How Gen X’s favorite devices like flip telephones, wired earphones are discovering a brand new set of followers: Gen Z

Let’s face it, we reside in a world obsessive about newer and extra superior upgrades. But oddly sufficient, when all the things is making an attempt to be a 2.0 model of its older self, Gen Z is urgent rewind. On the streets, you’d see wired earphones dangling out of tote luggage, once more, whereas reels train you the way they need to be folded to keep away from tangling.

Casio’s classic digital watches are being slapped again on wrists; flip telephones are a flex; and Fujifilm’s Instax cameras are printing recollections sooner than Instagram can filter.

But what’s propelling this return of the retro? Is it digital fatigue? Is it a acutely aware return to tactile tech? Is it the decision of nostalgia, or some form of social flex? Or possibly it’s one thing much less romantic, like practicality?

Old is Sold
Walkmans/discmans/handheld cameras: According to media reviews, retailers within the UK reported that CD/MP3 participant gross sales had been up roughly 44% since July (year-on-year) and spiked 225% over Black Friday final season, whereas pointand-shoot cameras, a class overlapping with early digital and movie pictures, elevated 27%. These surges had been pushed largely by youthful client curiosity.

Wired earphones: Wired audio is typically cited as lowerlatency and higher-fidelity than Bluetooth, which is one cause why purists and DJs nonetheless cling to them.

Kodak charmera: Kodak first made pictures mainstream with the slogan ‘You press the button, we do the rest’. It’s a philosophy that also underpins its nostalgic attraction even right this moment.

Polaroid: The first prompt digicam, the Polaroid Model 95, debuted in 1948 and delivered a bodily photograph beneath a minute, lengthy earlier than digital previews turned a factor. Even right this moment, it stays aesthetic and influences social media frames.

Flip telephones: The Motorola RAZR offered over 130 million models worldwide, turning into one of many best-selling telephones of its time. Their snapshut motion wasn’t simply stylistic, it additionally protected the keypad and calmed the pocket, giving the telephones a cool issue.

Blackberry: In the 2000s, BlackBerry was the smartphone for the elite. The model’s catchphrase ‘CrackBerry’ mirrored its addictive push e-mail characteristic for company customers.

Not only a nostalgia-driven development
“The resurgence of hybrid and keypad-led smartphones is an interesting development, although it continues to remain an exploratory category for most brands. What appears to be driving this renewed interest is a confluence of behavioural and demographic shifts globally. The broader conversation around digital wellbeing and ‘digital detox’ is encouraging certain consumer segments to seek devices that promote more intentional and mindful usage.

In some international markets, we are observing patterns that help contextualise this shift. For instance, ageing populations in countries such as Japan have historically shown a preference for tactile interfaces that prioritise simplicity and ease of use. Similarly, parts of Europe are seeing early traction for purpose-built devices for children, as parents explore controlled connectivity options rather than fully enabled smartphones.

While these are market-specific developments, they collectively signal that hybrid devices are not merely a nostalgia-driven trend. Instead, they reflect evolving consumer needs across distinct user segments.”
— KANCHAN MISHRA, vice chairman (mobiles), Flipkart

“The Kodak Charmera was inspired by the Kodak Fling, the brand’s firstever singleuse camera in the ’80s. We aim to blend in the new trend of blind boxes to the retro Kodak image, creating a ‘newtro’ product. We saw an opportunity to revive that Kodak spirit in a new, collectible format and launched it as a blind box product when blind boxes were becoming a cultural phenomenon. The mini digital camera is easy-to-use for the general public and is also a great gift during the festive season.

Early sales response is strong because we have not only tapped into photographers, but also blind box/toy collectors. Kodak Charmera is a digital camera, a blind box collectible, a toy and a gift, all-in-one, fitting all kinds of audiences looking for gifts or a portable fun camera to record their daily lives.”
— VIVIENNE TSANG, gross sales and advertising director, RETO Production

“Tata CLiQ Fashion is witnessing strong traction in retro-tech products, like Casio’s vintage digital watches. All models in this product line are seeing good demand, with maximum unit sales taking place in the price range of `2,400-5,000. Since the beginning of FY26, we have recorded strong double-digit growth for this product segment. From a regional perspective, the platform is seeing sharper spikes in the West and South markets. In addition, we are also seeing that these purchases are largely dominated by men.

Additionally, wired earphones are making a comeback, with their mix within the overall ‘in-ear’ category increasing by 40%, reflecting a broader shift towards backto-basics tech that blends affordability, functional simplicity, and style appeal. In addition, the platform is seeing up to 60% of demand coming from non-metro markets.”
— GOPAL ASTHANA, CEO, Tata CLiQ

Old college is cool
“I switched back to wired earphones last year. It started as a practical thing. I was tired of charging my AirPods. But now, I genuinely prefer them. There is something grounding about plugging in and knowing it will just work. Also, weirdly, it makes me less distracted.”
— SAKSHI MEHRA, advertising government, Mumbai

“I didn’t ditch my smartphone. But I bought a basic flip phone for the weekend. If I am travelling or meeting friends, I carry that. Calls and texts only. It sounds dramatic, but it’s the only way I actually disconnect.”
— DAKSHAYINI MOHAPATRA, content material creator, Delhi

“Last month, I bought a TVS gold mechanical keyboard, twice as expensive as modern keyboards. It was the first keyboard I used back when I started working, 25 years ago.”
— ANIL KARMAKAR (identify modified), graphic designer, Mumbai

“I am tuning in to the radio these days. We have two mediums to listen to the music: An old jukebox which has radio stations and a Bose box.”
— ASHWINI NARAYAN, content material creator, Ahmedabad

“I had been seduced by the Airpods and I’ll admit that I do use them after I’m figuring out. But with regards to my weekly music repair, it’s bought to be wired headphones, which assures me of audio gold. Besides, there’s one thing virtually umbilical about being tethered to your music. My Shure in-ears and my Bowers & Wilkins are each wired and can keep that approach.”
— GEORGE KOSHY, adman, Bengaluru