Home / Gadgets / Nokia 3210 (1999) vs Nokia 3210 (2024): What’s different?

Nokia 3210 (1999) vs Nokia 3210 (2024): What’s different?

By Timothy Teoh May 15, 2024

Comparing two phones of the same model set 25 years apart wasn’t really what we expected, but here we go anyway.

In case you missed it, HMD (Human Mobile Devices), the current manufacturers of Nokia, has revived the classic Nokia 3210 phone first released in 1999. The new 2024 model is spruced up with a slightly edgier look, with the additions of a few upgrades to modernize a not-so-modern device.

Let’s see what’s new on the 2024 Nokia 3210, and how it compares against its vintage ancestor.

Nokia 3210 (1999) vs Nokia 3210 (2024): Spec comparison
Nokia 3210 (1999)Nokia 3210 (2024)
Connectivity2G4G
ProcessorN/AUnisoc T107
RAM & StorageN/A64MB RAM, 128MB Storage (expandable up to 32GB)
Display1.5″ LCD2.4″ QVGA
Rear CameraN/A2MP
Front CameraN/AN/A
Battery1,250mAh1,450mAh; USB-C
Snake GameYesYes; but with colour
Source: HMD, Wikipedia
(From left) Nokia 3210 (1999) vs Nokia 3210 (2024)

The first and obvious noticeable difference is that the newer Nokia 3210 now has a larger screen. Comparatively, the displays on the 2024 version is 2.4″ QVGA against the 1.5″ on the classic model. In case you’re wondering, no, it’s not touchscreen.

Nokia 3210 (2024)

The big change, and possibly the most talked about, is the inclusion of 4G connectivity on the later model. This allows for a variety of internet-based uses, including access to news, weather, and even YouTube Shorts. We’re not sure how the ‘scrolling’ functions is going to work, but we have a hunch it’s going to involve the big middle button just underneath the display.

For the record, the 1999 version only has 2G connectivity, which fulfilled every requirement needed in its time.

Also making a fond comeback is the Snake game, this time upgraded with some colour and seemingly more effects thanks to the new 2.4″ QVGA screen.

Nokia 3210 4G (2024) in Scuba Blue

For the first time on the Nokia 3210, the rear panels mean more than just an armored back. On this year’s iteration, the Nokia 3210 is fitted with a 2MP lens complete with LED flash lighting so you can go wild on low-res photography.

We assume that since the Nokia 3210 now has a larger display and a camera system in the gut, the hardy sturdiness that’s always associated with old Nokia phones may be on the line. But only time will tell.

Nokia 3210 4G (2024) in Grunge Black

What’s promised though is a larger battery 1,450mAh battery, which HMD says will give you up to 9.8 hours of talk time. Batteries are charged via USB-C cable, so there’s no need for rummaging through old boxes for that old Nokia charger.

And lastly, in regards to memory and storage, the Nokia 3210 (2024) will come with 64MB RAM with 128MB storage. However, storage is expandable up to a whopping 32GB via the microSD card slot.

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    Return of the Nokia 3210: 4G connectivity, classic Snake game, RM339.9 price tag

    By Timothy Teoh May 15, 2024

    Like trunk jeans and 1990’s fashion, the classic retro Nokia 3210 phone has made its comeback in a world that’s moving oh so fast.

    Last week, HMD (Human Mobile Devices) – the sole manufacturer of Nokia phones – announced that they’ll be reaching far back into the drawers for the Nokia 3210 blueprint in order to breathe some life back into these dumbphones (their words, not ours).

    Fast forward to today, the carpets have finally been rolled out for the Nokia 3210 to make its comeback. In Malaysia, the Nokia 3210 is priced at RM339.9. It is available via the Nokia Mobile Flagship Store on Shopee, but do note that it ships from China.

    Nokia 3210 specs

    In case you lost track of time, the Nokia 3210 first debuted in 1999. That’s a staggering 25 years ago and a stark reminder that us 90’s kids will be aching at our ankles anytime soon.

    Nevertheless, the revamped classic phone will come with a few additions to keep up with the times. The first is its 4G connectivity enabling internet access. With this, you’ll be able to access news, weather, and even YouTube Shorts via Cloud Apps. These will be displayed across its 2.4″ QVGA screen, which by the way, is larger than the 1.5″ display on the retro version.

    The all-time favourite Snake game also makes a return, serving as a hearty nostalgia to much simpler times.

    Powering the Nokia 3210 is a Unisoc T107 processor, coupled with 64MB RAM and 128MB storage. Storage, however, can be expanded up to 32GB via a microSD card slot, if you somehow find the need for it.

    Packing a 1,450mAh battery, HMD says the Nokia 3210 is set to give you 9 hours of talk time. Oh yes, and it also charges with a USB-C cable now.

    Other noteworthy mentions is its 2MP rear camera with an LED flash right underneath it. The phone supports Bluetooth 5.0, and has a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired earphones.

    The Nokia 3210 comes in three colours: Y2K Gold, Grunge Black, and Scuba Blue.

    (From left) The Nokia 3210 in Y2K Gold, Grunge Black, and Scuba Blue

    As of now, the Nokia 3210 looks very much like a novelty item. This isn’t a tortoise-and-the-hare race where the slower, older protagonist outgrinds the speedier challengers bragging Snapdragon 8 Gen 3s.

    We’re not sure how it’s going to fit in the palms of today’s world, but in an era of excessive screen time, it’s nice to have a little pushback against mindless doomscrolling.

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