Used items become collector's items. Understand the reasons behind the high price of the device.
An old cell phone can be a good reminder of childhood, important moments and simpler times. For this reason, many people still keep their devices at home, not giving up their device, even if it no longer works, most of the time. In addition, there is a large market of collectors who are willing to pay a high price to obtain a used smartphone, but one that is in good condition.
The latest collectible that was purchased for an exorbitant price was an old iPhone, which is worth almost a million reais. Read on to find out more.
Used iPhone
The iPhone has changed the way billions of people around the world communicate, pay, work, take photos, and even wake up in the morning. The company has destroyed dozens of industries, like camcorders and MP3 players. But it has revived many others and helped create new professions, like creators and influencers.
THE Original iPhone from 2007 was sold sealed at auction for US$190,372.80 (approximately R$915,103.01). To understand this price, a phone with a capacity of 4 GB is considered the “Holy Grail” for Apple collectors. The auction in question ended on the 16th.
Sponsored by LCG Auctions, the 2007 lot sold for nearly 400 times its original asking price of around US$599. However, the device was expected to sell for a price range of US$50,000 to US$100,000 (R$480,840), breaking previous records.
LCG Auctions described the model as a “high-quality collector’s item” and said two other original 8GB iPhones have sold for record prices in the past nine months. The site describes this model as a “very rare, factory sealed, first edition, 4GB capacity,” which, for those interested, is exceptional condition. The finish and edges are perfect, and the factory seals are intact.
The company also said that it would be difficult for collectors to find a better model than the one sold.
At the time the phone was on the market, Apple decided to stop selling the 4GB model two months after its release. This was because sales performance was disappointing. Most customers opted for the 8GB model, which offered twice the storage for just $100 more.
Immeasurable memories
And speaking at Apple's annual Macworld trade show in 2007, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs began his presentation with words that are unlikely to be forgotten: "Today, we will make history together."
At the time, Jobs called the new device “revolutionary” because it included an iPod, a phone, and what he called an “Internet transmitter.” The genius also stated that there were no good mobile phones at the time and that the revolution would come by bringing a true web experience to a phone.
Other rare memorabilia from Jobs' life has also sold at auction for impressive prices. According to Julien's Auctions, in November a buyer spent more than $1,400,000 on a pair of vintage Birkenstock sandals worn by Jobs. This set a record for a pair of sandals at auction.
