9th September 2026 – (Hong Kong) An image shared on social media featuring a taxi driver using a large vintage mobile phone, known colloquially in Hong Kong as the “da ge da”, has prompted widespread discussion and a flurry of nostalgic commentary. The device, originally introduced by Motorola in 1983 under the model name DynaTAC 8000X and later popular in Hong Kong, was seen pressed to the driver’s ear during a journey, reminiscent of the city’s mobile communication style of the 1980s.
The photograph, originally posted in a Facebook group dedicated to taxi drivers, captured the attention of users who were surprised to see such an iconic piece of technology still in use. Many commented humorously about the perceived leap back in time, joking about inadvertently travelling to the 1980s or referencing classic film lines. The image also reignited memories of the era when only business professionals could afford such devices.
Some internet users pointed out that the “da ge da” has never truly disappeared, explaining that similar handsets remain available on popular online shopping platforms in mainland China, many with support for 4G networks and even additional features such as built-in power banks. Prices typically range from 145 RMB (around HK$170) to 238 RMB (about HK$280).
The driver featured in the viral photograph responded to the online discussion, clarifying that the phone was indeed a functional device he had purchased from Carousell around seven years ago, although he noted it became unusable two years ago and was subsequently sent for recycling in the community. The incident has triggered both fond recollections and debate over the intersection of old and new technology in Hong Kong’s daily life.
