It’s hard to imagine life without our phones. From managing work and watching Netflix to staying in touch with friends, they’ve become essential to daily life. But it wasn’t that long ago that mobiles were bulky, basic, and mostly used for one thing, making calls.
The first mobile, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, arrived in 1983. It looked more like a brick than a pocket gadget, but it changed everything. Since then, mobile technology has evolved faster than almost any other industry, going from tough little Nokias to the glass-and-metal smartphones we carry today.
To celebrate how far we’ve come, we’ve rounded up some of the best-selling phones of all time, the models that shaped generations of mobile users and defined entire eras of tech.
Nokia 1100 (2003)
More than 250 million sold. The Nokia 1100 was a true classic: simple, sturdy, and built to last. With its famous long-lasting battery and reliability that felt indestructible, it became a worldwide favourite. For many, it was their first ever mobile — and the one that set the standard for “practical, not flashy” phones.
iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Plus (2014)
Fast forward a decade, and Apple’s iPhone 6 series completely reshaped the smartphone landscape. With sleek curved edges, Retina HD displays and a jump to larger screen sizes, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus felt modern, fast, and premium. Together, they sold over 220 million units and cemented Apple’s place as the leader in mobile design. The demand was so high, Apple even re-released the iPhone 6 in 2017 at a mid-range price point.
iPhone 5s (2013)
Building on the success of the iPhone 5, the iPhone 5s introduced features that shaped every iPhone since. It was the first model with Touch ID, making unlocking and payments faster and more secure, and it debuted Apple’s A7 chip, the first 64-bit processor in a smartphone. Sleek and understated, it offered a big leap in performance under the hood. With over 70 million units sold, it bridged the gap between the early iPhones and the high-tech designs that followed.
Nokia 3210 (1999)
If you remember swapping phone covers, playing Snake, and texting with actual buttons, chances are you had a Nokia 3210. It sold over 160 million units and became a symbol of the early mobile era. Its mix of durability and customisation made it irresistible, especially to teenagers discovering mobile freedom for the first time.
iPhone 7 & iPhone 7 Plus (2016)
The iPhone 7 series took a bold step forward. It was the first iPhone to ditch the headphone jack — a move that sparked plenty of debate at the time but quickly became the industry norm. Beyond that, it brought major improvements under the hood. The A10 Fusion chip delivered faster performance and better efficiency, while new stereo speakers and improved water resistance made everyday use feel more premium.
The iPhone 7 Plus introduced something completely new for Apple: a dual-lens camera system with 2× optical zoom and Portrait Mode. It was the first time iPhone users could get that professional blurred background effect straight from their pocket. With over 160 million units sold, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus cemented Apple’s dominance and set the tone for future models.
iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro & iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019)
By 2019, Apple had found its rhythm again. The iPhone 11 range refined everything people already loved about the iPhone, making it one of the most successful launches in years.
The iPhone 11 hit the sweet spot — fast, reliable, and colourful, with Apple’s powerful A13 Bionic chip and the first ultra-wide dual-camera system. It delivered flagship performance at a more accessible price, and it showed in the numbers, quickly becoming one of the best-selling iPhones ever.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max raised the bar with a new triple-lens setup, improved OLED Super Retina XDR displays, and premium finishes in Midnight Green and Space Grey. For many, it was the first time a phone truly replaced their compact camera.
Across all three models, Apple managed to appeal to every kind of user — from casual upgraders to photography enthusiasts. With over 100 million units sold, the iPhone 11 series proved Apple could balance performance, price, and polish better than anyone else.
iPhone 5 (2012)
Sleeker, lighter and featuring Apple’s first Lightning connector, the iPhone 5 was a turning point for Apple’s design language. With its larger 4-inch screen and aluminium frame, it looked and felt ahead of its time. More than 70 million were sold, and its look still influences modern iPhones today.
Motorola RAZR V3 (2004)
Arguably the coolest phone of the 2000s. The Motorola RAZR V3’s ultra-thin aluminium flip design turned heads everywhere. It wasn’t just a gadget — it was a fashion accessory. By the time Motorola discontinued it in 2008, the RAZR had sold over 130 million units and become one of the most iconic flip phones ever made.
Nokia 6600 (2003)
Before smartphones took over, the Nokia 6600 felt like a glimpse of the future. It featured one of the first built-in cameras, support for downloadable apps, and even video playback — revolutionary stuff for 2003. It sold 150 million units and proved that phones could be more than just tools for calling and texting.
Samsung Galaxy S III (2012)
The Galaxy S III marked a turning point for Samsung. It was the first Android phone to truly rival the iPhone in both design and performance. With its sharp display, intuitive features and polished interface, it sold more than 70 million units, proving Android could go toe-to-toe with Apple on quality and popularity.
From Snake to Siri & How Far We’ve Come
Looking back at these classics shows just how quickly technology has evolved. Phones once built for calling and texting now replace cameras, wallets, and even laptops. Many of these older models paved the way for the powerful devices we use today, and for many of us, they were the first step into the connected world we now take for granted.
Why Choose Refurbished?
At The iOutlet, we love a bit of nostalgia, but we’re also passionate about helping people make smarter choices with their tech. While you might not be using a Nokia 3210 anymore, you can still get your hands on modern classics like the iPhone 13, 14, or even the latest models, all fully refurbished and tested by our in-house team.
Every refurbished phone we sell is checked, data-wiped and restored to look and work like new. It’s the same quality you’d expect from buying new, just without the premium price tag.
Whether you’re after a refurbished iPhone 17 for top-end performance or an iPhone 8 for great everyday use, buying refurbished is a smart way to save money and reduce e-waste.
