In an inspiring celebration of mobile technology history, Jayesh Umesh Kale from Thane, Maharashtra, has curated a phenomenal personal collection of 1,600 Nokia handsets, making it one of the largest Nokia phone collections in India — possibly even in the world.
What began as a hobby in 2013, sparked by nostalgia and admiration for Nokia’s iconic designs, has turned into a full-fledged mission to preserve the legacy of one of the most influential mobile brands in history.
Kale’s collection spans from the earliest monochrome models to advanced smartphones like the Nokia N-series, E-series, and Lumia phones. It includes legendary devices like the Nokia 1100, 3310, 6600, 7610, 8210, and even rare international variants that were never sold in India.
“Each handset holds a piece of tech history,” says Jayesh. “Nokia phones defined an era — with their durability, design, and emotional connect. This collection is my tribute to that golden age.”
Most of the handsets are in working condition, with many still in original boxes with manuals and accessories intact. Jayesh has spent over a decade acquiring these phones through auctions, exchanges, tech meets, and fellow collectors worldwide.
With growing attention from mobile tech communities and record-keeping agencies, Jayesh now plans to digitize and display his collection, and possibly set up a Nokia-themed exhibition or virtual museum.
