The Early 2000s Were Peak Cellphone Design—Which of These Did You Have?

John Summers • Contributor

Feb 9, 2025 8:00 PM EST

Oh look, another black slab. How refreshing. People today, who are used to cellphones having the exact same design year after year, may find it hard to believe, but cellphones used to have personality. Back in the early 2000s, they came in every color, shape, and form imaginable. They flipped, swiveled, and slid in ways that made opening a text message feel like a Mission Impossible moment. (And do you remember that Matrix phone? it was the coolest thing ever) Today's phones may be faster, sleeker, and more practical, but let's be honest—they're also kind of boring.

Of course, early 2000s phones had their flaws—tiny, barely functional keyboards, screens with resolutions worse than the meme you accidentally saved in low quality, and enough antennae to make you feel like you were talking to aliens. But they were fun, they were unique, and they had style.

This collection of legendary early 2000s phones proves just how much creativity used to go into mobile design. Each one had a distinct look, a unique feature, or a ridiculous gimmick that made it stand out. So, take a trip down memory lane—did you own one of these beauties?