Since late May 2017 when HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, announced the availability of a classic reimagined – the Nokia 3310, has a product that sells itself, it received massive market reception.
Like a master in the game, Nokia 3310 has found its way into the palms of many phone users in Nigeria.
First, at a time in this market cellphone was synonymous with "Nokia 3310". In other words, instead of asking someone to 'bring my phone', one could easily say, 'bring my "Nokia 3310".
Secondly, there is a generation that "heard", watched the internet memes, but never "saw" the rugged "Nokia 3310". So, in strategic locations like the Computer Village, turned to sort of going to mecca or Jerusalem as buyers thronged the retail outlets in search of the "new" Nokia 3310. The online retailers are also making sales!
When you refer a phone to "always on power (charged)" give it to the foremost Nokia 3310. However, can the same be said of the "new" 3310?
The Phone speaks For Itself
Design: Nokia is notable for great designs. Of course, the new 3310 is not different, retains the original phone's design DNA. Especially, the fascia is reminiscent of the original phone.
Design: Nokia is notable for great designs. Of course, the new 3310 is not different, retains the original phone's design DNA. Especially, the fascia is reminiscent of the original phone.
Although the new phone feels much more polished compared to the good-old tank that the 3310 was. But, this understandable as things have really changed, over time.
Looking at the curvy and ergonomic iconic phone, it would have been better to retain more of the original phone's charm. For instance, apart from the fascia, it is difficult to tell the new 3310 apart from other recent Nokia feature-phones. Especially, the 3310's (2017) back is quite generic.
Weight: The phone has shed weight from 133 grams to just 80 grams. This is perfect in keeping to the times we are in. It has also gone leaner from 2.2 cm thickness to just under 1.3 cm. Despite losing the heft though, the handset is quite sturdy.
As a features phone, it is a great idea to maintain the old-school keypad. It is also a plus the menu navigation is swift due to the limited features. Moreover, you will never have to worry about software updates.
Thumbs Down:
I feel the Nokia 3310 (2017 edition) could have followed the propositions of the classic "old-styled" 3310. Mainly because it is too generic and also due to the addition of the camera. What's worse is that the 2-megapixel camera is unusable by today's standards.
I feel the Nokia 3310 (2017 edition) could have followed the propositions of the classic "old-styled" 3310. Mainly because it is too generic and also due to the addition of the camera. What's worse is that the 2-megapixel camera is unusable by today's standards.
I wouldn’t know what spurred HMD to come up with the colour screen considering that the new 3310 lacks essential apps like Facebook. It doesn't even have 3G support. So instead of going with a pointless colour screen, HMD should have retained a monochrome screen to help shoot-up the nostalgia quotient.
The 3310 (2017) only has 16 MB (yes, it is not a typo) internal storage! Wait, of that, only 2 MB is user accessible. Since this phone costs close to N20000, HMD should have considered providing more features.
Technical Specifications of New Nokia 3310
• System: Dual band 900/1800 MHz
• System: Dual band 900/1800 MHz
• Available in dual SIM variants (microSIM)
• Software platform: Nokia Series 30+
• Dimensions: 115.6 x 51.0 x 12.8mm
• Weight: 79.6 g (including battery)
• Display: 2.4’’ curved window colour QVGA (240*320)
• Connectivity: micro USB, 3.5mm AV connector
Bluetooth 3.0 with SLAM
• Camera: 2Mpxl camera with LED flash
• Camera: 2Mpxl camera with LED flash
• MicroSD card support up to 32GB*
• LED torchlight
Operating times
• Standby time: up to 31.0 days**
• Standby time: up to 31.0 days**
• Talk time: up to 22.1 hours**
• MP3 playback up to 51.0 hours
• FM radio playback up to 39.0 hours
Verdict
If your question is: should you buy it? Aside people throwing money at the 'legendry' 3310 purely for the nostalgia, it is an outstanding feature phone.
If your question is: should you buy it? Aside people throwing money at the 'legendry' 3310 purely for the nostalgia, it is an outstanding feature phone.
The Nokia 3310 comes in four distinctive colours - Warm Red and Yellow, both with a gloss finish, and Dark Blue and Grey, both with a matte finish and will retail at a retail price of NGN 18,000.00 (depending on store and location).
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