Those of us of a certain age will fondly remember our first foray into the world of mobile devices via the Nokia 3210. Originally released in 1999. Popular for its durable build, long battery life and the classic game Snake, we can now confirm that this week Nokia announced that the 3210 is back. And, likely to be much more warmly welcomed than the butterfly clips, low-rise jeans and pencil thin eyes brows of that era. Here’s why…
Dumbphones: A growing trend
It is the mobile phone that defined a generation. And now, 25 years on from its original release, the legendary Nokia 3210 is back! Brought to you by mobile innovator, Human Mobile Devices (HMD). One of the reasons driving its re-release? In response to sophisticated Smartphones, ‘Dumbphones’ are making a comeback as people look to return to simpler times. In fact in 2023, Human Mobile Devices (HMD) saw sales of the iconic Nokia 2660 Flip phone double, and HMD expects further feature phone market growth in 2024.
Lars Silberbauer, CMO of HMD said “The Nokia 3210, a cultural icon. And, back at the pinnacle of the global dumbphone boom as consumers look to balance their screen time usage with a digital detox. The Nokia 3210 has simplicity at its core, allowing consumers to be totally present. Forget dumbphone, this is 2024’s fun phone.”
Get nostalgic with a new look Nokia lineup
The Nokia 3210 spearheads a new Australian Nokia range. With HMD also just unveiling cute-as-a-button pocketable power bars, the Nokia 215, the Nokia 225, and the Nokia 235. All 4G VoLTE compatible delights, in a rainbow of standout colours. And deliver a new generation of fun phones that promise to be the perfect companion to digitally disconnect on nights out, allowing social media-weary Gen Z’s to switch off in style and take a digital detox.
Brenden Folitarik, Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, added “At HMD, we’re all about blending the best of both worlds. The convenience of smartphones and the sheer fun of unplugging! [That’s why] we are excited to reintroduce the iconic Nokia 3210 to a new generation! It’s not just a phone; it’s a time capsule of fun! With this blast from the past, say goodbye to screen time stress and hello to being in the moment.”
Reimagined, retro, and the return of Snake
According to Ben Wood, Founder of Mobile Phone Museum, “The original Nokia 3210 has a special place in many consumers’ hearts as one of the best-selling mobile phones of all time. It’s the perfect product to reimagine for the modern era given its strong heritage and iconic design.”
“Many considered the Nokia 3210 one of the most significant handsets Nokia ever developed. And, it was loved by many for whom it was their first mobile phone. This modern twist on a design classic in its silver jubilee year is bound to grab people’s attention.”
Today, updated for a new generation, the reimagined Nokia 3210 boasts a sleek retro design. It comes loaded with all the essential features you’d expect from the OG feature phone. Including a 2MP camera with flash (and torch!) and a long-lasting 1450 mAh battery that won’t die on you when you’re partying like it’s 1999. And, because it’s 2024, this time round the Nokia 3210’s got 4G for crystal-clear calls and in Australia.
The trend for all things Y2K continues to go from strength to strength. And so, in keeping with all things late nineties and early noughties, the Nokia 3210 is only available in three bold colourways redolent of the era; Scuba Blue, Y2K Gold, and Grunge Black.
And finally… the Nokia 3210 just wouldn’t be the Nokia 3210 if it didn’t have Snake – so that’s back too. Get your thumbs at the ready, tell all your mates and see if you can’t just go get yourself a high score.
A quarter of a century ago the Nokia 3210 was launched. It quickly became a smash hit, and it connected hundreds of millions of people. For 2024 it’s back. An icon has been reborn. (We’re just hoping that the skirt-over-pants look does not follow suit!)
The Nokia 3210, 215, 225 and 235 are all available across Australia from Monday, May 13:
Nokia 3210 – RRP$129 – available in Scuba Blue, Y2K Gold and Grunge Black from JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, Big W and Amazon (colours may vary).
Nokia 235 – RRP$109 – available in Black, Purple and Blue from JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, Big W (online) and Amazon.
