Gadgets reviews 2025
Remember the first time you flipped open a phone and felt like you were living in the future? The 2000s marked a revolutionary era in mobile technology, where manufacturers dared to dream big and design phones that pushed the boundaries of imagination. For mobile enthusiasts, this period represents a pivotal moment in phone evolution, filled with quirky designs and groundbreaking features that laid the foundation for today’s smartphones. Innovation in phones today looks less like a wild revolution and more like an elegant evolution. Experimental phones in the 2000s, on the other hand, changed fast and hard, and we’re covering five of them.
5. Slidy Phones: The LG Breeze and More
One of the standout designs of the 2000s was the slidy phone. The LG Breeze, my first cell phone, featured a sliding mechanism that revealed a keyboard. This design was not only functional but also fun, as it allowed users to interact with their phones in a new way. Other notable slidy phones included the Motorola V70, which had a unique pivoting screen, and the Motorola Flipout, which flipped out in a surprising manner.
4. Flip Phones: A Classic Design
Flipphones were another iconic design of the 2000s. The Samsung P00V allowed users to pivot the hinge for different functionalities, while the Moto A1200 featured a translucent flip that was unlike any other. These phones were not just about aesthetics; they offered practical solutions for compactness and ease of use. The Nokia E70 took a different approach by unfolding like a book, demonstrating the versatility of flip phone designs.
3. Unique Shapes: The Nokia 7600 and 7280
The 2000s also saw phones take on unique shapes. The Nokia 7600 resembled a Tamagotchi, with buttons on the side and a central screen, making it a conversation starter. On the other hand, the Nokia 7280 was a stick-type phone that featured a rotating control pad, reminiscent of an iPod. These designs pushed the boundaries of what a phone could look like, making them not just tools for communication but also fashion statements.
2. Gimmicks: The Sony Xperia Pureness
Gimmicks were prevalent in the 2000s, with phones featuring unusual functionalities. The Sony Xperia Pureness had a translucent display that made icons appear to float, creating a magical experience for users. Although it lacked many modern features, its design was captivating. Similarly, the Xperia Play was marketed as a gaming phone, featuring a slide-out gamepad that appealed to gamers.
1. Internet Phones: The Nokia Communicator
The concept of internet phones began to take shape in the 2000s, with devices like the Nokia Communicator leading the charge. This phone was the first to load traditional HTML websites, paving the way for mobile internet access. The Sony Voo UX was another interesting device that blended phone and computer functionalities, running Windows XP on a compact design. These early attempts at mobile internet connectivity laid the groundwork for the smartphones we rely on today.
