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
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
Action Button Smartphone Cases
The 'BANG!CASE' Expands Smartphone Productivity
Mecha Anime-Inspired Cases
CASETiFY's Capsule with Gundam Highlights the Beauty of Mobile Suits
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
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
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 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
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
Minimalist Designer-Made Phone Cases
CASETiFY 'The White Case' is Simple, Functional and Elegant
Modernized Millennium Cellphones
The Nokia 3210 is Back for the Cellphone's 25th Anniversary
AI-Powered Smartphone Laptop Cases
The 'Amber' Case Turns a Smartphone into a Mini Laptop
3D-Printed Modular Phone Cases
The Modular Sliding System Pushes Creative Boundaries
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
80s-Inspired E-Ink Gaming Consoles
The 'Ink Console' Offers a Series of Text-Driven Adventures
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
Millennium-Inspired Handheld Gaming Consoles
The ANBERNIC RG34XX Has a Nostalgic Function and Form
Pocket Computer Smartphone Concepts
This iPhone 16S Concept Reimagines the Aesthetic of the Device
Minimal Textural Smartphone Cases
Essentials by CASETiFY Introduces the Sleek Ripple Case
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
Illustrative Tech Accessories
CASETiFY Celebrates Richard Scarry's Playful Work
Reduced Connectivity Mobile Devices
The Minimal Phone Combats Against Too Much Scrolling
Futuristic Imaginative Design Concepts
Toyota Introduces the Unique E-Collection of Products
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
Pager-Inspired Power Banks
The Conceptual Beeper Power Bank by PTPC is Vintage-Modern
Keyboard-Intact E-Ink Smartphones
The Minimalist Phone Has a Juxtaposing Design Language
Activewear-Branded Smartphones
The Conceptual Adidas FOG Phone Highlights the Three Stripes Logo
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
Dual-Screen E Ink Readers
Mechanical Pixel Designs the Phone-Sized inkReader duo Concept
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
Sleek Modular Flip Phones
The Easco Phone Can Swap Out Keypads with a Customized Touch
Flexible Folding Concept Phone
Samsung's Flex in & Out Flip is a Bending Phone Concept
Healthy Habit Smartphone Accessories
The 'FIKA' Smartphone Enclosure Concept Helps with Relaxation
Adaptable AI-Enabled Smartphones
The Conceptual Play T 1 Foldable Phone is ChatGPT-Connected
Heritage-Inspired Game Consoles
PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection Nods to the First Console
Portable Clamshell Phone Keyboards
Justin Mitchell Designed the Amber KB 1 Keyboard
Nostalgic Camera Designs
Polaroid Debuts the Polaroid Now and Now+ Generation 3
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
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
Anthropomorphized Gaming Systems
The 'Playdate' Handheld Gaming Device Has a Charming Function
Sitcom Smartphone Accessories
The FRIENDS x CASETiFY Collection Marks the Show's 30th Anniversary
Retro Music Device-Inspired Mirrors
Drought Brings a Touch of Nostalgic with the Coveted iMirror
Fashion House Retro-Gaming Devices
Balenciaga Presents a Device That Only Plays the Snake Game
Fun-Focused Festival Phones
The Brahma Phone is a Pared-Back Device for a Worry-Free Experience
Mobile Retro Gaming Handsets
The AYANEO Pocket ACE Supports Classic Console Games
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
Smartwatch-Turned Nostalgic Handheld
tinyPod Transforms the Apple Watch Into an iPod Replica
Pop Artist-Collaborative Phone Cases
CASETiFY and Andy Warhol Join Forces on a Special Capsule
Foldable Gaming Consoles
This Game Boy Flip Concept Pushes the Boundaries of Handheld Gadgets
Emotive Smartphone Camera Covers
Yifan Hu Designs the Emoji-Inspired Smartphone Accessories
Retro Handheld Computers
soulscircuit Draws Nostalgic Elements with Raspberry Pi and Pilet 5
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
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
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
Vibrant Retro Handheld Gaming
Retroid Designs the Pocket Classic Gaming Device
Retro-Inspired Handheld Game Consoles
Sara Ourani Designs the SUP Game Box 400 Console
Surreal Artist-Inspired Tech Accessories
CASETiFY Presents a New Salvador Dalí Collection
Spring-Inspired Phone Cases
The CASEKOO Watering Spring Phone Case is Ethereal and Stunning
Retro Colorful Turntable Devices
Gadhouse Introduces the Brad Retro MKII Turntable
Anti-Distraction Student Smartphone Features
Google School Time Limits Features During Class
Pink Socialite Smartphones
Motorola and Paris Hilton Design a Limited Edition Pink Razr Plus
Mobile Escape Rooms
Phone Escape: Hopeless Takes Mobile Entertainment to New Dimensions
Hourglass-Shaped Phone Concepts
Eduardo Gouffran and Andrea Fanelli Designs the METI Concept
Museum-Inspired Tech Accessories
CASETiFY's Ancient Korean Designs for Devices are Elegant
Solution-Oriented Holiday Ads
Orange’s Holiday Ad Brings Families Together Over Smartphones
Design-Forward Phone Accessories
OtterBox Debuts Two New Colorful & Functional Collections
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
Olympics-Themed Tech Accessories
These Samsung 2024 Summer Olympics Accessories are Creative
Smartphone Detox Lockboxes
The Conceptual 'Back to Reality' Smartphone Lock Box Reclaims Time
Retro-Inspired Mechanical Keyboards
AZIO Introduces a Juxtaposing Tactile Keyboard Design
Culturally Inspired Smartphone Accessories
The Samsung Accessories Lineup Showcases Artists
Nostalgic Radio Concepts
The Calming Noise Radio by Gisung Han has a Minimal Design
Retro-Futurism Video Cameras
This Super 8 Camera Concept by Juliana Iacono is Nostalgic
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
Nostalgic Cellular Power Banks
The Trozk RetroTalk Has a 72Wh Capacity and Three Charging Ports
Minimalist Phone Alternatives
tinyPod Turns Apple Watches into an Essentials-Only Phone
Retrofuturistic Streaming Audio Devices
Nik Reitmann Designs a DIY Streaming Audio Player
Nostalgic Lunar New Year Spots
Apple’s Chinese New Year Film Brings Nostalgia and Love to Life
Mobile Radio Players
Retro Radio is a Stylish, User-Friendly Radio Player with Vintage Design
Nature-Inspired Smartphones
The Google Pixel 9a Will Offer More Than 30-Hours of Battery Life
Vintage Photo Camera Apps
mood.camera Brings Back Nostalgia in a Digital Age
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
Adorable Pebble-Shaped Warmers
MUID Presents the Cellphone Hand Warmer Device to Keep Cozy
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
Mailbox-Shaped Scanner Printers
Dohui Kim Designs the Nostalgic tou Device Concept
Elderly-Catered Journal Concepts
The Dual-Screen Journal Concept Captures Important Memories