A (mostly) quick history of smartphones

WIthout a smartphone, you could techinically still enjoy a fully connected, informed, and fulfilling life. Let’s be honest, though: no one really wants to do that. Wireless devices have become essential to the way we do everything. They've forever changed the means we use to keep in touch, work, and stay entertained. Your favorite Apple, Samsung, or Motorola phone today is the result of many decades of innovation. Ever wonder, "When was the first smartphone invented?" We'll tell you. Keep reading to learn more about the history of smartphones.

The Oxford dictionary defines a smartphone as a “mobile phone that also has some of the functions of a small computer.” That typically means the ability to check your email, browse websites, and use software (like apps for productivity and travel) that require the internet. Where cell phones gave us the ability to call and text without a physical phone line, smartphones provide us with full online access and much richer functionality.

The first handheld mobile phone was invented in 1973 by Motorola. The first call was made by Martin Cooper, one of the company’s engineers, on a DynaTAC 8000X.

Cell phones became popular in the ‘90s and early 2000s. As wireless networks improved, especially between 3G and 4G/4G LTE, the technology shifted from cell phones to smartphones. Today, 5G offers even more speed and reliability than ever.

Considering how much we now use our phones as our primary cameras, 1999 was another important year in smartphone history. The release of the Kyocera Visual Phone VP-210 in Japan made it the first phone with a built-in camera. But the Sharp J-SH04, also released in Japan in 2000, was the first commercially available phone that could send photos electronically.

The first version of what we’d consider a smartphone was invented in 1992 by IBM. Called the Simon Personal Communicator (or just IBM Simon), it was made available for purchase in 1994 and sold by the tens of thousands.

IBM Simon distinguished itself from previous generations of cell phones with features like the ability to send and receive emails. Most notably, it was the first smartphone to feature a touch screen.

The IBM Simon came with built-in programs, including:

The design, tools, and performance capabilities of smartphones have evolved massively over the years, however, lots of the same features found in the IBM Simon and other early models are now standard in today’s smartphones.

The term “smartphone” became commonplace as smartphones themselves became more affordable and accessible throughout the 2000s. Many consider the arrival of the first Apple iPhone in 2007 as the first fully realized smartphone. This iconic device allowed for a full internet experience, similar to a laptop or desktop computer. Now in its 17th generation, the iPhone is still one of the most in-demand devices on the market.

And just two short years after the first iPhone made its debut, the first Android phone was released. The HTC Dream was the result of collaboration between HTC and Google. It featured the Android 1.0 operating system and Android Market, which we know know as the Google Play Store.

Current devices, in comparison, are leagues beyond where they started. Enormously powerful and equipped with the latest advancements in wireless tech, today's smartphones have the capability to not only keep us connected, but provide entertainment, insights, and assistance more seamlessly than we would have imagined years ago.

Stylewise, the basic rectangle still reigns supreme. However, some brands have introduced updated retro design to appeal to the nostalgia that many customers have for previously popular cell phones. The Motorola razr and Samsung Flip, for example, pairs the original foldable form with current day specs.

Smartphone cameras have taken a massive leap forward as well. Far from the blurry, pixelated photos of the past, both iPhone and Android devices now deliver clear, vibrant photos from almost any angle, in high and low light, indoors and out. Pixel counts have increased, along with lens configurations. Most flagship phones now come with wide angle and telephoto lenses in addition to main rear and front-facing cameras. Not to mention the wealth of editing options now available to users, from basic cropping to pro-level control of light, angle, and color.

Even more recently, the rise of AI paired with smartphones and other wireless devices has pushed another big change in how people are working, living, and creating. Google Gemini, the AI assistant available on many of the latest Android phones, gives you the ability to organize your day, build routines, shop, and research more seamlessly. AI editing tools help you to take better, sharper photos and record cleaner, more cinematic videos. Google Circle to Search gives you the ability to look up info on an image, video, or text with a simple gesture. Live Translate allows you to translate calls in real time, so you can communicate across language barriers with less chance of misunderstanding.

Currently, 91% of adults say they own a smartphone. While “smartphone” and “cell phone” are completely distinct terms, they’re often used interchangeably now. Cell phones remain an important milestone in the history of smartphones, but their newer, more feature-rich counterparts were made to work with faster, higher capacity networks, like Verizon 5G. 5G speed and reliability has already been implemented to increase accessibility to healthcare and public services, along with work and entertainment.

AI, of course, will continue to play a prominent role in the future of smartphones, offering even higher levels of personalization and anticipation of user behaviors. But the materials our smartphones are made of may evolve as well, including thinner, more flexible designs with longer battery life, more responsive and vivid displays, and increased voice interaction for hands-free use that minimizes visual distractions. While some advancements may still be years off, we can expect many new and exciting milestones to come.

To explore today's best-selling smartphones, visit your local Cellular Sales store.