Motorola 3200

Motorola's first GSM phone

• Date launched: 1992
• Network: GSM 900Mhz
• Form: Brick
• Cost new: £762(1)
• Can you use it today: Yes

Motorola launched the 3200 in 1992. It was not their first GSM phone.  That distinction went to the International 1000, a large transportable launched a year earlier in 1991. However it was the first Motorola hand portable on GSM.

The Motorola 3200 quickly became the UK's most popular GSM phone. Initially prices were high. Carphone Warehouse sold these phones for �762 in August 1993. However, prices quickly dropped and by late 1993 it was the UK's cheapest digital phone selling for only £199 + VAT.

The Motorola 3200 is very collectable today because it is the only phone which looks like the classic yuppie brick that can still be used on a GSM network. It takes a modern 2G small SIM card.

You cannot text with the Motorola 3200, but an improved version, which looks similar, the Motorola 3300, can send and receive texts.

Using the Motorola 3200 today

The Motorola 3200 works with a modern 900MHz GSM SIM card. These are used by Vodafone and O2 networks in the UK. You do not need a full sized SIM card, but it will not work with 3G SIM cards.

What to pay

These phones are scarce, but there are always one or two for sale on eBay most of the time. However, as the only usable brick phone, they are quite expensive. Expect to pay £80 to £100 for a phone in good condition. Prices rise to £150 for boxed examples in excellent condition.

Be aware that the original batteries in these phones are on their last legs. New batteries are available, but are not necessarily cheap.

Most of the phones I have seen for sale were intended for the German market, so the chargers have European plugs.

Shop for:

Motorola 3200 phones on eBay

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase

Alternatives

The Bosch Cartel S was a clone of the Motorola 3200 with slightly different design and Bosch badging. In terms of value, both phones are worth about the same.

References

Wikipedia article - Motorola 3200

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Comments (26)

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aZzz

hi all. any offers on mint 3200 with good battery and charger?

28th May 2023 8:39am

cellphones

I had my Motorola 3200, but - ... has very bad condition. Battery is dead and screen was pretty broken. But i remember this phone ❤

4th April 2022 11:25am

Graham

Where can I get a battery

5th August 2021 11:48am

Umesh Chandra

Hi I some how got a Motorola international 3300 as I was into Mobil repairs. It is not working now But use a couple of times in 2003. Willing to sell this, it has only phone no charger and antenna. [email protected]

22nd June 2020 12:00am

Jagat Virdee

I just found my old Motorola international 3200 which I bought many years ago , it looks perfect condition, it has the charger , also a antenna which ca be clipped on to the window for better reception , can't guarantee if it will or not as it has been in the garage a number of years . Any idea what's it worth PLEASE thank you

17th February 2019 12:00am

Francou

Hi I have a BOSCH Cartel S 2G1 but when i put a sim card (Lycamobile france) the display indicates: NON STANDARD and the MENU key is not active I think that the phone is locked. Could you tell me how to unlock and if it is possible to use it on french 900 mhz GSM network? thank you for your help

27th August 2018 12:00am

Mario Marinov

Hello, I have a Motorola 3200, it is a version 1.6. There appears to be a problem with accepting a SIM Card, it says "Check SIM" on startup, and I have tried with all sorts of cards possible, including some really old working ones (3V by 16K). Any ideas on what the problem/s might be, and how to solve it? Regards, Mario

25th October 2017 12:00am

Richard

Can anyone tell me the approximate weight of the Motorola International 3200 including battery? It does not have to be an exact weight. I'm making a reference to it in something I am writing. Thanks!

30th May 2017 12:00am

Pellucid

V.Michel Hullo, if the Orange network is 1800mHz the 3200 cannot work on it because the 3200 is only 900mHz

7th February 2017 12:00am

Vallaeys Michel

Hey everyone I own a Motorola international 3200. I would like to unlock for a Orange sim card. How should I do that? greetings michel Belgium

22nd December 2016 12:00am

Steven

Hi Annette, These are quite sought after as it is the only real brick phone you can use on GSM. In the original box, mint condition and working, I would say between £150 and £300. best regards

9th December 2014 12:00am

Annette Johnson

Hi there, I have an International 3300 Motorola GSM. Still in it's original box. All manuals, leather protective case, an extra brand new battery in original packaging. Cell is in excellent to Mint condition as is everything else. The box is not ripped although there is a water stain on one side of the bottom box. Was looking to sell it would you know it's value please? Thank You. Regards Annette from NZ.

7th December 2014 12:00am

Iwan

Hi, I just bought the Motorola International 3200. My problem is that I can't make a call. After I checked it, my phone is Restricted Keypad Dialling. I found it in the setting menu. So I have to turn it off, but I need a 6 digit security code to do that. I have tried to input the code, such as : 000000 or 123456 but it failed. So, I am sure that someone change the code. But it's impossible to find a person who has changed the code. So my question is, how can I unlock that security code? Thanks, Iwan

24th July 2013 12:00am

Iwan

Hi, I just bought the Motorola International 3200. My problem is that I can't make a call. After I checked it, my phone is Restricted Keypad Dialling. I found it in the setting menu. So I have to turn it off, but I need a 6 digit security code to do that. I have tried to input the code, such as : 000000 or 123456 but it failed. So, I am sure that someone change the code. But it's impossible to find a person who has changed the code. So my question is, how can I unlock that security code? Thanks, Iwan

24th July 2013 12:00am

Iwan

Hi, I just bought the Motorola International 3200. My problem is that I can't make a call. After I checked it, my phone is Restricted Keypad Dialling. I found it in the setting menu. So I have to turn it off, but I need a 6 digit security code to do that. I have tried to input the code, such as : 000000 or 123456 but it failed. So, I am sure that someone change the code. But it's impossible to find a person who has changed the code. So my question is, how can I unlock that security code? Thanks, Iwan

24th July 2013 12:00am

craig

Hi I have just bought the boxed MOTOROLA 3200 International GSM from germany but ut has no sim card where can I get a uk one from? thanks

29th June 2013 12:00am

Rene Redfield

To roy Sounds to me like the battery is completely dead, you will probably need to buy a new one.

5th May 2013 12:00am

roy

hi, I bought a Motorola 3200 eight years ago, I charged it up and it worked fine. i did not use the phone so it has been sitting in a drawer for the past 8 years. recently, i wanted to get it going again, when i put it on charge the orange light on the cradle came on, and i charged it up overnight, when i tried to turn the phone on the back light flashed and went off, this happens every time i press the on button but nothing else happens, can anyone help? thanks

3rd May 2013 12:00am

dicky

to jeff baker. i can email you a 3200 manual

1st March 2013 12:00am

Ren? Redfield

Hi Do you have any idea how long the Motorola 3300 will last in standby on a brand new 1800 mAh battery?

29th November 2012 12:00am

Ren? Redfield

Hi Do you have any idea how long the Motorola 3300 will last in standby on a brand new 1800 mAh battery?

29th November 2012 12:00am

Ren? Redfield

Hi Do you have any idea how long the Motorola 3300 will last in standby on a brand new 1800 mAh battery?

29th November 2012 12:00am

Tin tran

Hi Steven,i also bought an other 3200 from UK exactly same with the one from Germany and this one can work on any sim card. I dont know why the one i bought from Germany is only work on Europe sim cards

11th September 2012 12:00am

steven

Hi, They only work with 900MHz SIM cards. In the UK this would be Vodafone and O2. I'm not sure about Australian SIM cards. Was the phone sold as working? If so can you find out what SIMs it works with? best regards

20th August 2012 12:00am

Tin tran

I've bought a 3200 gsm motorola brick phone,i think it's locked cos when i put my australian sim card in the fone,it turned off right away,do u know how to unlock it?can u show me?thanks

14th August 2012 12:00am

Jeff Baker

I am looking for an english user manual for the Motorola 3200 phone in an DATED orginal printing, a copy of the entire manual or a PDF of the manual. Please contact me if you have or know where to get one.

10th April 2012 12:00am

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