A cult classic among mobile phones, the Nokia 3310 has taken on an almost mythical status. Released in 2000, this phone belongs in the same realm of millennial nostalgia as Y2K fashion, dial-up internet modems and MSN Messenger. If you’re nostalgic for a time when social media didn’t demand so much of your attention and you didn’t have to ask “is it AI?”, the Nokia 3310 might just be the device for you.
Of course, there’s more to this classic phone than memories. Widely known for its indestructible nature and unbelievably long (by today’s standards) battery life, it’s as sturdy and as reliable as you get. That might explain why it got so much love from the public when it was re-released in 2017.
While no new models are in production, Nokia 3310s are still available as refurbished phones and through third-party retailers. But how do they hold up 26 years after they first arrived on the scene? Can you see yourself giving up Facebook, Instagram, Google Maps, and Uber Eats for the simple joys of playing Snake instead?
As the leading destination for refurbished phones in Australia, here is the OzMobiles retrospective guide to the icon known as “the brick”, also known as “the phone that wouldn’t die”.
About the Nokia 3310 (The Brick)
While it may look positively retro these days, the Nokia 3310 was a groundbreaking phone for its time. With 126 million units produced, it remains one of the best-selling phones of all time, and many people in their thirties and older remember it as the first mobile phone they ever owned.
While the Nokia 3310 is a great handset for those who want a simple, distraction-free life with a phone that just covers calls and texts, it’s also a striking example of early user experience (UX) design. A simple screen setup made it easy to see the status of your phone’s battery and signal. The elegant design fits right into your pocket, unlike a lot of the larger mobile phones at the time. Yet it’s also sturdy, earning the nickname ‘The Brick’ back in its day for being seemingly impossible to wreck (more on that below).
The 2017 re-release of the Nokia 3310 revamped the old design with some new additions, like a slightly bigger screen and a camera. Running an updated version of its original S30 software, this re-release comes with the same perks as the original plus some new ones, including:
An extra-long battery life
Do you wish you could embark on a multi-day camping trip or weekend at a music festival without having to bring a charger and look for a power source? The Nokia 3310 includes a battery life that seems unbelievable by today’s standards, lasting up to a month on a single charge.
Snake
Before there were endless apps to download, a simple game of Snake could keep Nokia 3310 users entertained for long stretches. While the original game was black and white, the 2017 Nokia 3310 includes an updated colourised version called Snake Xenzia, in which players eat pieces of fruit to progress to the next level.
Limited social media capability
While you can use (some) social media apps like Facebook, Facebook Messenger and Twitter on the 2017 version of the Nokia 3310, the experience is a rudimentary one. These apps can be slow and awkward to navigate, but at least they’re available.
No case required
Fed up with trying to find the right case for your smartphone? Due to its robust design, the Nokia 3310 is often sold and used without one.
Why is the Nokia 3310 The Phone That Wouldn’t Die?
During its heyday, the Nokia 3310 earned the nickname “the phone that wouldn’t die”. Over the years, this nickname has become even more fitting as this mobile phone’s popularity has lasted longer than expected. Yet “the Nokia brick” first earned this reputation due to its extreme durability and resilience. Equipped with a long battery life and so sturdy that no case was required, the Nokia 3310 was also virtually indestructible. It could survive more than a few drops and even the occasional fall from a significant height.
Could a Nokia 3310 Compete With Modern Smartphones?
Clearly, the Nokia 3310 is a tough, well-made phone and a reminder of a simpler, less connected time. But is it enough for the modern smartphone shopper? Should you swap social media for Snake, or would you be better off checking out some of the more recent refurbished phones that have arrived on the market?
A Nokia 3310 can call or text as well as any modern flagship smartphone, plus outclass all of them in terms of battery life. When it comes to functionality, speed or versatility, it’s a different story. We’ve gotten so used to the comforts and perks of modern smartphones that it’s often hard to imagine going without them. Here are some of the things you’ll have to give up if you buy a Nokia 3310 instead of an iPhone or Android:
Google Maps
Google Maps is one of the handiest and most widely used features on the modern smartphone. Without it, you may have to get used to carrying a refidex around in your car again.
Selfies
While the 2017 reboot of the Nokia 3310 comes with a camera added, the image is blurry, and it’s hard to see the finer details. There’s also no front-facing camera, so say goodbye to capturing the perfect selfie.
Music and podcasts
The Nokia 3310 has an mp3 player that arranges your albums in collections with cover art, but you have to transfer all of your music to a MicroSD card first. If you’re used to getting the new single, podcast or audiobook from your favourite creative while you’re out and about, you’re likely to find this option lacking.
Payment
Google Pay and other apps allow you to buy a coffee when you’ve left your wallet at home, which isn’t an option on the Nokia 3310.
Dating apps
On the Nokia 3310, there’s no way to download or access dating apps like Tinder, Bumble or Grindr. If you’re single, it’s back to the clubs for you.
If these sound like tough perks to give up, perhaps consider browsing more recent refurbished phones instead.
Buy the Latest Refurbished Phones at OzMobiles
If you’re looking for a trustworthy seller of refurbished smartphones, new and old, look no further than OzMobiles. Our locally sourced refurbished phones go through a 72-point checking process to make sure they meet high Australian standards, including long and healthy battery lives. All OzMobiles devices are sold with 12-month warranties and 30-day money-back guarantees, and are available with savings of hundreds of dollars and even sometimes a grand or more.
The OzMobiles selection of refurbished iPhones covers both new and old models from Apple’s flagship range, including the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, plus hot deals on older iPhones like the iPhone 13 Pro.
Our range of refurbished Samsung Galaxy smartphones includes red-hot deals on flagships like the Galaxy S25 Edge and massive savings on popular models like the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G.
If you have any questions or need help selecting the right smartphone from our refurbished range, contact the OzMobiles team online.
