The Nokia 3310's legendary durability and the Nokia 105's affordability sparked a resurgence of feature phones. Both offer a refreshing escape from the complexities of smartphones, but which one is the better choice for your needs? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia 3310 (2017) offers a slightly more refined experience with its color screen and Snake game, while the Nokia 105 (2017) remains the undisputed champion of affordability and exceptional battery life. For most, the 3310's extras justify the small price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| EDGE | No | Yes |
| GPRS | No | Yes |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| | GSM 850 / 1900 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, July. Released 2017, August | 2017, February. Released 2017, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 112 x 49.5 x 14.4 mm (4.41 x 1.95 x 0.57 in) | 115.6 x 51 x 12.8 mm (4.55 x 2.01 x 0.50 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 73 g (2.57 oz) | 85 g (3.00 oz) |
| | Flashlight | Flashlight |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 120 x 160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~111 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches, 10.0 cm2 (~18.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~30.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | TFT |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4MB 4MB RAM | 16MB |
| Phonebook | Yes | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | - | 2 MP |
| Video | - | 240p@8fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | No | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (charging only) | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Java | No | No |
| Messaging | SMS | SMS |
| | - | 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 800 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Warm Red (Glossy), Dark Blue (Matte), Yellow (Glossy), Grey (Matte) |
| Models | TA-1010 | - |
| Price | About 20 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.50 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.49 W/kg (body) |
Nokia 105 (2017)
- Extremely affordable
- Exceptional battery life
- Compact and lightweight
- Durable build quality
- Monochrome display
- No camera (typically)
- Basic features
Nokia 3310 (2017)
- Color screen
- Iconic Snake game
- Slightly more modern design
- Durable build quality
- Slightly more expensive than the 105
- Camera is very low quality
- Battery life slightly shorter than the 105
Display Comparison
The Nokia 3310 (2017) features a color screen, offering a more vibrant visual experience compared to the Nokia 105 (2017)'s monochrome display. While both are small and basic, the color screen adds a touch of modernity to the 3310.
Camera Comparison
Neither phone boasts a high-quality camera. The Nokia 105 (2017) typically lacks a camera entirely, while the Nokia 3310 (2017) has a rudimentary, low-resolution camera suitable only for very basic snapshots.
Performance
Both phones offer basic functionality and aren't designed for demanding tasks. Performance is adequate for calls, texts, and simple games. Expect similar responsiveness from both devices.
Battery Life
Both phones excel in battery life, a hallmark of feature phones. However, the Nokia 105 (2017) generally edges out the 3310 (2017) in terms of sheer endurance, offering potentially days of usage on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The Nokia 105 (2017) is perfect for those seeking a basic, ultra-reliable phone for calls and texts, prioritizing affordability and maximum battery life. The Nokia 3310 (2017) is ideal for those wanting a touch of nostalgia, a slightly better display, and the iconic Snake game, without the commitment of a smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones good for emergencies?
Yes, both are excellent for emergencies due to their long battery life and reliable call/text functionality. They're also less likely to be targeted by malware than smartphones.
❓ Can I use these phones as a secondary device?
Absolutely! They're perfect as a backup phone, for travel, or for those who want a simple device for calls and texts without the distractions of a smartphone.