StarTAC

StarTAC is a line of mobile handsets manufactured by Motorola, first released in 1996. It is widely regarded as one of the first commercially successful flip phones, popularizing the clamshell form factor that would become commonplace in the late 1990s and beyond. The StarTAC line succeeded Motorola's earlier MicroTAC and DynaTAC series, combining a compact, foldable design with a built-in antenna and a front cover that shielded the keypad.

The early StarTAC models featured a small, monochrome display, a numeric keypad, and a hinged lid that opened to reveal the full keypad for use. The devices were designed for use on analog networks in the United States and other markets, with later variants updated to support digital networks and multiple bands as cellular technology evolved. The devices were notable for their portability relative to the brick-like phones of the era, and for a battery life that allowed hours of talk time under typical use.

The StarTAC family continued through the late 1990s with improvements in screen readability, battery capacity, and network compatibility. Its distinctive flip design left a lasting imprint on mobile phone aesthetics, influencing many subsequent models and helping to shift consumer expectations toward compact, pocketable devices. The StarTAC remains a recognized icon of early mobile communications.