NEC 9A
- Date launched: 1987
- Network: ETACS
- Form: Brick
- Cost new: £1795
- Can you use it today: No
- Value today: £25 to £50
The NEC 9A was launched in the UK in the Autumn of 1987. It very quickly became the fastest selling new cell phone in 1988. Its smaller size and reduced weight, combined with a sophisticated feature set, made it a strong competitor for Motorola.
Later that year electrical retailing giant, Comet, discounted this phone to £599. In those days a car phone was still a cheaper proposition than a mobile phone and Comet offered the NEC 11A car phone for £399. For that you got the phone installed and a free 14" colour TV or a CD player and a £50 discount voucher for an Amstrad computer!
Top tips
The full model number is NEC TR5E1320-9A.
Values
These phones are quite rare, in spite of them being a big seller. Few seemed to have survived. The NEC 9A is good an example of an 80s brick phone and is likely to appreciate in value. Grab one now whilst they are still cheap.
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