The HMD Barbie represents a resurgence of basic connectivity with a modern processor, while the Nokia 3310 (2017) revitalized a legendary name with a focus on durability and extended battery life. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two feature phones, examining how a contemporary chipset stacks up against a design rooted in simplicity.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing even basic smartphone-like functionality, the HMD Barbie is the clear winner. Its Unisoc T107 chipset, despite being entry-level, provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Nokia 3310 (2017), which relies on a legacy architecture. However, the Nokia 3310 (2017) remains a compelling option for those prioritizing extreme battery life and a truly minimalist experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | - |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 28 | 2017, February. Released 2017, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 28 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | Unfolded: 201 x 55.1 x 10.9 mmFolded: 108.4 x 55.1 x 18.9 mm | 115.6 x 51 x 12.8 mm (4.55 x 2.01 x 0.50 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 123.5 g (4.37 oz) | 85 g (3.00 oz) |
| | - | Flashlight |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~21.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~30.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 - INTQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 - USA | - |
| Chipset | Unisoc T107 (22 nm) - INTQualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) - USA | - |
| GPU | Adreno 308 (USA) | - |
| OS | KaiOS 3.1 (USA only) | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM, 128MB 64MB RAM | 16MB |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 0.3 MP (INT)
5 MP (USA) | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | 240p@8fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP (INT), 4.2, A2DP (USA) | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Yes (USA) | No |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (USA only) | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | Yes |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS |
| Sensors | No | - |
| | - | Audio/Video player |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 51 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 600 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 22 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1450 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Pink | Warm Red (Glossy), Dark Blue (Matte), Yellow (Glossy), Grey (Matte) |
| Models | TA-1681 | - |
| Price | € 56.00 / $ 96.67 / £ 57.99 | About 60 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.49 W/kg (body) |
HMD Barbie
- More responsive user interface due to the Unisoc T107 chipset.
- Potential for running basic apps like WhatsApp.
- Modern chipset offers better power efficiency than older designs.
- Battery life will be significantly shorter than the Nokia 3310 (2017).
- Likely a low-resolution display.
Nokia 3310 (2017)
- Exceptional battery life – potentially weeks on a single charge.
- Rugged and iconic design.
- Extremely affordable.
- Slow and limited user interface.
- Limited functionality – primarily calling and texting.
- Outdated hardware.
Display Comparison
Detailed display specifications are unavailable for the Nokia 3310 (2017) beyond its color screen. The HMD Barbie, while also likely employing a low-resolution panel, benefits from the processing power of its Unisoc T107 to render a more fluid interface. The Nokia 3310 (2017)'s display is likely optimized for maximum legibility and power efficiency, while the HMD Barbie may offer slightly better color reproduction due to its more modern chipset's image processing capabilities.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is positioned as a photography powerhouse. The HMD Barbie likely includes a basic camera, but its quality is expected to be minimal. The Nokia 3310 (2017) also features a camera, but its image quality is similarly limited. Given the focus on core functionality, camera performance is not a differentiating factor between these two devices.
Performance
The HMD Barbie’s Unisoc T107 (22nm) chipset, featuring a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, represents a substantial leap in processing power compared to the Nokia 3310 (2017). While the Nokia 3310 (2017)'s chipset remains unspecified, it's almost certainly based on a much older architecture. The 22nm process node of the Unisoc T107 is more efficient than the 28nm node of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 (USA variant), suggesting better thermal management and potentially longer battery life *despite* the increased processing power. This translates to a smoother user experience for basic apps on the HMD Barbie.
Battery Life
The Nokia 3310 (2017) is renowned for its exceptional battery life, potentially lasting weeks on a single charge due to its simple feature set and efficient hardware. The HMD Barbie, with its more powerful Unisoc T107 chipset, will undoubtedly have a shorter battery life, likely measured in days rather than weeks. However, the Unisoc T107’s 22nm process node may mitigate some of the power draw, offering a reasonable balance between functionality and battery endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Barbie if you need a phone capable of running basic apps like WhatsApp, require a slightly more responsive user interface, and appreciate a more modern feature set. Buy the Nokia 3310 (2017) if you prioritize weeks of standby time, value a rugged and iconic design, and only need core calling and texting functionality – essentially a digital 'dumbphone'.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the HMD Barbie be able to run all of my favorite apps?
The HMD Barbie is not a smartphone and cannot run most modern apps. It's designed for basic functionality like calling, texting, and potentially limited access to apps like WhatsApp, depending on the software implementation. Don't expect to be able to install games or complex applications.
❓ How much longer will the Nokia 3310 (2017) last on a single charge compared to the HMD Barbie?
The Nokia 3310 (2017) is expected to last significantly longer – potentially weeks – on a single charge. The HMD Barbie, with its more powerful processor, will likely offer battery life measured in days, depending on usage.
❓ Is the Unisoc T107 chipset in the HMD Barbie powerful enough for basic web browsing?
The Unisoc T107 can handle very basic web browsing, but expect a slow and limited experience. It's not designed for loading complex websites or streaming video content. It's best suited for simple text-based tasks.
