What was the flip phone called in the 90s? [2023]

Flip phones were all the rage in the 90s, and they revolutionized the way we communicate on the go. If you’re feeling nostalgic and wondering what the flip phone was called in the 90s, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore the iconic flip phones that defined the era. So, let’s dive in and discover the flip phones that had us all flipping out!

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

The flip phone that was popular in the 90s was called the Motorola StarTAC. It was the world’s first flip phone and was released on January 3rd, 1996. The StarTAC was known for its compact size, clamshell hinge design, and discreet vibrate alerts. It paved the way for the flip phone revolution that followed.

Shopping Links: CHECK PRICE on Motorola StarTAC | Shop Motorola on Amazon | Motorola Official Website

Quick Tips and Facts

  • The Motorola StarTAC was the first flip phone released in the 90s.
  • It was known for its compact size, clamshell hinge design, and discreet vibrate alerts.
  • The StarTAC paved the way for the flip phone revolution that followed.
  • The StarTAC cost £1,400 in 1996, equivalent to £2,489.33 in today’s money.

Background

The 90s was a decade of technological advancements, and the introduction of the flip phone was a game-changer. Before the flip phone, mobile phones were bulky and lacked the convenience and style that we now take for granted. The flip phone brought a new level of portability and functionality to the world of mobile communication.

1. The Motorola StarTAC: the world’s first

The Motorola StarTAC, released on January 3rd, 1996, was the world’s first flip phone. It was a groundbreaking device that set the stage for the flip phone revolution. The StarTAC was approximately 3.7 inches tall and had a plastic casing. It featured a clamshell hinge design that allowed the phone to be folded in half, making it more compact and portable.

The Motorola StarTAC was advertised for its size, wearability, and discreet vibrate alerts. It was a status symbol and a must-have gadget for tech enthusiasts of the time. Despite its high price tag of £1,400 in 1996 (equivalent to £2,489.33 in today’s money), it became a popular choice among early adopters.

Shopping Links: CHECK PRICE on Motorola StarTAC | Shop Motorola on Amazon | Motorola Official Website

2. The Samsung SCH-V200: Oh snap! A camera you say?

In June 2000, Samsung released the SCH-V200, a flip phone that took the world by storm with its built-in camera. This was a groundbreaking feature at the time, as it allowed users to capture precious moments on the go. The SCH-V200 had the ability to take up to 20 photos at a time, revolutionizing the way we document our lives.

In addition to the camera, the Samsung SCH-V200 boasted other advanced features such as tri-band world roaming, MMS picture messaging, GPRS high-speed data, and 40-chord polyphonic ringtones. It was a versatile and stylish device that captured the imagination of mobile phone users.

Shopping Links: CHECK PRICE on Samsung SCH-V200 | Shop Samsung on Amazon | Samsung Official Website

3. The Samsung SPH-100 (UpRoar): Thank you for the music

Launched on August 29th, 2000, the Samsung SPH-100 (UpRoar) was a flip phone that revolutionized the way we listen to music on our mobile devices. It was the first mobile phone with MP3 capabilities, featuring 32MB of built-in memory. Users could store and play their favorite songs on the go, making the UpRoar a hit among music lovers.

The Samsung SPH-100 (UpRoar) was a stylish and innovative device that combined the functionality of a mobile phone with the entertainment value of an MP3 player. It was a precursor to the smartphones we use today, showcasing the potential of mobile devices beyond traditional communication.

Shopping Links: CHECK PRICE on Samsung SPH-100 (UpRoar) | Shop Samsung on Amazon | Samsung Official Website

4. The Nokia 7200: the flip phone for the material girl

Nokia, a renowned brand in the mobile phone industry, introduced the Nokia 7200 in 2003. This flip phone stood out from the crowd with its unique design and use of textured materials. The Nokia 7200 was the first model to incorporate textured materials into the phone’s exterior design, allowing for different ornamental textile covers in various colors.

The Nokia 7200 appealed to fashion-conscious individuals who wanted a phone that reflected their personal style. It was a statement piece that combined functionality with aesthetics, making it a popular choice among the “material girls” of the time.

Shopping Links: CHECK PRICE on Nokia 7200 | Shop Nokia on Amazon | Nokia Official Website

5. The Motorola Razr: the flip phone icon

No discussion about flip phones in the 90s would be complete without mentioning the iconic Motorola Razr. Released in 2004, the Motorola Razr took the world by storm with its ultra-thin design and sleek profile. It became one of the most desirable handsets of the early 2000s, selling over 130 million units.

The Motorola Razr was a fashion statement, combining style with cutting-edge technology. It featured a vibrant color display, a metal keypad, and a slim profile that set it apart from other flip phones of the time. The Razr became a cultural icon and remains a symbol of the flip phone era.

Shopping Links: CHECK PRICE on Motorola Razr | Shop Motorola on Amazon | Motorola Official Website

6. The Nokia N93: swivel action

In 2006, Nokia introduced the Nokia N93, a flip phone with a unique swivel design. The N93 featured a screen that could be rotated and swiveled, giving users a 160° viewing angle. This innovative design allowed for a more immersive multimedia experience, making the N93 a favorite among multimedia enthusiasts.

The Nokia N93 was ahead of its time, showcasing Nokia’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile technology. It was a versatile device that combined the functionality of a phone, a camera, and a portable media player, making it a popular choice for those who wanted a multimedia powerhouse in their pocket.

Shopping Links: CHECK PRICE on Nokia N93 | Shop Nokia on Amazon | Nokia Official Website

7. Blackberry Style 9760: Let’s get QWERTY

In 2010, Blackberry released the Style 9760, its first flip phone with a full QWERTY keyboard. The Style 9760 combined the convenience of a flip phone with the productivity of a physical keyboard, making it a popular choice among business professionals and avid texters.

The Blackberry Style 9760 featured an external screen that displayed the time and notifications, allowing users to stay connected even when the phone was closed. It was a versatile device that catered to the needs of individuals who valued both style and functionality.

Shopping Links: CHECK PRICE on Blackberry Style 9760 | Shop Blackberry on Amazon | Blackberry Official Website

8. The death of the flip phone?

In the 2010s, flip phones saw a decline in popularity in the Western market with the rise of traditional smartphones. However, they remained popular in South Korea and Japan, where consumers embraced their unique form factor and functionality.

Despite the decline in popularity, flip phones have made a comeback in recent years with the introduction of modern foldable smartphones. These devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, combine the convenience of a flip phone with the power and versatility of a smartphone. The Galaxy Z Flip, released in 2020, features a 6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED screen and a hybrid glass coating branded as “Infinity Flex Display.”

Shopping Links: CHECK PRICE on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip | Shop Samsung on Amazon | Samsung Official Website

9. The Galaxy Z Flip: the future of the flip phone

The Galaxy Z Flip, released in 2020, represents the future of the flip phone. It combines the nostalgia of the flip phone era with the latest advancements in mobile technology. The Galaxy Z Flip features a 6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED screen and a hybrid glass coating branded as “Infinity Flex Display.”

With its sleek design and innovative folding mechanism, the Galaxy Z Flip offers a unique and immersive user experience. It is available in 4G and 5G versions, catering to different connectivity needs. The Galaxy Z Flip4, the latest model, was released on August 26th, 2022, and is priced from £999.00 to £1,199.00 outright or from £27.75 per month on a contract plan.

Shopping Links: CHECK PRICE on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip | Shop Samsung on Amazon | Samsung Official Website

FAQ

black rotary dial phone on white surface

What was the old flip phone called?

The old flip phone that was popular in the 90s was called the Motorola StarTAC. It was the world’s first flip phone and set the stage for the flip phone revolution.

Read more about “… Old Flip Phones: Nostalgia at Your Fingertips”

What phones were used in the 90s?

In the 90s, several phones gained popularity, including the Motorola StarTAC, Samsung SCH-V200, Samsung SPH-100 (UpRoar), Nokia 7200, and more. These phones were known for their innovative features and stylish designs.

Read more about “… The Ultimate Guide to Flip Phone Brands: Unleash Your Nostalgia with Style”

What’s the name of the phone that flips?

The phone that flips is commonly known as a flip phone. It is characterized by its clamshell hinge design, which allows the phone to be folded in half for increased portability.

What was the first phone in the 90s?

The first phone in the 90s was the Motorola StarTAC. It was released on January 3rd, 1996, and became the world’s first flip phone.

Conclusion

The flip phone era of the 90s brought us iconic devices that revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with mobile technology. From the world’s first flip phone, the Motorola StarTAC, to the modern foldable smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, these devices have left an indelible mark on the mobile phone industry.

While the popularity of flip phones declined in the Western market with the rise of traditional smartphones, they have made a comeback in recent years with the introduction of foldable smartphones. These devices offer a unique blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology, catering to those who appreciate the convenience and style of a flip phone.

In conclusion, the flip phone that was popular in the 90s was the Motorola StarTAC. It paved the way for the flip phone revolution and remains an iconic device in the history of mobile communication.

Shopping Links: CHECK PRICE on Motorola StarTAC | Shop Motorola on Amazon | Motorola Official Website


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