Nokia 1011: The mass GSM Genesis
Type: NHE-2XN
💎 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 💔