as an iphone user I think they are truly spectacular when compared to what was available just 10 years ago, maybe even just 5 years ago.
I remember I was in business back back in the mid '80s when telstra introduced the first truly 'portable' phone, it weighed about 14 kilograms with a 45cm handset and cost about $5,000 in real $$ in those days. Phone coverage was limited to the greater Melbourne area and the '80s phone could store just 16 numbers, was hard installed into the car and alerted driver of an incoming call with a honking horn or flashing headlights.
It had a cable connecting the handset to the huge black box and it sat between the 2 front seats because it was too heavy to be mounted under the dash.
It was fondly called the 'brick' as it was so bloody heavy you did not want to make long calls on it.
I only had it till the first truly portable phone come out.
I'm sure it was next used by a sailor as a boat anchor