Smartphones have changed the way people understand communication, and with their popularity there has been a mass improvement upon their technology. Though this often lends itself to a great deal of futuristic creations, these old school phone finds lend a friendly reminder to why simple is sometimes better.
Undeniably charming, these throwback phone creations are as covetable as cutting-edge products. Often taking the best parts of old technology, these have a stronger cultural connection to the consumer than newer models given that there is a story behind them. Gaming-inspired designs tend to be particularly popular within this development, creating looks that are often highly recognizable and ever popular.
These new school meets old school mash-ups are a fun and nostalgic way to approach increasingly modern technology. Some things never go away, and these prove that there is often a good reason why.
35 Old School Phone Finds
35
DIY Paper Speakers
The Plywood iVictrola Design for iPhones is a Fun Project
34
Recycling Retro Phones
ReCellular Donates $50 for Recylcing Ancient Phones
33
Retro Canvas Cases
The Love Energizer iPhone Cover is Old-School
32
80s Style Phones Hot Again
Mini Brick Cell Phone
31
Cardboard Smartphone Speakers
The Eco Amp Amplifies Sound in a Natural and Eco-Friendly Manner
30
Bottle Cap Sun Illuminators
The 'WakaWaka' Solar Lamp Provides a Day of Light on a Single Charge
29
Retro Digital Workstations
Old Time Computer Releases Vintage-Themed Apple Product Attachments
28
Rainbow Toy-Inspired Skins
The Block iPhone Case is a Functional Play on a Retro Design
27
Rotary Phone Watches
The Zihotch Retro Phone Watch
26
Handset Smarphone Docks
Talk Comfortably & Charge Batteries With the iFusion iPhone Dock
25
Vintage Handsets for Mobile Phones
24
Smartphone Gaming Grapplers
Tunewear GameHandle 2 Makes Mobiles More Comfortable for Gamers
23
Old School Phone Holders
This Retro iPhone Phone Dock is a Blast From the Past
22
Retro Phone Cars
Howard Davis's VW Beetle Mod
21
Iconic Figure Mobile Protectors
The Chuck Norris Smartphone Cases are Hilarious
20
Vintage iDevice Drivers
The Wooden Golf Club iPhone Dock is a Sporting Throwback from the 1930s
19
Retro Camera Accessories
The Popa iPhone Attachment Combines Old School with Modern
18
Salt Shaker Speakers
The Muse Mini is Convenient Small for Easy Portability
17
Faux Brick Phones
Carry Your New Mobile Like Your Old School Cell Phone
16
Bricked Smartphone Covers
The iPhone Brick Case is Designed Squishy and Sturdy
15
Roaring Twenties Mobile Phones
Adam Ben-Dror's Cordless Candlestick is the Ultimate in Retro
14
Revived Retro Handhelds
The Neo Geo Portable Device Marks the Triumphant Return of SNK
13
Literary Power Sources
The Book Chargers Allow You to Read and Recharge in One
12
Landline Phone Revivals
Retro PC Plug-Ins
11
Playful Mobile Jewelry
Carl Burdick Designs Bluetooth Headset as Retro Phone
10
Revamped Retro Stereos
The Koss Porta Pro KTC Headphones Look Like a New Type of Headgear
9
Retro Smartphone Acoustics
Bang & Olufsen's Airplay Speaker is Made for the Apple iPhone
8
Retro Phones
160 Bucks For Your Grandma's Phone
7
Melting Retro Phone Ads
The Citoren DS3 Wants to Kill the Love of Retro
6
Pedal-Powered Phone Chargers
The K-TOR Power Box Keeps You and Your Gadget Alive
5
Retro Tablet Gaming Controllers
The iCade 8-Bitty Turns the iPad Into an NES
4
DIY Retro Phone Revamps
Turn Your Old Rotary Telephone Into a Lamp
3
Hefty Vintage Phones
The Ediphone Concept Brings Us Back to a Simpler Time
2
Vintage Mobile Image Publishers
Instagram Photo Prints Brings Smartphone Pictures to Life
1
Tweeting Rotary Phones
The Tweephone by UP Digital Bureau and Unteleported Tech Agency
Related Ideas
Micro-Sized Alt Smartphones
The Nothing Phone (2a) Micro Was Shown Off for April Fool's Day
Retrofuturism Laptop Designs
This Lofree Retro Laptop Concept by Wonjae Kim is Made with PBT
Industrial Handheld Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual PocketMan P1 Has Exposed Components
Nostalgic Gaming Timepieces
The Retro Gaming Watch Brings Gameplay to the Wrist
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
Magsafe Clock Smartphone Accessories
Hyunsub Shin and Yeji Han Designs the Olock Phone Addition
Action Button Smartphone Cases
The 'BANG!CASE' Expands Smartphone Productivity
Smartphone-Inspired Accessories
HMD Dropped the Phonecore Range During LFW with Sinead Gorey
Millennium-Inspired Handheld Gaming Consoles
The ANBERNIC RG34XX Has a Nostalgic Function and Form
Industrial Cellphone Concepts
The Nokia N90 x Nothing Concept by Viet Doan Duc is Retro and Modern
Malleable Wearable Smartphones
The Motorola Adaptive Display Concept Bends to Sit on the Wrist
Projector-Equipped Handheld Gaming Consoles
This Nintendo Game Boy Concept is 90s-Inspired
Ketchup Packet Phone Cases
This Heinz Phone Case is Sculpted to Hold a Single Condiment Sachet
Posh Pill-Shaped Smartphones
The Nokia Infinity Pro Concept Has an Elegant Form and Function
Nostalgic Computer Graphic Cameras
Retrospekt and Polaroid Collaborated on a New Camera
Mecha Anime-Inspired Cases
CASETiFY's Capsule with Gundam Highlights the Beauty of Mobile Suits
Gold-Rimmed Foldable Phones
Boost Mobile and Deion Sanders Design a Moto Razr Phone
E Ink-Integrated Phone Cases
The Reink Case C1 Case Transforms into a Digital Canvas
Accessorized Phone Collections
Bandolier x Google Pixel Transforms Phones Into Style Statements
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
Retro Tech-Inspired Phone Cases
Spigen Designs the C1 MagFit Case for the New iPhone 15s
Cat-Inspired Camera Collections
Hello Kitty's Strawberry Kawaii Collection is Nostalgic and Fresh
Subtle Smartphone-Friendly Printers
The Conceptual Samsung Image Box Instantly Offers Keepsakes
Retro Gaming Phone Cases
The GameBaby Optimizes the iPhone 15 & 16 Pro Max for Mobile Gaming
Durable 5G Business Smartphones
The ThinkPhone 25 Will Be Backed by Updates Through 2029
Retro Mascara Kits
Maybelline's Sky High Mascara PR Kit is Styled Like a Brick Cell Phone
Vibrant Retro Tech Collections
The Retrospekt x Miffy Collection Features Illustrious Devices
Millennium-Inspired Cellphones
These New Nokia Phones are Nostalgic with Modern Features
Minimalist Designer-Made Phone Cases
CASETiFY 'The White Case' is Simple, Functional and Elegant
Watch-Like Smart Phones
Fire-Boltt's WristPhone Offers Crystal-clear Calls and So Much More
Modernized Millennium Cellphones
The Nokia 3210 is Back for the Cellphone's 25th Anniversary
3D-Printed Modular Phone Cases
The Modular Sliding System Pushes Creative Boundaries
Nostalgic Cellphone Digital Devices
Aalto University Launched the Nokia Design Archives
Anti-Theft Phone Cases
JOAN London Created an "Unsnatchable" Phone Case to Deter Thieves
Nostalgic Beer Brand Phones
The Boring Phone by Heineken Helps Adults Focus on What Really Matters
Flipped Handheld Gaming Devices
AYANEO's Flip DS Gaming Device is Inspired by Nintendo
Rugged Multifunctional Phones
Outkitel Presents the WP33 Pro with Durable Design and Function
Interchangeable Phone Charms
CASETiFY Launches a Series of Stylized Charms for the iPhone 16
Collectible Toy Smartphone Cases
The Sonny Angel x CASETiFY Collection is Ultra-Cutesy
Refined Mobile Gamer Smartphones
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Shows Off a Premium Design at CES 2024
Flask Phone Cases
Body Vodka Created a Take-Anywhere Transparent Flask Phone Case
Modular Point-and-Shoot Cameras
The 'Keepsake' Modular Camera Concept is Customizable
Pocketable Handheld Devices
'Cake' is a Case That Transforms Apple Watches into Pocketable Devices
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
Nostalgic Retro Music Capsules
KICKBACK Blends Retro Design with the DIY Mixtape Kit
Retro Computer Smartphone Stands
The elago M4 Charging Stand is MagSafe-Compatible
Minimal Textural Smartphone Cases
Essentials by CASETiFY Introduces the Sleek Ripple Case
Pocket Computer Smartphone Concepts
This iPhone 16S Concept Reimagines the Aesthetic of the Device
Collaboration Sci-Fi Tech Accessories
The Star Wars x CASETiFY Collection is Celebratory
Lighter-Holding Phone Cases
A Celeb Duo Inspired BIC EZ Reach Lighters' Hold the Phone Case
Surrealist Phone Cases
The Salvador Dalí x CASETiFY Collab Elevates Everyday Accessories into Art
Reduced Connectivity Mobile Devices
The Minimal Phone Combats Against Too Much Scrolling
Nostalgic Fashion-Tech Collabs
Sandy Liang and Android Partner Up to Turn Tech Stylish
Accessible Nostalgic Gaming Systems
The Anbernic RG35XX H Pays Homage to the History of Gaming
Pager-Inspired Power Banks
The Conceptual Beeper Power Bank by PTPC is Vintage-Modern
Activewear-Branded Smartphones
The Conceptual Adidas FOG Phone Highlights the Three Stripes Logo
Keyboard-Intact E-Ink Smartphones
The Minimalist Phone Has a Juxtaposing Design Language
Handheld Gaming Console Concepts
Alex Casabo Designs the Playfusion Console Concept
Cartoon-Inspired Phone Accessories
PopSockets Unveils its Whimsical Powerpuff Girls Collection
Subtly Magical Smartphone Accessories
The Harry Potter x CASETiFY Collection is Adult-Friendly
Simplistic Distraction-Free Phones
The LoFone Has an E Ink Kaleido 3 Color Display
Retro-Futuristic Cellphone Designs
The Conceptual Noka 7610 5G by AndroidLeo Merges Aesthetics
Multifunctional Smartphone Cases
The VRS Design Origin Holds Cards, Has a Kickstand and More
Resurrected Used Smartphones
Think Tank Team Makes Artifacts with Project Afterlife
Textured Quad-Camera Smartphones
This iPhone 17 Concept by Mohamed Mahdy Has an Industrial Form
Flexible Folding Concept Phone
Samsung's Flex in & Out Flip is a Bending Phone Concept
Adaptable AI-Enabled Smartphones
The Conceptual Play T 1 Foldable Phone is ChatGPT-Connected
Healthy Habit Smartphone Accessories
The 'FIKA' Smartphone Enclosure Concept Helps with Relaxation
Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Consoles
The Retroid Pocket 2S is Retro Yet Powerful
Heritage-Inspired Game Consoles
PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection Nods to the First Console
Cannery-Inspired Phone Boxes
LookUp Makes Digital Detox Tools in the Shape of Fish Tins
Millennium Gamer Smartphone Chargers
The Elago WS M5 Charging Stand is Game Boy-Inspired
Memory-Making Retro Camera Concepts
The Polaroid Duo Modular Instant Camera is a Sleek Concept
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
Sitcom Smartphone Accessories
The FRIENDS x CASETiFY Collection Marks the Show's 30th Anniversary
Fun-Focused Festival Phones
The Brahma Phone is a Pared-Back Device for a Worry-Free Experience
E-Ink Display Smartphone Cases
The xCool InkPlay is Highly Customizable and Easy to Use
Hands-Free Phone Bags
Nike's Phone Crossbody Bag Has a Tech Touch Window
80s-Inspired 16-Bit Display Devices
Ahmed Esmael Designs a New Range of Retro Device Concepts
Nostalgic Gamer Smartphone Wallets
The elago Game Boy MagSafe Wallet is Nintendo-Inspired
Posh Power-Free Smartphone Speakers
This Amplifying Speaker Requires No Batteries or Cords
Smartwatch-Turned Nostalgic Handheld
tinyPod Transforms the Apple Watch Into an iPod Replica
Emotive Smartphone Camera Covers
Yifan Hu Designs the Emoji-Inspired Smartphone Accessories
Foldable Gaming Consoles
This Game Boy Flip Concept Pushes the Boundaries of Handheld Gadgets
Retro Handheld Computers
soulscircuit Draws Nostalgic Elements with Raspberry Pi and Pilet 5
MP3 Player Smartphone Wallpapers
These iPod Wallpapers Transform the iPhone into a Retro Device
High-Fashion Flip Phones
Samsung x Maison Margiela Collaborated on the Galaxy Z Flip 5s
Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Systems
My Arcade Gamestation Portable Has Retro-Style Controls
Minimalist Smartphone Apps
The Dumb Phone App Provides a Pared-Back Experience for iOS Users
Game Console-Inspired Phones
Nothing Announced the Phone (2a) Special Edition with a Unique Design
Flip Phone-Inspired Smartphones
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro is Limited-Edition
Phone Box-Inspired Building Sets
LEGO Introduces its Red London Telephone Box Set
Speaker-Centric Smartphones
The Music Phone by Nubia has Two Headphone Jacks and a Large Speaker
Retro Computer-Inspired Phone Cases
Spigen Presents New Cases for iPhones Including Classic C1
Anthropomorphized Gaming Systems
The 'Playdate' Handheld Gaming Device Has a Charming Function
Charged Phone Ads
Apple's 'Miss You' Ad Features a Personified Plug Longing for a Phone to Charge
Retro-Inspired T-Shirt Capsules
YoungLA Embodies the 70s with Vintage Colored Tees
Antihero-Inspired Phone Accessories
HMD Celebrates the New Venom Film with the Smart Outfits
Retro 3D-Printed Bags
Coperni's CD-PLAYER Swipe Bag Resembles a Portable Music Player
Origami-Style Smartphone Stands
The Moft Snap Phone Tripod Stand Sets Up in Seconds
Surreal Artist-Inspired Tech Accessories
CASETiFY Presents a New Salvador Dalí Collection
Portable Holographic Displays
Looking Glass Go Shares Memories as 3D Holograms, Not Photos
Anti-Distraction Student Smartphone Features
Google School Time Limits Features During Class
Distraction-Free Mobile Devices
The pgLang Light Phone II Encourages Mindful Communication
Mobile Escape Rooms
Phone Escape: Hopeless Takes Mobile Entertainment to New Dimensions
Design-Forward Phone Accessories
OtterBox Debuts Two New Colorful & Functional Collections
Museum-Inspired Tech Accessories
CASETiFY's Ancient Korean Designs for Devices are Elegant
Cassette-Inspired Power Banks
The 'Flashtape' Wireless Magnetic Power Bank Has a Retro Design
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Tomato-Red Retro Cameras
Retrospekt’s New Hello Kitty 35mm Camera is Inspired by Summer Picnics
Feature-Rich Retro Gamer Consoles
The XGO Handheld Retro Gaming Console Supports 10 Emulators
Olympics-Themed Tech Accessories
These Samsung 2024 Summer Olympics Accessories are Creative
Retro Social App Devices
Edwar Banquet Designs the Retro Instagram Gadget with a Console Shape
Branded Technology Smartphone Cases
The Nothing x CASETiFY Collection Transforms the iPhone
Culturally Inspired Smartphone Accessories
The Samsung Accessories Lineup Showcases Artists
Retro-Inspired Mechanical Keyboards
AZIO Introduces a Juxtaposing Tactile Keyboard Design
Nostalgic Radio Concepts
The Calming Noise Radio by Gisung Han has a Minimal Design
Recycled Phonecase Art Installations
Casetify Creates Public Displays for Journey to Re/Birth
Retro Phone-Inspired Label Makers
102 Design Lab Presents the Vintage Phone Labeling Machine
Mint-Tonal Retro Radios
Lego Launches a New Nostalgic Radio Design with Vintage Detailing
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
Transformational Cell Phone Tools
The Make-Roscope Transforms Your Phone into a Microscope
Retrofuturistic Streaming Audio Devices
Nik Reitmann Designs a DIY Streaming Audio Player
Retro-Inspired Power Banks
AYANEO's Retro Power Bank Replicates Old Video Game Consoles
Retro-Futurism Video Cameras
This Super 8 Camera Concept by Juliana Iacono is Nostalgic
Mobile Radio Players
Retro Radio is a Stylish, User-Friendly Radio Player with Vintage Design
Vintage Photo Camera Apps
mood.camera Brings Back Nostalgia in a Digital Age
Solution-Oriented Holiday Ads
Orange’s Holiday Ad Brings Families Together Over Smartphones
Nostalgic Gaming Power Banks
The Ayaneo Retro Power Bank Delivers 45W Charging Speeds
Collectible Baby Smartphone Capsules
Sonny Angel and CASETiFY Launch a Phone Case Collaboration
Retro-Chic Nostalgic Flip Phones
HMD and Mattel Join Forces on a Bright Pink Barbie Phone
Retro Digital Flip Clocks
The Flip Clock Turns Any Device into a Nostalgic Time Piece
Colorful Slab Performance Smartphones
Google Introduces its New Pixel 9 Smartphone Series
Phone Puzzle Games
Word Search Game Offers Mental Stimulation with Word-Based Challenges