While push-button phones were once common, they have now become less and less popular. The rapid advancement of digital technology has led to the development of smartphones, iPads and other devices that cater to a wide range of requirements.

A man from Ho Chi Minh City, Tuan Khanh, 38, has a section of his room devoted to a collection of phones from Nokia, Motorola and Siemens, as well as a few high-end models from Vertu and Mobiado.

Khanh recalled a day during middle school when he spotted a buddy using a Nokia 8850 phone that he liked. He then got a Nokia 3310 phone from his mother in 2001. Following his fondness for old phones, he continued to acquire them.

“I began accumulating them about 22 years ago, anticipating that they will be obsolete in the near future. I spent a lot of time messing around with and fixing phones. For me, old phones have a powerful draw, compelling me to go out and discover more about them,” Khanh said.

When Khanh finished high school, he chose to create a business and repair mobile phones because he had always been fascinated by the devices.

Many others, like Khanh, share Khanh's desire to acquire vintage phones, but Khanh never imagined he would be able to do so. A warranty officer job gave him plenty of hands-on experience with various phones, which helped him develop an interest in gadgets. It became easier for him to discern when the old phone had been mended.

“In other words, getting into the world of old phones is a long, arduous process that requires patience and an unceasing need for knowledge. It's not uncommon for rookie players to get substandard gear from deceptive people,” he said.

Khanh believes that tenacity in learning is the most important thing when it comes to old phones. Phone restoration can be challenging because many models have been discontinued over the years.

Because there are so few feature phone repairmen, repairing old devices is quite tough. Most people are unfamiliar with vintage technology, and if they aren't careful, they might end up damaging the item.

“Old models that are no longer being offered in Vietnam make it tough to tell the real from the counterfeit. People are still perplexed despite their familiarity with machines that used to be authentic,” Khanh added.

Given the nature of his work, Mr. Khanh also collects high-end collectible phone models, some of which are still in their original packaging with accessories. For instance, the Nokia 7110 was created in 1999, and it is still in its original packaging and is even more uncommon than the Nokia N91, which was released in 2005.

In addition, Mr. Khanh has a large collection of high-end collectable phones, some of which are still with their original packaging and extra parts and pieces. For example, the Nokia N91, which was released in 2005, is brand new, but the Nokia 7110, which was built in 1999, is even rarer because it is still in its original packaging.

His collection includes a number of older phones, like the Motorola V series, Razr series, and the StarTAC, which is still in excellent condition even though a quarter of a century has passed since its release.

When it comes to old phones, Khanh is always trying to learn more about how to operate and structure each phone to be able to "revive" them.

A high value collectible phone, according to Khanh, should not be tampered with in any way, even down to its screws.

He prefers to buy portable phones from other countries rather than from Vietnamese manufacturers. A case with the carrier logo will show imported devices that haven't been unlocked. All of the phones in his collection thus are operational and completely functional.

Khanh has a slew of phones, ranging from vintage black-and-white Nokia models like the 1610, 2110, 3110, and 8110 to more modern black-and-white versions like the 3210, 3310, 8210, 8250, and 8310. Also, he has N-series devices like N70 and N72 (Samsung Siemens and Ericsson Motorola), 9-series (Ericsson Motorola and Samsung), and 9 series (Samsung Siemens and Ericsson Motorola).

Besides models from black and white antique Nokia such as 1610, 2110, 3110, 8110 to later black and white like: 3210, 3310, 8210, 8250, 8310, Khanh also owns a lot of phone lines. Other models include Samsung Siemens, Ericsson Motorola, 9 series and especially the N series such as N70, N72, N73 N75, N71, N91, N90, N93, N92...

To go along with the older black and white vintage Nokia models (1610, 2110, 3110, 8110…), Khanh also has many modern black and white models in his collection (3210, 3310, 8210, 8250, 8310), as well as other models like Samsung Siemens and Ericsson Motorola, the 9 series and the N series.

Khanh's collection of old phones now numbers more than 300. They are not only valuable works of art but also a treasure trove of priceless memories for him.

It's important to have a lot of enthusiasm for an old phone if you want to collect them. For newbies, it's best to understand the phone's history before buying.

“You must have a strong desire for an old phone collection, no matter how difficult it is, and you must not give up. New players should learn carefully about the origin of the device before purchasing to avoid the phony ones. If you are passionate about it, you can collect to your heart's content,” Khanh said.

A Saigon man’s huge collection of vintage phones.

Mr. Tuan Khanh has collected 300 old phones after more than two decades.

Many people nowadays want to amass a vintage phone collection.

The phones perform admirably despite having been around for decades.

Mr. Khanh keeps his old phones for their sentimental as well as practical value.

Apart from collecting, Khanh also works on restoration of his old mobile phones.

Khanh places a high priority on quality testing for each phone line because of his fondness for vintage phones.

Collectors of old phones are very picky but once you get started, you can't stop, Khanh says.

Photos: Dan Tri

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