The History and Development of the Cell Phone by Amanda Atchison

The First Cell Phone

Apr 3, 1973

Dr. Martin Cooper invents the first portable phone that doesn't need to be charged through a car. However, it weighed 30 ounces. He is also the person credited to make the first cellular phone call.

The Cell Phone Goes Public

Sep 21, 1983

Motorola puts out the first cell phone available to the public. The phone was 10 inches high (not including the antenna) and weighed 28 ounces.

Texting is a Hit

Dec 3, 1992

The world's first text message is sent from Neil Papworth to his friend Richard Jarvis. The text read: "Merry Christmas."

The Smart Phone is Invented

Jun 11, 1997

Richard L. Ditzik invests the first "smartphone." This phone uses Wi-Fi and cellular networks to have access to e-mail and other internet functions.

The Camera Phone is Invented

May 12, 2002

Sprint creates the first cell phone capable of taking and saving pictures. The model is the Sanyo 5300 and has a 2.2 inch LCD display.

Modern Day Cell Phones

May 12, 2014

Today, most cell phones are considered "SmartPhones" and have cameras. The current average cell phone weight is 500 grams (17 ounces).