This $1,200 'pocket computer' from 2005 was the foldable of its time
Actually, calling the HTC Universal a "smartphone" is selling it short, as this device was marketed as a "pocket computer" by both HTC and Microsoft, as it looked the part and featured Windows Mobile 5.0 with multiple desktop PC-grade apps on board.
The HTC Universal featured a full QWERTY keyboard, a large-for-the-time swiveling screen (one of its coolest features), and some pretty impressive internals like a 520MHz CPU and 128MB of RAM. It was also the first phone that had a dedicated front camera for 3G video calls. That's an essential and boring feature these days, but back in the day, video calls on a pocket-sized device felt like a cutting-edge novelty or a glimpse into the future for most people.
The device also had a chockful of extra ports, buttons, and connectivity standards, which was the norm back in the day. It had a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack, an infrared port for data transfer, many physical buttons for answering and hanging up phone calls and messaging, a camera shutter key, and even a volume slider button. The Universal also had a full-sized SD card slot, a stylus, and even a physical reset button! Another feature that feels awkwardly familiar is the price tag. Back in 2005, the HTC Universal cost $1,200 at launch, which is around $2,000 today when adjusted for inflation. That's what a decent modern foldable phone costs nowadays.
If you've ever been as fascinated by the legendary devices from the golden age of mobile phones as much as we are, then our upcoming "Iconic Phones" table book will be a nostalgic deep dive into the world of classic tech. Learn more about the book and sign up for exclusive early-bird discounts by following the link below: JOIN THE WAITLIST TO GET EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS HERE
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