You may be sitting on a goldmine if you still have old mobile phones.

Vintage tech fever is sweeping across Europe, with collectors paying eye-watering prices for classic mobile phones – and your old Nokia could be worth more than you think.

Vintage mobile phone: How old handsets have become collector’s gold

We’ve all thrown away an old phone, believing it to be worthless when the new model was released. But what about the dusty relics that date back to the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. These items are now prized by collectors, retro tech lovers, and museums.

It turns out what we once dismissed as obsolete “junk” could now fetch thousands – or even tens of thousands – of euros. Retro mobiles are a booming market. Condition is everything. Most sought after phones have the original box, charger, and manual.

A vintage tech dealer from Madrid says that the more rare the model is and the better it’s condition, the more expensive it will be. Special editions and devices with unique histories or limited runs command the highest prices.

Auctions of classic mobile phones set records: What are they worth?

What could your old smartphone be worth? Take a look at a few headline-grabbing examples.

• Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte was launched in 2013, and is a sleek, minimalist device made of titanium. It also features carbon fibre, tempered-glass, and other materials. While its 3.2MP camera now seems quaint, its rarity and luxury finish mean a well-kept one can fetch upwards of €3,500 on specialist sites.
• Motorola DynaTAC 8000X: The legendary ‘brick’ – one of the first mobiles ever made, released in 1983 and weighing nearly a kilo. In working order, it’s gone for as much as €21,000 in private sales.
• The first-generation iPhone from 2007 is the holy grail of many collectors. A sealed, mint-condition original iPhone can go for astonishing sums – a record-breaking $63,000 at auction in 2023, with ultra-rare prototypes or unique factory variants rumoured to have changed hands for millions.

Not just the big brands are worth more. Early models from Sony, Ericsson, Siemens and even Alcatel are rising in value – particularly those with quirky designs or short production runs.

Your old phone can be sold for cash

Before you toss out your old phone, make sure it is in good condition and that the model is still working.
You could be sitting on a fortune if it’s an early or special edition model that still works. (Bonus points if the original accessories are included).

• Look for specialist auction sites as well as vintage tech platforms.
  Retro technology websites are crowded with buyers who will pay a lot of money for rare items.
• Do not forget your paperwork
  Boxes, manuals, and even receipts originals can increase the price.
• Research, research, research.
  Look up recent sale prices for your model before listing. Prices can change rapidly when demand increases.

So, the next time you do a spring clean, don’t be too quick to bin that ‘useless’ old phone. It may be worth more than just nostalgia.

You never know, the forgotten mobile phone you forgot could be enough to pay for your holiday.