Motorola StarTAC

 MOTOROLA StarTAC (The first flip-phone) 

 


Before mobile phones had truly become commonplace, in the middle of the 1990s, the most popular gadgets were big, heavy, and distinctly ugly gadgets that were more utilitarian than aesthetic.

Some individuals might still think that the aesthetics of modern smartphones aren't much better . Mobile phones back then could only make and receive calls, unlike modern gadgets, which have many more features than we could have ever imagined. Even the ability to make a call while on the fly was seen to be innovative.

But when Motorola introduced the StarTAC, the first clamshell phone, in 1996, everything changed. This device quickly rose to the top of the decade's must-have items.

The StarTAC 85, which was the tiniest and lightest phone we had ever seen when it was released, marked the beginning of a period in which phones got smaller and sleeker, even becoming a fashion piece.

The StarTAC offered a number of functions that are still in use today in addition to having outstanding looks. Interestingly, it was among the first cell phones to support SMS test messages and provide a vibration alarm. The clamshell design itself was innovative and would eventually be offered with a lithium-ion battery, but at the time the majority of phones utilised the far less powerful NiMH kind.




The most expensive phone in 1990's
The priciest phone in the UK when the StarTAC was introduced in the UK, it was by far the priciest phone at the time, retailing for an astonishing £1,400. The StarTAC frequently appears in advertisements alongside other high-end goods because it is aimed at the premium end of the market.

However, Motorola introduced a more affordable model called the StarTAC 70, which is available for a much more reasonable £200, as mobile phone sales increased and more people desired economical handsets.

And at the end of 1997, Motorola took advantage of a market opportunity and unveiled an even more cost-effective model, the StarTAC MR501, which is currently selling for for £129.99 on Orange in the UK. The phone was already well-known at that point thanks to its appearances in several Hollywood films, but because it was also more affordable, many people purchasing their first mobile device made it their first pick.

Eventually, the Motorola StarTAC would sell about 60 million units globally. Aside from the innovative design, it was one of the first phones that were made available to the general public rather than remaining a luxury item for the wealthy.

Motorola StarTAC 70 specifications
  • Network: GSM
  • Launch: 1996
  • Dimensions: 98 x 57 x 23 mm (3.86 x 2.24 x 0.91 in)
  • Weight: 112 g (3.95 oz)
  • Display: LCD, Alphanumeric
  • Battery: NiMH 500 mAh, 40 hours standby time, 120 min talk time


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