How we reminisce about going back to when times were simpler and things weren’t too expensive – or were they? It’s easy to compare how much goods cost back in the early 2000s when you look at phone prices today, holding a whopping RM10K price tag.
But were the 1st gen phones really all that cheap back then? A Twitter user (@/anthraxxx781) recently shared a newspaper clipping of an old mobile phone ad, showcasing the then-launched Nokia and Motorola brick phones and their prices. Surprisingly, these vintage phones were not as cheap as we thought.
According to the ad, the most expensive phone of the options was the Nokia 8250. Back then, a new phone would cost up to RM1,388 in 2001, which would almost be in the same price range as a new Samsung Galaxy A36, priced at RM1,399 in 2025! If you’re wondering, RM1,388 in 2001 would cost roughly RM2,278 after adjusting for inflation.
Netizens were quick to quip about their thoughts on the pricing of these legendary phones. Twitter user (@/AnOldUncle) comments, “Go back another 10 years, you need to secure a bank loan to buy a mobile phone”. Based on the Malaysian Bureau of Labour Statistics, the average minimum wage, which was introduced in 2013, was up to RM900 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM800 for Sabah and Sarawak. We’re feeling broke just thinking about it!
Other users also pointed out that not only were these old phones expensive, but SIM cards back in the day were just as equally bank-breaking as getting the devices themselves. Twitter user (@/ajiesuajie) comments, “Simcard Hotlink Rm238. Topup RM60 -for 30 days”.
It’s surprising to learn that the unbreakable Nokia 8250 would be priced at almost RM3,000 after accounting for inflation. Would you buy the phone at this price today?
Sources: Malaysian Bureau of Labour Statistics, Twitter
Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
