Nokia breathes new life into classic 3310 “brick phone”, but will it function in Australia?

Nostalgic phone lovers are rejoicing after Nokia unveiled its updated and up-styled 3310 remake on the first day of the Mobile World Congress (MWC). The classic Nokia 3310 was the phone to have in the early 2000s, earning a reputation for being a long-lasting, indestructible object; with many reflecting this week on it being the absolute […]

Dominic Powell 28 February, 2017

Nostalgic phone lovers are rejoicing after Nokia unveiled its updated and up-styled 3310 remake on the first day of the Mobile World Congress (MWC).

The classic Nokia 3310 was the phone to have in the early 2000s, earning a reputation for being a long-lasting, indestructible object; with many reflecting this week on it being the absolute pinnacle of “brick” phone.

Nokia’s new iteration shares few similarities with the original 3310, however, featuring a colourful new exterior, colour screen, camera, microSD card slot, and high-quality display. There are no reviews as of yet to the new design’s durability, but Nokia assures customers that the weeks-long battery life is still there.

However, Australian fans looking to get their hands on the new edition of the device may find it only marginally more useful than a brick, as the phone only supports 2G networking, which Telstra retired on December 1 last year. Other telcos, like Vodafone and Optus, will shut the service down in September.

The network was shut down due to dwindling user numbers, and businesses were advised to switch to the faster 3G or 4G networks before the shutdown date. Numerous providers are shutting the service down in the United States too.

A number of Twitter users expressed their dismay over Nokia’s decision for the phone to be 2G-only.

@Holz090 the 3310 won’t be sold in Australia as it runs on 2G network which is being phased out here. Lost chance to get a cheap 2nd phone

— Johnson Leung (@johnsonleung) February 27, 2017

Nokia 3310 has a nice modern refresh of the retro brand. Too bad it’s 2G only -Australia’s phasing the network out, so don’t grey import it! pic.twitter.com/D0aYRqe0jY

— Matthew Wu ? (@matthewwu) February 26, 2017

Nokia has still attempted to tap into users’ nostalgia, offering a revamped version of the 3310’s classic “Snake” game. For die-hard fans who are still considering picking up the new 3310, the device will be available for €49 ($67).

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