20 Devices That Were a Big Deal Before Smartphones Took Over
This list explores the once-essential gadgets that played a significant role in daily life before smartphones combined all their functions into one device.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Life looked a lot different before smartphones became the go-to for everything. People carried multiple gadgets just to make calls, take photos, listen to music, or find directions. Here is a throwback to the gadgets that once had a place in every home, backpack, or pocket.
1. Rotary Phones
Jakub T. Jankiewicz on Wikimedia Commons
Before smartphones made calling effortless, rotary phones were the standard. These bulky, dial-based phones required patience and were a household staple for decades. Now, they serve as nostalgic decor or collector’s items.
2. Landline Phones
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While cordless phones provided more mobility, landline phones were once the only way to make a call from home. They dominated for years before mobile technology made them nearly obsolete. Some households still keep them as backups for emergencies.
3. Paper Maps
Andrew Neel on Pexels
Getting lost was a real concern before GPS and paper maps were essential for navigating long road trips. Unfolding them was the best way to chart your route. Now, navigation apps have made them practically unnecessary.
4. GPS Navigation Device
Dwight Burdette on Wikimedia Commons
Standalone GPS devices were a game-changer for travelers, replacing the need for paper maps. They provided turn-by-turn directions but eventually lost ground to smartphone navigation apps. Today, only a few drivers still rely on them.
5. Disposable Cameras
Rudolfo42 on Wikimedia Commons
These single-use cameras were popular for vacations and events, offering a cheap way to capture memories. The excitement of developing film added to their charm. Now, digital photography and smartphone cameras have taken over.
6. Pagers
Jorgebarrios on Wikimedia Commons
Pagers were a lifeline for instant communication before texting became the norm. These small devices beeped or vibrated to alert users of an incoming message, often requiring a callback. Now, they are mostly used in hospitals and niche industries.
7. Walkmans
Dillan Payne on Wikimedia Commons
Before streaming and digital playlists, Walkmans let people enjoy music on the go using cassette tapes. The need to rewind and flip tapes made listening less convenient, but these devices were a must-have for music lovers. Now, they have been replaced by smartphones and digital music players.
8. Camcorders
Nabukodinosaure on Wikimedia Commons
Home movies were once recorded on camcorders, capturing birthdays, vacations, and everyday moments. These handheld cameras required tapes or mini DVDs, making editing a hassle. Now, smartphone cameras and video apps have made them nearly obsolete.
9. PDAs
Mogor on Wikimedia Commons
Personal Digital Assistants were the early versions of smartphones, helping users manage contacts, calendars, and notes. Styluses and tiny keyboards made them feel futuristic at the time. Now, smartphones have taken over every function they once served.
10. Alarm Clocks
Batholith on Wikimedia Commons
Waking up on time once depended on alarm clocks, which came in all shapes and sizes. Some had loud buzzers, while others played the radio, but they all served the same purpose. Now, most people rely on smartphone alarms to start their day.
11. VHS Players
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Movie nights once revolved around VHS tapes and bulky players. Rewinding tapes was a hassle, but they were the best way to watch your favorite films at home. DVDs and streaming services eventually made them obsolete.
12. Answering Machine
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Missing a call meant relying on answering machines to record messages. These devices played an important role in home and business communication before voicemail took over. Now, they are rarely seen outside of nostalgic movies.
13. Portable CD Players
Donald Trung Quoc Don (Chữ Hán: 徵國單) on Wikimedia Commons
CD players gave people the ability to take their favorite albums anywhere. Skipping tracks was easy, but the risk of CDs scratching or skipping mid-song was frustrating. MP3 players and streaming services replaced them over time.
14. Payphones
ChuietChing on Wikimedia Commons
Payphones were once a lifeline for making calls outside the home. Finding a working one with enough change was part of the experience. Now, they have almost disappeared as mobile phones dominate communication.
15. Typewriters
Sammlung der Medien und Wissenschaft on Wikimedia Commons
Before computers, typewriters were essential for writing and document creation. The sound of clicking keys and the need for correction tape were part of the process. Today, they are mostly collectibles or used for artistic purposes.
16. Fax Machine
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Sending documents instantly once required a dedicated fax machine. Businesses relied on them for years before email and digital signatures took over. Some industries still use them, but they are no longer common in most offices.
17. Floppy Disks
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Storing files once meant saving them on floppy disks, which had very limited space. They were widely used until USB drives and cloud storage made them unnecessary. Now, they serve as relics of early computing.
18. Handheld Gaming Consoles
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
Before mobile gaming, handheld consoles like Game Boy and PSP kept players entertained on the go. These devices had limited graphics but were beloved by fans. Now, gaming apps on smartphones have largely taken their place.
19. Cassette Tapes and Players
Wikisympathisant on Wikimedia Commons
Cassette tapes were once the go-to for making personalized playlists. Fast-forwarding to the right song was tricky, but they had a charm that digital music lacks. Streaming services and digital files eventually took over.
20. Film Cameras
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Taking photos meant carefully choosing shots and waiting for the film to be developed. Digital cameras and smartphones have made photography instant and effortless. Some still appreciate film cameras for their nostalgic quality, but they are no longer the standard.