Why did Nokia reinvent the 3310?
There’s no doubt that the original Nokia 3310 was a success. The phone still holds a symbolic place, acting often as a main protagonist in internet memes. In September 2000, the month of its introduction, it succeeded in selling 126 million units, a remarkable feat.
Now, at MWC 2017, where 5G connectivity, QHD+ displays, strange software names and dual cameras are making waves, you can still hear a common refrain: we want to see the Nokia 3310! Talk about a blast from the past.
The Nokia 3310 is an eye-catcher, without needing to be the highest class in mobile phone design. The manufacturer wanted to provide phone owners with a flashy color and improved design from the original model. The phone even comes with the infamous snake game. I think most of us have played it. In fact, I remember having done so for hours on end with my friends. Nokia is aware of this game’s popularity, so including it was a logical and decisive move. What’s more, the game has been revamped and is now in color.
History shows us that we’ll always return to past trends, retro is always in, as we see not only in fashion, but also in films, TV series, games and even consumer electronics. Younger generations enjoy the modernity that tech provides us today, however they still see the value of past items. Could this be the case with the Nokia, where people give up modern options to go retro for nostalgic reasons?
Who is the Nokia 3310 aimed at?
Sold at the price of €49 in Europe, the Nokia 3310 will likely not be making its way to the USA, seeing as it only supports 2G bands, connectivity that has already been phased out here. That being said, in the countries where the phone will be made available, those who purchase it will likely be those who appreciate its retro look, as the tech working under the hood is not of the latest grade. It comes with a 2.4-inch display with a QVGA resolution and a 2 MP camera with flash. Inside, you will find new software called Series 30, which is based on Android. Other notable aspects include the microSD slot, which can expand the storage up to 16 MB, a headphone jack and FM radio (the latter would actually appeal to many).
In short, the Nokia 3310 has sparked a lot of curiosity, but it is a device that many would likely want to fiddle around with for a while, but not necessarily buy. The battery is a selling point (1,200 mAh rechargeable with microUSB) as it can last up to a month on standby and 22 hours of talk time. Its sturdiness is also commendable, especially for someone like me who drops their phone about three times a day on average, and sometimes more). But the camera leaves me wanting more: the photos will obviously be of poor quality, plus you can’t upload them onto Facebook, seeing as the later won’t be on the device. There’s no Instagram or Whatsapp either.
In my opinion, those who might want or get this phone belong in three target groups: the first one are those over 30 who are tired of social networking, want to take pictures with a real camera, but still need the internet to read news and search for other things. It would also be an ideal phone for the young children of parents who don’t necessarily want to give provide their youngsters with the latest in tech. Finally, seniors could handle the Nokia 3310 with ease seeing as the physical keyboard is often easier to operate than a touchscreen.
I can’t help but think that Nokia could have done better with its new phone. When I first heard about the rumor about the resurrection of the 3310, I became instantly excited and began to imagine all that it could be. But, a phone that can’t handle WhatsApp might not find success but for a small niche of people. With the Nokia 3310, owners are going to have to give up some luxuries brought by smartphones, though for some, it might actually be a nice change of pace from an overly connected life.
What do you think about the Nokia 3310? Would you consider buying it (providing it would actually work in your region)? Let us know in the comments below?
Yes Privacy. It is not a smart phone so it will not be the information miner that they are. That is true of the old version, I am not sure about the newest model I am just assuming here. We all know what kind of trouble that can get you in :-O
"There’s no Instagram or Whatsapp either."
-got the statement from this article. I find it stupid and nonsense, do you have brain? this is not a smartphone
It’s very interesting having 3310 once again after more than a decade, i’m waiting for it. But with the price 49 euro, i kind a doubt it can make a good sell in quantity like the old days, the reason is the lowest smartphone android at around that price too. Well let just see…
Hi Paul,
I do have a brain, thanks for asking. And it is true, it is not a smartphone. That shows that you also have a brain, but you have to understand that there are other users that might wonder if they can use WhatsApp or Facebook on that phone. There are a lot of people, that says "I bought WhatsApp" referring that they bought a smartphone with WhatsApp. Your comment it is not only disrespectful to them, also to me, so please let me suggest you knock on your head and check if you have really a brain.
By the way, "You can download basic apps and games, but unfortunately there’s no WhatsApp." a statement from The Telegraph. "You can’t install any modern messaging app. So forget about WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger and anything like them.", statement from Gizmodo… and I could go on, but unfortunately my brain and I have better things to do.
Cheers!
This phone will be good product for companies to purchase as business phones for employees. It can also be a good use for people who are working on construction sites or on heavy physical jobs. This phone will be more damage proof due to the lack of big screen. It will be good for older users who don’t care about instagram or Facebook. It is good low segment product with a good price.
The phone looks an enticing blend of nostalgia for the 3310 of yore and a modern hip design. Unfortunately it’s a blatant exploitation of people’s nostalgia for the famed 3310. Where is this going to end? Next we will have Motorola coming out with the Razr and DynaTAC, BlackBerry with its Bold, and so on. What’s the use? I don’t at all understand the euphoria behind this. This company, what’s-it-called, is just piggybacking onto the nostalgia surrounding old phones and aiming to make a neat profit. Will we now return to bulletin boards just to relive the nostalgia? If this company has got some mettle, it should try beating a flagship by Samsung or Huawei. Earning money by exploiting people’s nostalgia is a dishonest way of earning money. What’s gone is gone. Keep the past in the past, for the sake of sanity.
Nokia 3310 very good product for those people, he is tired to mobile charging.
Would be a great phone for the elderly or the non tech savvy, my girlfriends mother hates the internet and can’t work anything modern, but she does have an old phone like the basic functions this has, aslong as she could text, and call.
Would also be good for companies who just want staff having basic access, calls, messaging, whilst the modern phone can be kept for the tech things of taking photos needing access to the web, emails, send pictures etc whilst still maintaining battery life.
You’ve just been torn apart, no come back?
Now this is what I am talking about! haha! You see!
In androidpit you just have to insult the author to reply. Observed it a lot of times.
When there is a question in the comment section, as an author you have to reply. Been seeing some authors here that snobs questions.
IMO this phone is totally useless. Its too advanced for a dumbphone with its half-baked apps and "limited internet" – but not advanced enough to provide any decent service (internet/apps). You might as well just get the Nokia 225 which has almost exactly the same specs for the same price. The only thing that its got going for it is a long standby time – but I wonder if people would really want to sacrifice usability (read basic smartphone functionality) for a longer battery life.
If you want a cheap smartphone for around the same price then you might as well get something like the BLU Advance 5 for $60.
Ideal para empresas disponibilizar para seus funcionários
english please 😉
Many people want a trustworthy brand like Nokia and a simple phone. They were missing that Nokia basic feature phone. It is good that, it comes with only basic features. Price could have been lower. But it is going to be huge hit.
Nokia have said it’s a gimmick to sell smart phones , these replica’s look like cheap plastic kids toys.
Ideal for companies to make availabke to their employees.