Old Nokia Phones

Nokia’s wacky notions and unbreakable bricks changed the gadget-time continuum throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. We have pleasant memories of the original old Nokia phones (hard luck beating our Snake high score, guys), but many other famous devices exist. Many may have been rated among the greatest cell phones on the market then. We’ve revisited the best old Nokia phones of all time, but our trip down memory lane also includes a couple of less-than-classic models.

Because Nokia was on its own, with no one to answer to, its moments of amazing boundary-pushing were matched by moments of the purest wrongheadedness the digital world has ever seen. Some of its more experimental designs were artistic and ergonomic disasters.

Their like may never be seen again, and in a strange sense, we mourn their loss just as much as we do that of such design icons as the 3310 and Lumia 800. So join us in celebrating a time when organizing your alphanumeric keyboard like a clock didn’t seem like a bad idea.

90’s Old Nokia Phones: Features of 90’s Old Nokia Phones

Nokia phones from the 1990s were noted for their extraordinary features, which set them apart from other mobile devices of the time. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key characteristics that made these phones so popular:

• Durable and Reliable Build Quality

One of the most notable qualities of Nokia phones from the 1990s was their long-lasting and dependable build. These phones were designed to stand the test of time and can readily tolerate accidental drops and bumps. The phones’ strong design ensured that they stayed undamaged even after heavy treatment. Nokia phones were well-known for their long-lasting durability, making them a popular choice among users seeking a gadget that could survive the rigors of daily use.

• Long Battery Life

Another notable aspect of 1990s Nokia phones was their long battery life. Unlike many modern smartphones, which require charging several times per day, Nokia phones may spend days without being plugged in. These phones’ smart power management allowed them to endure for hours of continuous use, making them ideal for extended excursions or situations where access to a power source was limited. The lengthy battery life of Nokia phones was a significant benefit and a major selling factor for those who valued dependability and convenience.

• Iconic Snake Game

No discussion of 1990s Nokia phones would be complete without mentioning the iconic Snake game. This simple but addictive game became synonymous with Nokia phones and was played by millions of people worldwide. The goal was to guide a snake that grew longer as it ate items on the screen while avoiding collisions with its own body. The game gave hours of enjoyment and was an excellent way to spend time. Snake is a beloved game among those who grew up playing on Nokia phones.

• Simple and user-friendly interface

Nokia phones from the 1990s had a basic and user-friendly interface, making them suitable for users of various ages and technical abilities. The menu system was simple and easy to use, allowing users to access many features and operations without complication. The straightforward design of the interface allowed even first-time mobile phone users to rapidly learn the basics and begin using their Nokia phones with ease. Nokia focused on simplicity and utility to ensure that their phones appealed to a diverse variety of users.

• Compact and portable design

In an era when mobile phones were sometimes heavy and clunky, Nokia phones distinguished themselves for their tiny and portable design. These phones were compact, lightweight, and fit easily into pockets or bags, making them ideal for consumers on the go. The tiny design did not sacrifice functionality, as Nokia phones managed to incorporate a variety of capabilities while preserving their attractive form factor. The portability of Nokia phones contributed significantly to their broad success, as customers valued the convenience of having a powerful communication device that could be taken anywhere.

Popular Models of 90’s Old Nokia Phones

When it comes to popular Nokia phone models from the 1990s, several memorable gadgets come to mind quickly. These phones not only transformed the mobile phone industry but also had a long-term impact on how we communicated and interacted with technology. Let us take a deeper look at some of these iconic Nokias:

1. Nokia 3210

The Nokia 3210 was a game-changer in the 1990s. It had a compact and durable design that could stand the test of time. This phone’s sturdy build quality earned it a reputation for dependability and longevity. The Nokia 3210 was also among the first phones to feature customizable covers, allowing customers to personalize their smartphones. It was a trendsetter, paving the way for mobile phone personalization.

2. Nokia 5110

Another prominent Nokia phone from the 1990s is the Nokia 5110. This phone was popular among many because of its simplicity and user-friendly interface. The 5110 had an iconic monochrome display and a simple menu system that anyone could navigate and operate. It also had an amazing battery life, letting users stay connected for extended periods without worrying about running out of charge.

3. Nokia 3310

The Nokia 3310 is one of the most well-known and lasting Nokia devices of all time. This phone developed a cult following and is still known for its toughness and extended battery life. The Nokia 3310 was more than simply a phone; it represented a statement. Its tiny form and changing covers enabled users to express their uniqueness. Furthermore, the Nokia 3310 debuted the classic Snake game, which immediately became a global hit.

4. Nokia 8210

The Nokia 8210 was a groundbreaking device that demonstrated Nokia’s commitment to innovation. This phone had a compact and streamlined design, making it one of the smallest and most portable phones at the time. Despite its small size, the Nokia 8210 was powerful in terms of sophisticated features like infrared connectivity and predictive text messaging. It was a phone that embodied style, utility, and convenience.

5. Nokia 8810

Last but not least, the Nokia 8810 was a pioneering device that pushed the limits of design and technology. This phone has a unique slider mechanism that gives it an elegant and sophisticated appearance. The Nokia 8810 also included an internal antenna, removing the need for additional antennae. With its elegant form and innovative features, it became a symbol of status and luxury.

 The Evolution of Nokia Phones in the 90’s

In the ever-changing environment of mobile phones in the 1990s, Nokia made its mark with the release of the Nokia 1011. The Nokia 1011, released in 1992, was the first commercially accessible GSM mobile phone.

It transformed how people communicated, laying the groundwork for the future of mobile technology. With its sleek form and unique features, the Nokia 1011 soon became a symbol of status and sophistication.

Following the success of the Nokia 1011, Nokia introduced the Nokia Communicator series, which pushed the frontiers even further. These gadgets were ahead of their time, integrating mobile phone capability with PDA features. The Nokia Communicator series, which began with the Nokia 9000 in 1996, included a complete QWERTY keyboard, a big display, and advanced communication features. It revolutionized the way professionals stayed connected and productive while on the go.

• Advances in Display Technology

Nokia phones’ display technology advanced significantly throughout the 1990s. The once monochromatic panels gave birth to brilliant color displays, which improved the user experience. Nokia pioneered this trend with devices such as the Nokia 3210, which debuted a bright color display in 1999. Color screens make phones more visually appealing while also improving reading and utility.

• Introduction of Color Screens

The introduction of color screens transformed the mobile phone industry in the 1990s. It revolutionized the user experience by increasing engagement and immersion. With color screens, Nokia phones enabled customers to personalize their displays with wallpapers and screensavers. The bold hues added vitality to the interface, making it more visually appealing and fun to use.

• The incorporation of built-in antennas

Another notable advancement in the evolution of Nokia phones during the 1990s was the addition of built-in antennae. Previously, mobile phones relied on external antennas, which were typically bulky and easy to break. Nokia recognized the need for a more compact and durable design, which led to the incorporation of antennas inside the phone body. This not only improved the devices’ aesthetic appeal but also increased their durability and resistance to damage.

Impact of 90’s Old Nokia Phones

The 1990s were a watershed moment in the history of mobile phones, with Nokia emerging as a trailblazer who defined the mobile phone culture we know today. Nokia’s famous and durable phones transformed the way people interacted, paving the way for the present smartphone era. Let’s take a closer look at the influence of Nokia phones from the 1990s.

• Pioneering Mobile Phone Culture

Nokia was instrumental in establishing the modern mobile phone culture. Mobile phones were still regarded as luxury items in the 1990s, but Nokia’s low-cost and dependable phones made them more attainable to a wider audience. The Nokia 3210, Nokia 5110, Nokia 3310, Nokia 8210, and Nokia 8810 revolutionized the mobile phone industry. These phones became a sign of status and convenience, and possessing a Nokia phone quickly became a popular trend.

• Rise of Text Messaging

The growth of text messaging was one of the most significant contributions made by Nokia phones in the 1990s. Nokia phones were among the first to include SMS (Short Message Service) features, allowing users to send and receive short written messages. This innovation transformed communication, offering a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional phone conversations. Text messaging became extremely popular, particularly among the younger population, and Nokia phones played a key role in popularizing this new mode of communication.

• Increased Access to Mobile Technology

Before the introduction of Nokia phones, mobile technology was restricted to a select few. Nokia changed this by making mobile phones more accessible to the general public. Nokia phones were appealing to individuals from all walks of life due to their low cost and long lifespan. Whether you were a student, a professional, or a stay-at-home parent, having a Nokia phone became essential. Nokia’s commitment to providing dependable and user-friendly phones enabled millions of people worldwide to experience mobile technology.

• Shaping the Future of Mobile Communication

Nokia’s importance in the future of mobile communication cannot be overemphasized. The breakthroughs achieved by Nokia in the 1990s paved the way for the development of current cell phones. Nokia featured unique ringtones, predictive text input, and the ability to download and install apps. These inventions laid the groundwork for the smartphones we use today, which feature touchscreens, app stores, and limitless potential. Nokia’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile technology has had a long-lasting impact on the industry.

• Cult Following and Nostalgia

Even though Nokia phones from the 1990s are now regarded as relics of the past, many people still remember them fondly. Nokia phones have a cult following due to their simplicity and nostalgia. People fondly recall the days when they could drop their Nokia phone without it breaking or spend hours playing the classic Snake game. These phones’ sturdiness and lifespan have earned them legendary reputations, and many aficionados continue to collect and appreciate them today.

The List of Original Nokia Phones

Technology never stops evolving. That’s why we rarely see those old-school phones from the 1990s anymore.

Going back in time, you’ll notice that our phones weren’t always this sophisticated. Nokia was formerly the largest firm in the industry, and its phones were well-known.

Not to add that the Nokia 1011, released in 1992, was one of the first commercially available consumer handsets.

Nokia phones were ingrained in the brains of millennials because they were the first generation to be born during the era of the first portable mobile phones. Who can forget the classic Snake game, right?

Until yet, the company has released dozens of models. Make no mistake: certain Nokia phones were innovative, while others were not so wonderful.

That is why we have handpicked original Nokia phones specifically for our old-school readers.

1. Nokia 1011 (1992)

The Nokia 1011 had a significant impact on digital handheld phone history, not only because it was Nokia’s first mass-produced GSM phone but also because it had a rather elegant appearance for its time. It wasn’t large, at least. This ancient device weighed 475 grams and could make calls as well as transmit and receive text messages. How comprehensive, right?

2. Nokia 2110 (1994)

Believe it or not, the Nokia 2110 was known as the smallest GSM phone and one of the best available in the 1990s. At the time, the Nokia 2110 was rather pricey. This phone stood out since it was the first to include the Nokia tune. Yes, you heard it correctly.

3. Nokia 8110 (1996)

How awesome can a phone get? Keanu Reeves utilized a curving slider in The Matrix. The distinctive banana phone 8110, designed for the corporate market, was the first in Nokia’s high-end 8000 series, as well as one of the first slider phones.

4. Nokia 9000 Communicator (1996)

The Nokia Communicator, considered the first smartphone, had it all. It packed all of the functionality of a computer into a pocket phone. The 9000 communicator was ahead of its time, with a full QWERTY keyboard, web browsing, email, word processing, and 8 MB of storage space.

5. Nokia 7710 (1999)

This was the first mobile phone to include wireless application protocol, popularly known as WAP. Simply put, it enabled people to retrieve information from the internet. Even though its data rate was not cutting-edge enough to rock the globe, customers could nevertheless check their emails. Not bad!

6. Nokia 3210 (1999)

This device lacked any notable features, such as an internet connection, camera, or slider keyboard. Despite this, it was one of the most popular products at the time, with over 160 million users.

7. Nokia 7210 (2002)

We finally started to see some color. The Nokia 7210 included an uncommon accessory that was just beginning to debut in the early 2000s: an attachable camera. The camera saved the 7210 from failure, as its keyboard design was not only unsightly but also unworkable.

8. Nokia N-Gage (2003)

Despite being experimental, it was ultimately a failure. Combining a phone with a game console. N-Gage must have been the ideal phone, right? Wrong. It was not the tremendous hit that was expected. Not to mention that you had to keep it in an odd and unpleasant position during phone calls.

9. Nokia N91 (2005)

The Nokia N91 is destined to be one of the most unattractive Nokia phones. Except for its huge internal music storage of 4 GB, the characteristics are not particularly impressive.

10. Nokia 3310 (2000)

We’ve saved the greatest until the last! Even today, the rock-solid 3310 makes appearances in memes. The Nokia 3310 was a superphone that could arguably rescue you from a bullet, and it may be the most iconic Nokia phone ever.

This tough boy, which sold over 125 million units, had a never-ending battery life. If you’ve used it before and still have it somewhere, you should check because it could still be on.

Old Nokia Handsets

This is a list of old Nokia handsets released for the UK market between the 1980s and the first half of the 2000s, organized by product group.

Initially, Nokia phones were relatively comparable to those from other manufacturers. Nokia’s CEO, Jorma Ollila, and design consultant Frank Nuovo predicted the future of the budding mobile business in the early 1990s. As a result of this collaboration, Nokia’s product line has gradually expanded to accommodate a wide spectrum of users.

Nokia analogue phones: Cityman 1320, Nokia 101, Nokia 232, and Nokia RinGo.

• Analog phones

Early mobile phones were built with minimal planning, design, or marketing. However, with the help of Frank Nuovo, who joined as a design consultant with Nokia in 1989, the Nokia vision began to take shape.

The Nokia 101, which prioritized ease of use over features and tiny size, provides a glimpse into the future of analog phones. Later, Nuovo created the 232, a consumer phone with plenty of elegance. Nuovo called it his Ferrari phone.

The Nokia RinGo, touted as a low-cost, user-friendly phone for the Swedish market, carried the concept of simplicity too far. It was the Nokia “Bimbo” that alienated female customers. But the rinGo found new life as the UK’s first PAYG Nokia.

Year	Phone	Form	Remarks
1987	Nokia/Mobira Cityman 1320	Brick	Nokia’s first handheld. Also released for the NMT network as Cityman 450 and Cityman 900
1990	Nokia Cityman 100	Brick	Different style Cityman phone
1990	Nokia Cityman 190	Brick	A more advanced version of the Cityman 100
1992	Nokia 101	Candybar	Designed by Frank Nuovo, put usability first and set Nokia on its future path to success
1992	Nokia 121	Candybar	Advanced business user version of the 101
1993	Nokia 100	Candybar	A basic consumer version of the 101
1994	Nokia 232	Candybar	Stylish consumer phone designed by Frank Nuovo; Alicia Silverstone’s phone in ‘Clueless’
1996	Nokia Ringo	Candybar	Very basic analog phone with a reputation as the “Bimbo” phone; the first Nokia on PAYG in the UK (1997)
1996	Nokia 909	Candybar	Basic analog phone, more advanced than the RinGo.

 

Original GSM Phones

Nokia committed to GSM. Ollila realized that GSM would eventually replace analog. Early GSM phones were analog-style updates, but two iconic designs, the 2110 business phone and the 1610 consumer phone, established a distinct Nokia identity. Both enjoyed a lengthy production run and a devoted following.

The 8110 marked the beginning of the Premium category by pushing mobile phone design in new directions.

Year	Phone	Form	Remarks
1992	Nokia 1011	Candybar	Nokia’s first GSM phone
1994	Nokia 2110	Candybar	Advanced business user GSM phone; the first phone with the Nokia tune ringtone
1994	Nokia 2140	Candybar	A special version of the 2110 for the Orange network
1994	Nokia 2010	Candybar	Basic digital phone; substitute for the 101 where analog networks were not available
1996	Nokia 1610	Candybar	Consumer version of the 2110 with outstanding battery life; many people’s first mobile phone
1996	Nokia 8110	Slide	The classic ‘Matrix’ phone; superb design by Frank Nuovo.
1997	Nokia 3110	Candybar	Replacement for the 2110 and the first phone to feature the Navi key

Product Categories

By 1998, product categories played a significant role in Nokia’s marketing strategy. The primary categories were Expression (basic phones with customizable fascias and ringtones), Classic (business phones), Fashion (high-end consumer phones emphasizing coolness and style), and Premium. It is difficult to say when Nokia initially began using these labels internally, and the categories were fluid, with certain phones dropping down a category as they grew older and less attractive.

Nokia added two more categories in the early 2000s: Entry and Active. The entry focused on low-cost phones for first-time users or those looking for ‘just a phone’. Active phones were rugged phones designed for athletes or builders.

Premium category (8800 series)

Nokia’s premium phones were the pinnacle of its offerings. They elevated mobile phones to the same rank as luxury watches and sports vehicles. They were intended for senior executives and wealthy individuals.

The Premium range’s origins are most likely in the 8110, which emphasized high-quality design, though the Premium sector was more about “bling” than subtle, elegant design. The 8810 was the first true premium phone, adding a beautiful chrome finish to the black and grey phones of the time. Given the significance of 8 in Asian culture, the model number began with 88, which was no coincidence. The collection included a gold-plated version aimed at the Hong Kong market.

Year	Phone	Form	Remarks
1998	Nokia 8810	Slide	Frank Nuovo’s original slide phone with chrome look case
1999	Nokia 8850	Slide	Update on the 8850 with aluminum slider case
2002	Nokia 8890	Slide	A titanium-cased updated version of the 8850
2003	Nokia 8890i	Slide	Revision of the 8888
2005	Nokia 8800/8801	Slide	The ultimate luxury phone using watch-making techniques

 

Fashion category (7000 series from 2002)

The Fashion category phones were all about flair and coolness. They were high-end consumer phones with cutting-edge technologies, but stylish rather than geeky. Fashion phones were compact, light, and aesthetically pleasing.
While the early fashion phones, the 8000 series, catered to both male and female users, the later fashion phones, the 7000 series, became more geared toward women.

Year	Phone	Form	Remarks
1999	Nokia 8210	Candybar	The smallest and lightest Nokia to date
2001	Nokia 8310	Candybar	A restyled model with 3-way customization
2002	Nokia 7210	Candybar	Stylish case and color screen
2003	Nokia 7250/7250i	Candybar	Fashion phone with a camera
2004	Nokia 7260/7270/7280	Candybar/Clamshell/Lipstick	Three differently styled fashion phones, including the famous lipstick phone
2006	Nokia 7360/7370/7380/739	Various	Four differently styled fashion phones

Other 7000 series phones

Nokia unveiled two groundbreaking phones with 7000 series numbers: the 7110, Nokia’s first WAP phone, and the 7650, Nokia’s first camera phone. These phones did not fit the fashion category.

Classic category (6000 series)

Classic phones were business phones with a traditional appearance and advanced capabilities, including tri-band GSM, infrared, and Bluetooth connectivity. They focused on corporate users who valued efficiency, productivity, and compatibility with previous phones. Nokia named this market segment Controllers.

These phones build on the success of the 2110 business phone, retaining its core user base while bringing top-end users up to the Premium category. Although some Classic phones achieved a comparable, if not even better, status due to their practicality, modest styling, and feature set. The 6310 sparked a dedicated consumer base that wanted to keep using the phone long after rival designs had surpassed it.

Year	Phone	Form	Remarks
1998	Nokia 6110	Candybar	Business phone complementing the 5110
2000	Nokia 6210	Candybar	A smaller and lighter version of the 6110
2001	Nokia 6310	Candybar	Classic Nokia business phone
2002	Nokia 6310i	Candybar	Tri-band version of the 6310; much loved by the business community

Expression (3000 series from 1999)

Expression phones were about simplicity and personalization. They were aimed at a Nokia market category known as ‘Balancers’. Balancers emphasized family and the important things in life. They wanted phones that were simple to use and quick to master while still allowing for some personalization. Later Expression phones targeted the teenage market, whereas simple phones like the Nokia 1100 were designed for consumers who simply needed a phone.

According to Wikipedia, these are 3000 series phones. While the 5110 was not marketed as an Expression phone when it was released, it did offer the majority of the Expression category’s attributes, including customization, easy and intuitive operation, and a basic feature set. The 3110 from 1997 does not belong in this group; it debuted with the intuitive Navi-Key, but it was a business phone with a more classic end-user profile.

Year	Phone	Form	Remarks
1998	Nokia 5110	Candybar	Nokia’s first phone with Xpress on covers
1999	Nokia 3210	Candybar	First of the 3000 series phones; built-in aerial.
2000	Nokia 3310	Candybar	Very popular Nokia phone
2001	Nokia 3330	Candybar	WAP-enabled version of the 3310
2002	Nokia 3410	Candybar	Restyled and improved version of the 3330
2002	Nokia 3510	Candybar	New phone with polyphonic ringtones

Entry Category (1000 and 2000 series)

The Entry category ranked last among Nokia’s offerings. The entry category proper began with the 1100;   later marketing literature places the 3310 in the basic category.

Year	Phone	Form	Remarks
2003	Nokia 2300	Candybar	Fun fashion phone aimed at social first-time mobile phone users
2003	Nokia 1100	Candybar	Nokia’s most popular phone; no-nonsense basic phone

 

What is the First Nokia Mobile?

Nokia is a name that may soon be forgotten, which is unfortunate. The company, which is now part of Microsoft, has been producing phones for nearly 30 years, introducing many notable models along the way. However, when we look at the Mobira Senator, the word “remarkable” does not immediately come to mind. Still, it was the phone that started it all: Nokia’s first phone debuted in 1982.

Nokia merged with an electronics business called Salora in 1979, giving rise to the Mobira brand name. Two years later, in 1981, Finland’s first cell phone system went live, and Mobira was busy constructing phones for the new network. The first-generation (1G) analog standard, known as NMT-450, operated on the 450MHz VHF band.

The Mobira Senator was introduced in 1982 and advertised as a phone for in-car use. Sure, you could carry it about, but its weight of 9.8 kg (22 lb.) made it difficult. There were no lithium-ion batteries back then, you know. The Mobira Senator is now one of the rarest cell phones ever made, which is not surprising considering its age.

What are Nokia Vintage phones?

“The Japanese made the smallest, the Americans made the lightest, but the Finns made the best,” said a US magazine advertisement promoting the Nokia 101 in 1992. It is difficult to disagree with this sentiment. Nokia made the best use of the technology available at the time, enclosing each new mobile in a modernist shell in which form followed function. They created some of the most useful mobile phones from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

The Finnish corporation Nokia was one of the first to enter the mobile phone market. Nokia’s engagement in the business dates back to the 1960s, when vehicle phones were the sole means to access mobile communications. Nokia’s first non-car phone was the Mobira Talkman for the NMT (Nordic Mobile Telephony) network in 1984. The Nokia/Mobira Cityman 1320, released in 1987, was the first phone that you could carry.

Nokia’s design aesthetic and commitment to digital phones in the 1990s helped them eclipse Motorola as the world’s largest cell phone supplier. Nokia was constantly ahead of the curve, anticipating trends and creating new markets.

Nokia’s youthful designers were able to read and exploit the tough young professional and teen markets, producing phones that were both cool and functional.

Nokia phones were both trendy consumer devices and popular business equipment. For many years, the Nokia 2110/2110i series served as the quintessential business phone.

Nokia also broke into the premium phone market with the Nokia 8110, which appeared in the science fiction film The Matrix, and pioneered the smartphone concept with the 9000i Communicator, which was named What Cellphone’s most innovative phone of 1997. However, in recent years, Nokia was caught off guard when Apple introduced the iPhone.

Nokia Phone 1999

• Date launched: 1999
• Network: GSM 900 MHz/1800 MHz
• Form: Candy bar with internal aerial
• Size: 51(w)x124(h)x23(d) mm
• Weight: 151g
• Cost new: £149.99
• Can you use it today? Yes

Teenage mobile culture began with the Nokia 3210. It was small enough to fit in an ordinary pocket and allowed you to text your buddies without drawing notice. Texting was rapid on the Nokia 3210 for those who mastered predictive text, a skill that youngsters mastered more easily than adults. Simultaneously, cheaper PAYG plans enabled youngsters to own mobile phones.

In 1999, the year Nokia debuted the 3210, 35% of people under the age of 18 owned a mobile phone. Some spent fortunes on them. Shaniqua, a 15-year-old girl from a North London comprehensive, claimed to spend £100 every month on her cell phone. Every break, Shaniqua’s schoolmates gathered to check their texts. They stood the possibility of having their phones taken if they rang during class.

The Nokia 3210 entered the market at precisely the right time. It was compact, but not particularly light, and it was easily customizable. Although the Nokia 5110 established the concept of changeable fascias, the 3210 allowed you to change both the front and back of the phone.

Nokia branded the 3210 as ‘Fun outside. Serious within’. It was a dual-band phone. In addition to predictive text, SMS messages might contain images. It didn’t have a camera phone, though. The graphics were primitive, pixelated monochrome images.

In September 1999, Wayne Hemmingway, Jasper Conran, and Justin Oh created covers for the Nokia 3210. They were sold at auction to benefit an Aids charity. Nokia provided the public the ability to design their covers for £30.

The popularity of customized covers prompted the establishment of numerous aftermarket enterprises. Mark Hodgson, who was laid off from a mobile phone company, founded his own business, CoverFrenzy. He provided covers for the Nokia 3210, 3310, 3330, and 8210. The customer provided a picture to his website, and CoverFrenzy handled the rest for £19.25. Hodgson’s oldest customer was 71 years old, even though his firm targeted ‘young trendies’. To them, a customizable mobile phone was as significant as a pair of designer sneakers.

On a serious note, the Nokia 3210 featured the first Hindi UI. Initially, the Nokia 3210 was expensive on PAYG. However, prices immediately dropped. By the end of 2000, you could buy one for less than £70. By then, the tiny Nokia 3310 was the hottest thing.

The 3210 evoked affection among its users. Many years later, some people declared they preferred it to today’s smartphones. Gavin Bramwell compared his Nokia 3210 to the Ford Sierra. It was easy to operate and difficult to harm. His Nokia 3210 was hit by a car and did not survive!

Old Nokia phones 2000

The Nokia 3310 is a discontinued GSM mobile phone that was introduced on September 1, 2000, and released in the fourth quarter of the year, succeeding the popular Nokia 3210. It was a huge success, selling 126 million units worldwide and becoming one of Nokia’s most recognizable devices. The phone is still highly regarded and has achieved cult status due to its reputation for endurance.

The Nokia 3310 was manufactured in factories in Finland and Hungary. The 3315s were manufactured in South Korea for the Asian-Pacific market. In 2017, a new mobile phone based on the 3310 design debuted. The new Nokia 3310 model receives a significant upgrade over its predecessor, including a 2.4″ color display, a 2-megapixel rear camera, and a microSD card.

• Design

The 3310 was created at Nokia’s Copenhagen facility in Denmark and debuted at the “Don’t Be Bored” event. Be entirely board.” lifestyle event in Oberhausen, Germany, as well as “Nokia Unplugged” concerts across Asia-Pacific. The phone is tiny and durable, with an 84 × 48 pixel pure monochrome display.

It has a lighter detachable 115 g (4.1 oz) battery variant with fewer features; for example, the 133 g (4.6 oz) battery version has the start-up image of two hands touching, whereas the 115 g (4.05 ounce) version does not. It is a slightly rounded rectangular item that is normally held in the palm, with the thumb controlling the buttons.

The blue button is the primary option selection button, with the “C” button serving as a “backspace”, “back”, or “undo” button. The up and down buttons are utilized for navigation purposes. The on/off/profile button is a firm black button on top of the phone. The 3310, like its predecessor, the Nokia 3210, was touted as a customizable consumer-oriented handset aimed toward youth. It is approximately a centimeter shorter than the 3210.

The 3310 is noted for its reasonably sturdy casing and construction, which is frequently overstated in online groups. Numerous videos also exist of the phone being subjected to increasingly severe damage tests to test its strength, such as being dropped from a great height (sometimes while being protected with makeshift cases made from various objects), being crushed by heavy objects, or being struck by vehicles or hammers, all of which the phone proved to be resilient. The 3310’s reputation for durability inspired HMD Global to create the Nokia 800 Tough with MIL-STD-810G standard compliance in mind.

• Features

The Nokia 3310’s key new feature over its predecessors was the chat capability. This is an instant messaging-like feature that uses ordinary SMS. The 3310 was popular for SMS text messaging because of Chat and the ability to send long messages three times the size of a typical SMS text message, at 459 characters. It also included threaded SMS authoring and voice dialing for speed dialing of certain numbers.

The 3310 is noted for having numerous features that were uncommon at the time. There are numerous utilities available, including a calculator, Nokia network monitor, stopwatch, and reminder feature. It includes four games: Pairs II, Space Impact, Bantumi, and the extremely popular Snake II.

Snake games have been popular on Nokia handsets since the late 1990s. CNET described Space Impact, a shoot ’em up in which the user launches projectiles at approaching aliens, as a mediocre game in general but impressive for its complexity and length on a mobile device. It was then adapted to various mobile devices.

The Nokia 3310 is powered by Nokia’s proprietary Series 20 software. The Nokia 3310 uses a MiniSIM (also known as a regular SIM).

• Customization

The Nokia 3310 can be personalized with interchangeable Xpress-On covers, and thousands of different designs have been created by various vendors. It also includes over 35 pre-installed ringtones and allows for seven custom tones. These can be either downloaded or created by the user on the handset. The phone features many “profiles” that may be used to specify various preferences, such as silent mode, which prevents the phone from ringing in settings where it would be improper. Screensavers can be created from received photo messages.

Old Nokia Brick Phone: fascinating facts about the original Nokia ‘brick’ phones

HMD, a Finnish startup, is on track to resurrect the storied Nokia brand after an unparalleled decade of decline. Nokia dominated the mobile phone market until Apple rocked it with the initial iPhone in 2007. After a delayed transition to smart devices and reliance on a “burning platform,” Nokia’s devices and services segment was sold to Microsoft in 2013 as a failed experiment. Despite its recent demise, Nokia remains one of the most reputable names in technology.

This is largely owing to its enormously profitable and popular “brick” phones. The “invincible” Nokia 3310 is being revived later this year, so now is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the phone’s extraordinary history.

Conclusion

As we come to the end of our journey, one thing is clear: these phones defied expectations. From the nearly unbreakable Nokia 3310 to the low-cost Nokia Asha 210, Nokia phones dominated the mobile phone market. Now, let’s look at some of the Nokia phones that are now establishing trends.