500 DM, the equivalent of roughly 1797 eur; today, reflecting its status as a premium business handset for early adopters.
Physically, the device follows the industrial design of the early 1990s with a tall form factor, robust plastics, and Nokia’s first steps into what would become its signature user interface. The green finish adds a unique visual identity rarely seen on this model and makes this specific unit highly desirable for collectors.
Because the 1011 was heavily used by professionals and early GSM adopters, most surviving units are worn, incomplete, or non functional. A BNIB example with manual, box, and rare color housing is almost impossible to find. This rare green Nokia 1011 stands as a genuine museum grade piece, directly connected to the origins of digital mobile communication and the earliest days of the GSM era.
📝 Reviews when released: N/A 💔
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Xelibri 2 – White mauve
Quick View💎 Rarity Index: B (Uncommon)
👁 Evaluation in my collection: Great – 9.7/10
⏱ Life timer: N/A | 📦 Boxed: YES
📅 Release Year: 2003 Q2 | 💰 Release Price: 159 £
📊 Units Sold: ~200k
📰 Why this phone matters: “Space on Earth” edition – “The Alien Beauty”📝 Reviews when released: N/A 💔