8 Retro Gadgets That Made a High-Tech Comeback (3 of 5)

4. Record Players

Vinyl used to be cool, then got demoted to the hipster niche, and now it seems like it’s legit back in a big way. In 2024 alone, vinyl sales in the U.S. hit over 43 million. Half of those buyers might not even possess a record player, as collecting records is an entirely different aspect of this hobby. The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo, for example, combines high-fidelity sound with helpful upgrades like a carbon tonearm, built-in preamp, Bluetooth options, and a noise-reducing steel platter. It sounds amazing and looks just vintage enough to be “hip” without trying too hard.

5. Flip Phones

There’s just something satisfying about closing and opening your phone. In the early 2000s, flip phones were highly popular, with models such as the Motorola Razr becoming status symbols. Then smartphones came and buried them because people decided that bigger screens are always better. And now, they’re back but way more advanced. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 isn’t cheap, but it’s powerful, stylish, and folds like in the old days. With powerful cameras, modern software, and a folding screen that actually holds up, it’s more than just a gimmick. It’s proof that old ideas can still hang in the modern smartphone game. Plus, you get twice the screen size!