The relentless pace of change in the mobile technology industry leaves many with the consumer equivalent of the nausea-inducing downhill chute on a rollercoaster ride, and the May 2017 mobile trends show that companies have taken note. Instead of ceaselessly pushing forward, tech producers are opting to revert to more retro technological devices — while still adding a touch of contemporary convenience.
Throughout the history of phones, there have been several iterations. For decades, one's only access to a personal phone was through the use of a home landline. The Invoxia NVX 200 brings modern smartphone users back to that generation of phones with a dock that charges one's smartphone while doubling as a handset and teleconferencer. The LBER KR999 goes even further in the retro direction, with a shape that's indistinguishable from the very earliest cell phone models despite its smart capabilities.
Top 50 Mobile Trends in May

50
Upscale Smartwatch Collections
The Movado Connect Smartwatch is Designed for Android Wear 2.0

49
Slim Solar Smartphone Cases
The 'Synthetic' Solar iPhone Case Enables Eco-Friendly Charging

48
Anti-Distraction Smartphone Docks
The 'RiVE' Dock Scales Down Devices to Help You Drive Safer
47
Landline Smartphone Speaker Docks
The Invoxia NVX 200 Charges Devices and Enables Teleconferencing
46
Modernized Retro Cellphones
The LBER KR999 Brick Cell Phone Works with Most GSM Carriers
45
Dedicated Documentation Cameras
The Nokia 'Twist' Media Camera Captures 15 Second Bursts
44
Reclaimed Wood Smartphone Cases
'Kerf Cases' Creates Device Cases in Pittsburgh from Solid Wood
43
Card-Sized Wallet Trackers
The KiwiCard is an Ultra-Thin, Waterproof Bluetooth Tracking Device
42
Shifting Angle Smartphone Lenses
The 'ShiftLens' Smartphone Photo Lens Adjusts Device Capabilities
41
Dedicated Smartphone Storage Cradles
The 'nuk' Phone Caddy Offers a Space to Keep Your Device
40
UV Light Phone Cleaners
This Conceptual Phone Sterilizer Can Clean a Smartphone Effectively
39
Anti-Technology Smartphone Apps
The 'Forest' App Plants a Garden That Flourishes Without You
38
Digital 3D Smartphone Microphones
The 'Lolly' Smartphone 3D Mic Upgrades Capabilities Instantly
37
Dual-Device Smart Docks
The Gravitas Apple Dock Accommodates the iPhone and the iPad
36
Retro Computer Smartphone Stands
The Elago M4 Stand for iPhones Turns Them into Mini Retro PCs
35
Promotional V8 Ringtones
Ford's 2018 Mustang GT Ringtone Shows Off the Muscle Car's New Features
34
Interchangeable Battery Smartphone Cases
The 'CoBattery' iPhone Charging Case Kit is Convenient
33
Anti-Radiation Smartphone Cases
The SafeSleeve Smartphone Cases Block Radiation and Deter Damage
32
Unbanked Mobile Credit Cards
The 'boon' App Allows French Consumers to Use Credit Without a Bank
31
Smartphone Photo Drives
The 'Fotofami' Photo Storage Device Backs Up Your Camera Roll
30
Shifting Smartphone Charging Docks
The 'Lecan I/O' iPhone Aluminum Dock Deters Damage
29
Ornately Mirrored Phone Cases
This Magic Mirror Phone Case Reminds of Beauty and the Beast
28
Snarky Fitness Trackers
The Walk Against Humanity App Taunts You into Reaching Your Goals
27
Emoji Language Courses
This App for Learning Language Teased an Emoji Course for April Fool's Day
26
Smartphone Pocket Locks
C-Safe's Anti-theft Product Helps Phone Users Effectively Prevent Theft
25
Dual-Streaming Smartphones
The Samsung Galaxy S8 can Stream Dual Bluetooth Audio
24
Digital Payment Messaging Apps
This WhatsApp Update Will Allow Users to Sell and Buy Goods
23
Device-Charging Alarm Clocks
The Sandman Clock Alarms Enable Device Charging While You Snooze
22
Customizable Smart Buttons
The 'TAG' Bluetooth Tracking Button is a Smartphone User's Best Friend
21
Voice Recognition Safety Apps
The 'SecretlySafe' App Offers Emergency Safety When Danger Strikes
20
ATM-Replacing Apps
soCash is a Start-Up That Aims to Make ATM Machines Obsolete
19
Musical Heartbeat Websites
The 'Russ Per Minute' Site Matches a Russ Song to a User's Heartbeat
18
Cartoon Subscription Services
Boomerang TV is Now Available as a $5 Monthly Streaming Service
17
Hands-Free Filming Wearables
Thanko's 'Smaneck' is a Hands-Free Phone Holder for Filming
16
Social AR Geolocation Apps
The 'Grifidi' Social Experience App Creates Location-Based Socializing
15
Single-Use Smartphone Chargers
'Powrtabs' Smartphone Battery Chargers Offer Four Hours of Power
14
Text Message-Scheduling Apps
The Scheduled App Sends Stores Text Drafts and Sends Reminders
13
Smartphone-Shaped Landscape Frames
This Phone Advertisement Shows the Galaxy S8's Large Screen
12
Desktop Smartphone Connector Docks
The Samsung 'DeX' Smartphone Desktop Unit Extends Usage
11
Runner Training Smartwatches
The Polar M430 Run Watch Offers Actionable Guidance During Use
10
Social Sandwich Payment Options
Subway Can Now Be Purchased with Mastercard's Masterpass
9
Multipurpose Phone Cases
Protean Turns iPhones Into a Pro Camera, GPS, Wall Speaker or a TV
8
Contextless Video Apps
'Yo Stories' Shares Video from Friends Without Additional Details
7
DIY Selfie Lights
Adafruit's 3D Printed Project Helps to Enhance One's Phone Photography
6
App Tester Platforms
'Taskers' Finds the Ideal Users for App Testing
5
Digital Dating Snapshots
The Lively App Introduced 'Quickies,' or the Snapchat of Dating
4
Vintage Communication Apps
Teletype for iMessage Lets You Send Virtual Telegrams
3
Video-Steadying App Features
The Google Photos Stabilize Function Smooths Out Videos
2
Data-Saving Social Apps
'Twitter Lite' Offers Optimized Features for Mobile Users
1
Card Payment Management Apps
'WalletFi' Shifts Subscriptions When You Get a Replacement Card
Related Ideas
Micro-Sized Alt Smartphones
The Nothing Phone (2a) Micro Was Shown Off for April Fool's Day
Textual Quick Charge Smartphones
The Vivo Y100 4G Has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 Processor
Nostalgic Colorful Flip Phones
HMD Global Introduces its New Nostalgic 2660 Flip Phone
Mood-Powered Smartphone Speakers
The Conceptual 'MIX:X' Speaker by Junyoung Lee is Intelligent
Modular Next-Gen Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual Nintendo Switoo Imagines the Brand's Next Handheld
Folding Fashion-Forward Smartphones
The Honor Magic V3 Comes in Four Designer Color Options
Smartphone-Inspired Accessories
HMD Dropped the Phonecore Range During LFW with Sinead Gorey
Industrial Cellphone Concepts
The Nokia N90 x Nothing Concept by Viet Doan Duc is Retro and Modern
Projector-Equipped Handheld Gaming Consoles
This Nintendo Game Boy Concept is 90s-Inspired
Posh Pill-Shaped Smartphones
The Nokia Infinity Pro Concept Has an Elegant Form and Function
E Ink-Integrated Phone Cases
The Reink Case C1 Case Transforms into a Digital Canvas
Intuitive AI Smartphone Models
The Rabbit R2 Smartphone Concept by Shreyansh Onial is Next-Gen
Rotating Button Panel Smartphones
The Conceptual 'PHONE ONE' by Wayne Lu Adapts to Usage Needs
Customizable Mobile Gaming Consoles
The 'ORBIS' Handheld Gaming Console Concept is Multipurpose
Colorful Elevated Mid-Range Smartphones
Google Presents the New Pixel 9a Smartphone
Videography Smartphone Cases
The 90 Degree Instinct Case Transforms the Samsung Galaxy Flip
Durable 5G Business Smartphones
The ThinkPhone 25 Will Be Backed by Updates Through 2029
Foldable Four-in-One Tech Chargers
The Aulumu M01 Folding Charging Station is Cyberpunk-Inspired
Smartphone-Powered Computing Systems
The Microsoft Surface Duo Workshop Concept is Mobile-Friendly
Millennium-Inspired Cellphones
These New Nokia Phones are Nostalgic with Modern Features
Watch-Like Smart Phones
Fire-Boltt's WristPhone Offers Crystal-clear Calls and So Much More
GenAI Flip Phone Campaigns
Motorola's Styled with Moto Features AI-Generated Virtual Models
Modernized Millennium Cellphones
The Nokia 3210 is Back for the Cellphone's 25th Anniversary
Triple-Folding Smartphones
The Huawei Mate XT Has an LTPO OLED Screen That Works in Three Modes
Triple Foldable Smartphones
Huawei's Mate XT Ultimate Design Folds Into itself Three Times
Projector-Embedded Rugged Smartphones
Oukitel Debuted Its Revolutionary WP100 Titan at CES 2025
Affordable Mobile Gaming Phones
Tecno Mobile's Pova 6 Pro has an Outspoken Gaming-Inspired Design
80s-Inspired E-Ink Gaming Consoles
The 'Ink Console' Offers a Series of Text-Driven Adventures
Flipped Handheld Gaming Devices
AYANEO's Flip DS Gaming Device is Inspired by Nintendo
Space-Saving Smartphone Charger Hubs
The Journey NOVA Charging Station is Qi2-Certified
Camera-Inspired Sleek Smartphones
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the Latest Flagship Smartphone
Refined Mobile Gamer Smartphones
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Shows Off a Premium Design at CES 2024
Multifunctional Handheld Gaming Devices
The Unihertz Jelly Star is an Adorable Smartphone
Nostalgic Flip Phone Concepts
The Nokia N90 by Viet Doan Duc Reimagines a Vintage Design
Artistic Impressionist Smartphones
The Nubia Z70 Ultra is the Brand's Latest Flagship
Smartphone Addiction Meditation Lanterns
The Conceptual 'QUIES' Digital Detox Device is Calming
Pocket Computer Smartphone Concepts
This iPhone 16S Concept Reimagines the Aesthetic of the Device
Lighter-Holding Phone Cases
A Celeb Duo Inspired BIC EZ Reach Lighters' Hold the Phone Case
Ultra-Bright Display Smartphones
These New Motorola Moto Smartphones Come in Four Models
Chromatic Entry-Level Smartphones
The Tecno Spark 20C Comes in Three Color Options
Retro Repairable Smartphone Models
The HMD Skyline Comes in Neon Pink and Twisted Black Finishes
Revolutionary Clamshell Smartphones
The Huawei Pura X Has a Portrait Orientation and More
Expanded Chinese Technology Lines
Xiaomi Debuts a Range of Home and Tech Products for Consumers
Reduced Connectivity Mobile Devices
The Minimal Phone Combats Against Too Much Scrolling
Futuristic Rollable Smartphones
TECNO Mobile's 'Phantom Ultimate' Expands by Rolling Out
Nostalgic Fashion-Tech Collabs
Sandy Liang and Android Partner Up to Turn Tech Stylish
Smartphone-to-Camera Transformed Attachments
Belkin Presents the Stage PowerGrip During CES 2025
Nostalgic Cellphone Digital Devices
Aalto University Launched the Nokia Design Archives
Camera-Centric Chinese Smartphones
Vivo's 'X100 Pro' Offers Best-In-Class Photography Specs
Refined Minimalist Smartphones
The Sharp AQUOS R9 Features On-Device Generative AI
Pared-Back OLED Phones
The Light Phone III Supports Texting But Not Email or Internet Access
Scented Back Panel Smartphones
The Infinix Note 50s 5G+ Features Energizing Scent-Tech
Mixed-Reality Headset Smartphones
The Caviar 'Vision' iPhone 15 Pro is Apple Vision Pro-Inspired
Pager-Inspired Power Banks
The Conceptual Beeper Power Bank by PTPC is Vintage-Modern
Triple-Folding Smartphones
The ZERO Series Mini Tri-Fold Transforms to Offer More Functionality
Keyboard-Intact E-Ink Smartphones
The Minimalist Phone Has a Juxtaposing Design Language
Handheld Gaming Console Concepts
Alex Casabo Designs the Playfusion Console Concept
Sleek Smartphone Stylus
The Moto G Stylus 5G Features Upgraded Sensitivity and Software
Mobile-Friendly Gaming Controllers
The 'MOI3D' Concept Controller by Vadim Danilkov is Two-in-One
Simplistic Distraction-Free Phones
The LoFone Has an E Ink Kaleido 3 Color Display
Advanced Lifestyle-Focused Flip Phones
The TCL Flip 3 is Retro Yet Modernly Equipped
Dual-Screen E Ink Readers
Mechanical Pixel Designs the Phone-Sized inkReader duo Concept
Fashion-Forward Flip Smartphones
The Huawei nova Flip Comes in Four Finish Options
Tri-Folding Smartphone Concepts
The TECNO Phantom Ultimate 2 Imagines the Foldable Phone Future
Textured Quad-Camera Smartphones
This iPhone 17 Concept by Mohamed Mahdy Has an Industrial Form
Resurrected Used Smartphones
Think Tank Team Makes Artifacts with Project Afterlife
Flexible Folding Concept Phone
Samsung's Flex in & Out Flip is a Bending Phone Concept
Magnetic Fast-Charge Smartphone Docks
The Nomad Stand Charger Supports Qi2 Technology
High-End Phone Gaming Controllers
Backbone Changed the Packaging for its Backbone One V2
Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Consoles
The Retroid Pocket 2S is Retro Yet Powerful
Portable Clamshell Phone Keyboards
Justin Mitchell Designed the Amber KB 1 Keyboard
Micro-Sized Smartphone Models
The NanoPhone Has Dual-SIM, 4G LTE and WiFi Capabilities
Cannery-Inspired Phone Boxes
LookUp Makes Digital Detox Tools in the Shape of Fish Tins
E-Ink Display Smartphone Cases
The xCool InkPlay is Highly Customizable and Easy to Use
Contemporary Smartphone Exhibitions
Ester Bruzkus Architekten Designs 'The World in My Hand'
Interactive Gaming Phone Cases
Bitmo Lab Introduces the Protective GameBaby Transformative Case
Social Media-Free Flip Phones
The HMD Barbie Phone Fuses Nostalgic Style with Digital Wellness
Cross-Functional Device Tools
Motorola and Lenovo Present the Smart Connect Tool at MWC
Compact 5G Smartphones
Unihertz's Jelly Max is a High-Performance, Palm-Sized Device
Basketball-Inspired Tech Chargers
The KUXIU Wireless Charger Powers Devices in a Playful Way
360-Degree Antenna Smartphones
The iQOO Neo9 Comes in Two Models with Wet Hand Control
Paper-Like Display Smartphones
The TCL 50 NxtPaper and 50 Pro NxtPaper are Easy on the Eyes
Vibrant Retro Handheld Gaming
Retroid Designs the Pocket Classic Gaming Device
Off-Grid Projector-Packed Smartphones
The TANK 3 Pro Has a 120Hz DLP Projector Inside
Lunar New Year Smartphones
The ZTE Nubia Z70 Ultra Comes in a New Orange Hue for the New Year
Mobile Retro Gaming Handsets
The AYANEO Pocket ACE Supports Classic Console Games
Smartwatch-Turned Nostalgic Handheld
tinyPod Transforms the Apple Watch Into an iPod Replica
Innovative Size-Changing Phones
Motorola's 'Rizr' Dynamically Expands via a Rollable Screen
App-Enabled Display Hubs
The Vobot Mini Dock Offers Time, Weather, Notifications and More
Foldable Gaming Consoles
This Game Boy Flip Concept Pushes the Boundaries of Handheld Gadgets
MP3 Player Smartphone Wallpapers
These iPod Wallpapers Transform the iPhone into a Retro Device
Minimalist Smartphone Apps
The Dumb Phone App Provides a Pared-Back Experience for iOS Users
Inaugural Foldable Smartphone Designs
The Infinix ZERO Flip is Tech-Forward and Versatile
Groundbreaking Mobile Gaming Accessories
PuK Gaming Aims to Enhance Smartphone Gaming Performance
Handy Dual-Display Smartphones
The Lava Blaze Duo Boasts a Secondary Display on the Rear
Speaker-Centric Smartphones
The Music Phone by Nubia has Two Headphone Jacks and a Large Speaker
Ocular Support Smartphones
The TCL 40 NXTPAPER is a CES 2024 Innovation Optimized for Human Eyes
Mousse-Hued Smartphones
Pantone x Motorola Decked Devices Out in the 2025 Color of the Year
Mindful Low-Tech Smartphones
The Mudita Kompakt Reduces Distractions and Screen Time
Transparent TV-Speaker Hybrids
The LG DukeBox is Coming to CES 2024
Antihero-Inspired Phone Accessories
HMD Celebrates the New Venom Film with the Smart Outfits
Stealthy Modern Luxe Smartphones
The Infinix Note 40 Smartphone Has Ultra-Fast Charging
Mindful Smartphone Usage Apps
The 'Intenty' App Prompts Users to Rethink How They Use Their Phone
Next-Gen Display Smartphones
The TCL 50 Series Smartphones Come in Three Models
Silicone-Covered Leather-Like Smartphones
The Tecno Camon 30 Premier Has Gorilla Glass 5 and More
Automatically-Expanding Phone Screens
Vivo and Transsion are Planning the First Rollable Phone
Subtle Tech-Infused Desks
The KOBLE Tori 4.0 Smart Desk Has Several Charging Points and More
Teen-Targeted Smartphone Models
The HMD X1 Offers Great Features with Parental Controls in Focus
AI-Enhanced Foldable Smartphones
TECNO Introduces the PHANTOM V Flip 2 with New Features
Miniature Haptic Communicators
ONECOM's FINTIN V1 is a CES 2024 Innovation Award Winner
Smartphone-Charging Laptop Docks
The UPERFECT UDOCK X 15.6 Pro Has a Robust Design
Peach-Hued Smartphones
Pantone x Motorola Created Devices in the 2024 Color of the Year
Feature-Rich VoLTE Cellphones
The JioPhone Prima 4G Has a Small Yet Mighty Design
Hourglass-Shaped Phone Concepts
Eduardo Gouffran and Andrea Fanelli Designs the METI Concept
Contemporary Power Strip Devices
Genki Unveils the Moonbase Sleek Power Strip with Three Outlets
Accessible Folding Smartphone Models
The nubia Flip 5G Showed Off a Snappy Aesthetic at MWC 2024
Design-Forward Phone Accessories
OtterBox Debuts Two New Colorful & Functional Collections
Ultra-Thin Foldable Smartphones
Oppo World Present the New Find N5 Smartphone
Modular Mobile Phones
The HMD Fusion Features Swappable Components with Different Features
Smartphone Detox Lockboxes
The Conceptual 'Back to Reality' Smartphone Lock Box Reclaims Time
Retro Social App Devices
Edwar Banquet Designs the Retro Instagram Gadget with a Console Shape
Metallic Unibody Smartphones
The OnePlus Nord 4 Comes in Three Metal-Matching Colors
Retro-Futurism Video Cameras
This Super 8 Camera Concept by Juliana Iacono is Nostalgic
Gamer-Centric Mobile Phones
The ROG Phone 9 is Designed to Offer a Lag-Free Experience
Retro Phone-Inspired Label Makers
102 Design Lab Presents the Vintage Phone Labeling Machine
User-Tracking Smartphone Stands
The Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro Works with Apple DockKit
Smartphone Ring Grip Stands
The NanoPop MagSafe Concept Merges a Ring Grip and Stand
Distraction-Free Flip Phones
Consumer Cellular Unveils its 'Shot on Flip Phone' Campaign
Nostalgic Cellular Power Banks
The Trozk RetroTalk Has a 72Wh Capacity and Three Charging Ports
Portability-Focused Handheld Consoles
Razer Unveils the Handheld Dock Chroma for Portable Gaming
Minimalist Phone Alternatives
tinyPod Turns Apple Watches into an Essentials-Only Phone
Mobile Radio Players
Retro Radio is a Stylish, User-Friendly Radio Player with Vintage Design
Wireless Clock Charger Concepts
Nihoy Lahiri Designs the Multifunctional Zenith Clock Concept
Classes-Free AI-Powered Tablets
The Pad 3D II by Nubia is Showcased at MWC This Year
Retro-Chic Nostalgic Flip Phones
HMD and Mattel Join Forces on a Bright Pink Barbie Phone
Colorful Slab Performance Smartphones
Google Introduces its New Pixel 9 Smartphone Series
Flagship Gaming Smartphones
Nubia's Redmagic 10 Pro is Designed for Professional Mobile Gaming
Smartphone-Fuelled Stopwatch Concepts
The SINK Concept is a Smartphone-Powered Device
Long-Battery Budget Smartphones
The Vivo V50 was Developed in Collaboration with Zeiss
Rugged Multimedia Smartphone Models
The TANK 3S Boasts a 100-Lumen 120Hz DLP Projector