Nokia 3310 Mobile Phone

The Nokia 3310 needs no introduction. Released in 2000, it became one of the best-selling phones in history and arguably the most memed device ever made. Its reputation for indestructibility is only slightly exaggerated — these things genuinely survived drops, throws, and years of pocket abuse that would annihilate any modern smartphone.

The 3310 is collectible as both a pop culture icon and a piece of tech history. It represents the peak of Nokia dominance, an era when phones were phones and Snake II was the height of mobile gaming. Sealed units and new-old-stock boxes command premium prices, but even used units in clean condition are popular. The interchangeable Xpress-on covers mean you will find them in dozens of colors, with some limited editions being harder to track down.

When buying, power it on if possible — the screen should be clear with no dead pixels or fading. Check the battery compartment for corrosion and test that the keypad buttons all respond. Original batteries will likely be dead or weak, but aftermarket replacements are cheap and readily available. A 3310 with its original box, charger, and manual is worth significantly more than a loose unit. Watch out for the 2017 re-release being sold as an original — the new version has a curved shape and color screen.