Nokia's legacy lives on with these two budget-friendly feature phones. The Nokia 230 Dual SIM and the revamped Nokia 3310 (2017) offer a nostalgic experience with modern touches. But which one is the better choice for those seeking simplicity and affordability?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia 3310 (2017) edges out the 230 thanks to its iconic design, slightly better display, and Snake game. However, the 230's dual SIM capability and marginally better battery life make it a strong contender for users prioritizing connectivity and longevity. It's a close call!
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| EDGE | Up to 236.8 kbps | Yes |
| GPRS | Up to 85.6 kbps | Yes |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, November. Released 2015, December | 2017, February. Released 2017, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 124.6 x 53.4 x 10.9 mm (4.91 x 2.10 x 0.43 in) | 115.6 x 51 x 12.8 mm (4.55 x 2.01 x 0.50 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM) | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 91.8 g (3.25 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 (~36.5% 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 | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16MB RAM | 16MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 240p@15fps | 240p@8fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Video | 480p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 1.1 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Java | No | No |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), MMS, IM | SMS |
| | SNS applications
MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/AAC player
Organizer
Predictive text input | Audio/Video player |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 52 h | Up to 51 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 528 h | Up to 600 h |
| Talk time | Up to 23 h | Up to 22 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Warm Red (Glossy), Dark Blue (Matte), Yellow (Glossy), Grey (Matte) |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.79 W/kg (head) 1.46 W/kg (body) | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.49 W/kg (body) |
Nokia 230 Dual SIM
- Dual SIM functionality
- 2MP rear camera
- Slightly better battery life
- FM Radio
- Basic display
- Limited performance
- No front camera
Nokia 3310 (2017)
- Iconic design
- Snake game pre-installed
- Slightly better display
- Durable build
- No camera
- Limited performance
- Basic features
Display Comparison
The Nokia 3310 (2017) features a slightly larger and more vibrant 2.4-inch QVGA display compared to the 230's 2.4-inch screen. While both are basic LCDs, the 3310's colors appear a bit more saturated. Viewing angles are limited on both.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia 230 boasts a 2MP rear camera, allowing for basic photo capture. The Nokia 3310 (2017) lacks a front or rear camera, focusing purely on communication and entertainment.
Performance
Neither phone offers blazing-fast performance. Both run on proprietary Nokia Series 30+ software, providing basic functionality like calling, texting, and FM radio. Expect a laggy experience when navigating menus or using the camera.
Battery Life
The Nokia 230 generally offers slightly better battery life, potentially lasting for several days on a single charge with moderate use. The Nokia 3310 (2017) still provides respectable battery life, but it's not quite as impressive as the 230.
Buying Guide
The Nokia 230 Dual SIM is ideal for users needing dual SIM functionality for work and personal calls, or those prioritizing extended battery life. The Nokia 3310 (2017) is perfect for those craving a classic Nokia experience, a durable phone, and the joy of playing Snake.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is more durable?
Both are known for their durability, but the Nokia 3310 (2017) has a reputation for being exceptionally robust, echoing the original's legendary toughness.
❓ Can I use these phones as a secondary device for calls and texts?
Yes, both are excellent for this purpose. The Nokia 230's dual SIM capability makes it particularly well-suited for managing multiple phone numbers.
