Mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives these days. Besides making and receiving calls and messages, these pocket-sized devices are considered minicomputers.
From browsing the internet to recording and streaming videos, there is a lot to do with your mobile phone. But how much do you know about your smartphone or tablet?
In this post, you’ll discover some weird and interesting facts about this essential device. Let’s get to it!
Mobile Phones Have Been Around Since 1973
Most people think that mobile phones are a relatively new technology. While that’s not far from the truth, the first handheld cellular phone was invented in 1973 by Martin Cooper, a Motorola engineer.
He succeeded in making a radio telephone system in the DynaTAC 8000X cell phone. This handheld device measured 33 x 4.5 x 8.9 and weighed a massive 1.1 kg.
It only provided half an hour of talk time, after which it would take 10 hours to recharge. That’s how far we have come with these devices!
The First Mobile Phone Cost $4,000
After making a successful call to Bell Laboratories on New York’s Sixth Avenue, it took nearly a decade for the first mobile phone to hit the market. That’s because Motorola and Mr Cooper didn’t agree on some basics, with history proving them right.
That said, Martin Cooper’s DynaTAC 8000X commercial version was released in 1984, eleven years after its invention.
As expected, this would cost potential buyers an arm and a leg for $4,000 back then. Considering the current inflation, that’s around $11,700, enough to purchase nine or ten premium-class iPhones.
Mobile Phone Museum Has a Collection of 5,000+ Phones
Did you know that there is a museum that specializes in archiving and preserving mobile phone technology? If you didn’t know, don’t blame yourself much because this place was only established in 2021 by Matt Chatterley and Ben Wood.
It’s a non-profit organization funded by Vodafone, a UK-based telecommunications giant. Here, you’ll find over 5,000 unique devices from 200+ manufacturers.
The idea is to showcase and increase educational outreach regarding the history and evolution of mobile phone technology.
Nokia 1100 and Nokia 1110 Are the Best-Selling Mobile Phones Ever
In 2003 and 2005, Nokia released the Nokia 1100 and Nokia 1110, respectively. These devices became popular among the masses, selling millions of copies worldwide.
According to Wikipedia’s list of the best-selling mobile phones, the Nokia 1100 model sold more than 250 copies in 2003, whereas the 1110 model maxed out at 247.5 million.
Regarding the touchscreen category, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, launched in 2014, sold over 222 million phones to sit joint third on the list. In total, mobile phone manufacturers have shipped over 19 billion units worldwide.
Your Smartphone/Tablet is Dirtier than a Toilet Seat
This is a creepy fact that most of you would be hesitant to accept. Although we jealously protect our mobile phones, scientists have revealed that these devices are a breeding ground for germs.
Scientists from the University of Arizona revealed that cell phones carry 10x more bacteria than a toilet seat. The research says that although people frequently clean their toilet seats, they wrongfully associate them with germs.
However, scientists believe that your phone is more likely to get you sick because of sharing with other people. Some people even talk on their phones in the toilet.
Modern Smartphones More Powerful than Average Computers
Over the last couple of years, smartphones have gotten more powerful. Mobile phones now come with advanced processors such as the M1 chip on iPhone 13 Pro Max and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 on Samsung S23 Ultra.
With these phones, you can make high-quality videos, stream live content, and indulge yourself in many more ways. There are almost no limitations to what you can do with your smartphone!
Modern smartphones, with their compact designs and innovative technologies, are surprisingly outpacing the capabilities of many average computers. Housing powerful processors, vast storage capabilities, and cutting-edge graphics, these handheld devices deliver performance levels once reserved for desktop setups.
The rise of smartphones’ computing prowess has revolutionized industries, notably online gambling which is best witnessed on outlets such as MapleCasino.ca.
With these powerful devices, online casinos can now offer high-definition game graphics and real-time interactions, previously limited to computer platforms. As a result, slots spin fluidly, roulette wheels turn seamlessly, and card games proceed without hitches, right in the palm of your hand.
For sports betting enthusiasts, the benefits are manifold. Not only can they place bets on-the-go, but they can also track live odds, monitor score updates, and even stream games in high resolution. The instantaneous nature of smartphone notifications ensures punters never miss a beat, receiving real-time updates that can influence betting decisions.
Thus, the modern smartphone isn’t just a communication tool – it’s a pocket-sized powerhouse reshaping the online gambling industry among many others, providing users an immersive experience previously tethered to the realm of desktop computers.
Nomophobia is Real Among Most Smartphone Users
Have you experienced the irrational fear of losing your smartphone? Then you’re dealing with nomophobia! This term was coined in the United Kingdom in 2009 from the words no-more-phone-phobia.
Some people are highly dependent on these devices and become depressed after misplacing them or running out of battery power. A 2019 study in the UK revealed that 44% of Britons are anxious if they cannot use their smartphones.
The Most Expensive Smartphone Costs $48.5 Million
Smartphone developers are constantly pushing new boundaries in the ever-changing mobile tech world. Each new release comes with advanced specs and features. However, some phones, such as Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond, operate in another league.
This custom-made phone from Falcon Luxury has a pink gold exterior studded with diamonds, making it a joy to watch. But it’s not cheap. Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond could set you back $48.5 million.
An Average User Checks Their Phone 110x Daily
How many times do you peep at your phone? Once every hour or twice daily? The numbers say different, though. According to figures from a screen lock application, the average Joe checks their phone at least 110x daily.
The app reported that some users unlock their phones even 900x daily during peak hours between 5 pm and 8 pm. Even more interesting is that 75% of smartphone owners actively use their phones during these hours.
The Fastest Charging Phone Takes 9 Minutes to Charge Fully
If you’re an avid phone user, this point should excite you. Phone manufacturers, especially Chinese companies, are pushing the limits regarding charging technology.
According to tests conducted by Phone Arena, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 12 Explorer is the fastest-charging phone, taking around nine minutes to charge from 0%-100%.
This phone has a 210W maximum charging speed and a 4,300mAh battery capacity. iQOO 10 Pro is also a top performer, taking about 10 minutes to fill up.
Last Words
Now you realize that you know very little about mobile phone technology. These little gadgets have a rich history and have changed our lives in many ways!
