It’s hard to believe that five years have passed since I last shared a video showcasing all the phones I own. With 2023 drawing to a close, I’ve been spending precious time with family over the holidays—an ideal moment to slow down and reflect on something I haven’t done in years: show off my device collection. While I’ve made a name for myself by selling plenty of phones through my online store, I’ve also managed to accumulate quite the assortment. Some may call it madness, but as you’ll soon see, there’s method in the chaos.
As we step into 2024, I thought it would be fitting to take a walk through my Device Horde—a collection of phones, tablets, and tech curiosities, many of which hold sentimental value or serve as references for my content. While I do plan to thin out the collection, it’s astonishing to look at the extent of it all. So, let’s take a deep dive into the drawer of tech treasures and relics that I’ve accumulated over the years.
The Legacy of iPods and Classic Devices
Nestled at the front of the drawer is a stack of old iPods—some functional, others nostalgic remnants of a past tech era. While I never cared much for the iPod Nanos, my fifth-generation iPod Classic has a special place in my heart. It underwent a heroic repair after a battery expansion caused the screen to shatter. That story of revival and perseverance is something I’ll never forget. The mini is a usable iPod, even by today’s standards, and the third-generation iPod, with its bulky FireWire charger, still works despite being a pain to use.
I also have an iPod Touch 4—an 8 GB model running iOS 6. This one’s nearly flawless, its screen almost untouched by time. Yet, despite its condition, I feel no particular attachment. It’s likely to find a new home soon. And then there’s my prized sixth-generation iPod, running iOS 8.4—one of the last iPods to be updated before Apple moved fully into the iPhone age.
The Samsung Galaxy Saga: A Love-Hate Relationship with the Note 7
Moving on to Samsung, my collection boasts several models that tell stories of both innovation and controversy. The most iconic (or infamous) is, of course, the Galaxy Note 7. The stunning blue-and-gold model is one of the most beautiful Samsung phones ever made—if you can look past its fiery reputation. With one Note 7 in red and another in silver, both Verizon and AT&T versions, I couldn’t resist holding onto them. The Note 7’s brief but fiery existence makes it a tech enthusiast’s curiosity, a reminder of how one device can make such a huge impact in both good and bad ways.
The iPhone Legacy: A Tribute to Apple’s Evolution
Now, let’s talk about iPhones. I own every iPhone model up to the iPhone 7, with many still sitting in their original boxes behind them. Some of the most remarkable pieces in this collection include my first-generation iPhone, the original 8 GB model running iOS 3. This phone has been with me for years, and I always entertained the idea of downgrading it to iOS 1—an idea I’ve never gotten around to. The iPhone 3G and 3GS both run iOS 3, with the 3GS offering a slight improvement. I also have the iPhone 4S, the US-only version that shipped without a SIM tray, making it an even rarer piece in my collection.
Among the iPhones I hold dear is the iPhone 6 Plus, the massive 128 GB model running iOS 8, and the iPhone 6S, which I’ve never connected to the internet—choosing instead to keep it in its original, untouched state. My most amusing phone, however, is an iPhone 5C with some hilarious quirks—one of them being the inability to keep the correct time.
The collection extends to the more recent iPhones, such as the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 6 in their original packaging. These phones are part of my ongoing side projects and videos, giving me the opportunity to share how technology evolves over time.
Blackberry’s Bold Legacy: A Love Letter to an Era Gone By
But what’s an eclectic collection without a few wild cards? In this case, the Blackberry phones stand out. From the nostalgic Blackberry Torch, which I found during an e-waste dumpster dive, to the truly unique Blackberry Priv—complete with its OLED screen and slide-out keyboard—these devices are gems for anyone who remembers the glory days of Blackberry. Though plagued by performance issues with its Snapdragon 808 processor, the Priv’s design was ahead of its time, boasting wireless charging and an impressive screen resolution. Despite its flaws, it’s a true testament to Blackberry’s legacy of productivity devices.
Fast forward to the Blackberry Key1 and Key2LE, the brand’s last hurrah before shifting its focus. The Key2LE has been my daily driver for years, and it’s unlikely that I’ll be parting with it any time soon. Its robust build quality and enduring appeal keep it firmly in my pocket.
Rarest of the Rare: A Pixel with a Dark Past
Among the rarities in my collection is a Google Pixel 4A, not the standard model, but one locked down with “Arcanos” by Anom and Os—designed for secure messaging and used by criminal organizations. Little did they know, this “secure” phone was part of an FBI sting operation. I’ve done an in-depth video on its features and chilling backstory, and it’s one of the most fascinating devices I own.
Tablets: A Different Kind of Tech Collecting
In addition to my phones, my drawer holds an assortment of tablets, each with its own story. From the iPad 2, still running iOS 4, to the iPad Mini 3, each device brings back memories of different stages in my tech journey. The older iPads are slow, yes, but they offer a glimpse into how much the tech world has changed.
The Graveyard and Repair Projects
Finally, at the back of the drawer is the “phone graveyard,” a somber collection of Apple devices locked out of their Apple ID accounts. While the phones may physically work, they are rendered useless without access to Apple’s servers. These devices have been reduced to parts, waiting to be recycled or salvaged for spare components.
Some phones are in need of repair—an M1 iPad Pro, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, and even a luxury Virtue phone. These devices, once restored, will likely find their way into my online store, waiting for new owners who will appreciate them as much as I have.
The Future: A New Chapter for the Collection
As I prepare to part with some of my beloved devices, I’ve been considering setting up a separate store for custom-built and rare phones. These one-off, unique devices could find new homes, though they won’t come cheap. It’s been an incredible journey as a tech enthusiast, and I can’t wait to share even more with you in 2024.
So, with all that said, is there anything here you wish you had? I’m sure there’s a phone or two that caught your eye. If you’re interested in checking out more of my collection, or perhaps even purchasing a rare device, be sure to visit my online store.
As we head into the new year, my collection may shrink, but the memories and stories each device holds will stay with me forever. Thanks for joining me on this journey, and I’ll catch you next time.
This has been another Hugh Jeffries video. If you enjoyed it, consider subscribing and checking out the playlist for more. Don’t forget to explore my store for used devices—link in the description below!
