Nokia 3310 (2017)

Nokia 3310 is back

In line with previous leaks and rumours, Nokia unveiled a re-incarnated version of their iconic Nokia 3310 feature phone along with a slew of Android powered smartphones during their MWC 2017 event.

While the Nokia 3, Nokia 5 and Nokia 6 are the big ticket items aimed at the general public, it was the Nokia 3310 that was undoubtedly the star of the show and grabbed everyone's attention. An oddity, a relic of a bygone era, the Nokia 3310 is a feature phone that dares to stand tall amongst today's infinitely complex smartphones.

A new report claims that the Nokia 3310 will be released globally before Nokia's three Android smartphones. The Nokia 3310 will be launching in April, with the Nokia 3, Nokia 6, Nokia 5 and Nokia 3 getting a staggered release throughout May.

A feature phone in 2017 might seem like a ludicrous idea to some. But when you think about it, the mind-blowing battery life, tank like build quality and the affordable price point makes a feature phone such as the Nokia 3310 an excellent option for a secondary phone and even as a primary device for those who are sick of the ultra connected world we live in.

The original Nokia 3310 was a legend. There are instance of people still using the Nokia 3310 17 years after they bought it in the year 2000 without any problem. Can you imagine a smartphone of toady's time lasting even remotely close to that long?

Thus, it is pretty clear that the re-incarnation of the Nokia 3310 has a lot to live up-to. Does it carry forward the legacy of its predecessor? What all has changed? Let's find out!

1.It’s priced at a €49 (around Rs 3450)

The refreshed 3310 retains an important core appeal of the original, its affordable price. The new phone will be available in Europe for 49 euros and while prices for other regions have not been announced it is expected to be in a similar bracket.

2. It has a colour display

When it comes to display technology the new phone offers a massive leap over the classic 3310; the screen has colour. A colour screen was expected as monochromatic displays have become all but obsolete. The new phone comes with a 2.4 inch with a pixel density of 120 ppi. What does that mean? The 3310 will not turn any heads with the display but it will be more than adequate.

HMD has said the polarized and curved screen window makes for better readability in sunlight.

3. No selfies, but there is a rear camera

The new device unlike it’s predecessor comes with a 2 megapixel rear camera and a LED flash. HMD says the camera can be used for “simple snaps” so don’t expect high resolution masterpieces. Tragically for social media enthusiasts there is no front camera for selfies on the new phone.

4. Snake is back

Remember Snake, that simple four button game that used to be an addictive time sink, well it is back. The new version will keep its simple 2D gameplay but will have a multicoloured art style instead of a monochrome look of old.

5. The battery lasts for days

For all the great things that modern smartphones do, they have terrible battery lives. On this front, the new 3310 harkens back to the good old days. “Remember when you could leave the house without a charger?” says the product’s official site. The phone comes with a humongous battery life that can last almost month on standby and offers 22 hours of talk time.

There are some areas however, where not much has changed. The new Nokia 3310 has the same age old 2G connection as its predecessor with no Wi-Fi on board. Additionally, it retains the iconic Nokia ringtone that became so ubiquitous during the early 2000's.

Lastly, and thankfully so, the 3310 has remained a no nonsense feature phone and Nokia has not tried to infuse smart features in the device just for the sake of it.

Will you be buying the new Nokia 3310? Does the idea of a feature phone in 2017 excite or repel you? Sound off in the comments!