Nokia's legacy lives on with these two budget-friendly feature phones. The Nokia 230 Dual SIM and the Nokia 3310 3G offer a nostalgic experience with modern conveniences, but which one is the better choice for your needs? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia 3310 3G edges out the 230 thanks to its 3G connectivity and slightly improved features. However, the 230's dual SIM functionality and potentially lower price point make it a strong contender for basic communication needs. Ultimately, 3G wins for future-proofing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Single SIM |
| EDGE | Up to 236.8 kbps | - |
| GPRS | Up to 85.6 kbps | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - Dual SIM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, November. Released 2015, December | 2017, September. Released 2017, October |
| 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) | 117 x 52.4 x 13.4 mm (4.61 x 2.06 x 0.53 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) | 88.2 (DS)/ 84.9 (SS) (3.10 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 (~29.1% 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 | 64MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 240p@15fps | 288p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Video | 480p | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 2.1, 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 40 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 528 h | Up to 576 h |
| Talk time | Up to 23 h | Up to 6 h 30 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable (BL-4UL) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Azure, Yellow, Warm Red, Charcoa |
| Models | - | TA-1022, TA-1006, TA-1036 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.79 W/kg (head) 1.46 W/kg (body) | 0.82 W/kg (head) 1.57 W/kg (body) |
Nokia 230 Dual SIM
- Dual SIM functionality
- Excellent battery life
- Affordable price
- Compact and lightweight
- Simple and easy to use
- Very basic camera
- Limited performance
- Low-resolution display
- No 3G connectivity
Nokia 3310 3G
- 3G connectivity
- Slightly improved features compared to 230
- Excellent battery life
- Durable build quality
- Classic Nokia design
- Limited performance
- Low-resolution display
- Basic camera
- Potentially higher price than 230
Display Comparison
Both phones feature small, basic LCD screens, likely around 2.4 inches. Expect low resolution and limited viewing angles. The 3310 3G might have a marginally brighter display, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia 230 typically includes a basic VGA camera, while the Nokia 3310 3G may have a slightly better, though still rudimentary, camera. Image quality on both will be poor by modern standards, suitable only for very basic snapshots.
Performance
Performance will be limited on both devices, as they run on basic feature phone platforms. Expect slow app loading times and limited multitasking capabilities. The 3310 3G, with its 3G capabilities, *might* offer slightly snappier performance when accessing basic web pages, but don't expect miracles.
Battery Life
Both phones are known for excellent battery life, a hallmark of feature phones. Expect several days of usage on a single charge, depending on usage patterns. The 3310 3G's slightly larger battery *could* provide marginally longer battery life, but both are impressive in this regard.
Buying Guide
The Nokia 230 Dual SIM is ideal for users needing a secondary phone for different SIM cards, those prioritizing affordability, and those seeking a simple, reliable device for calls and texts. The Nokia 3310 3G is better suited for users wanting basic internet access (albeit limited), a slightly more modern feature set, and a more robust overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What does 3G connectivity offer on the Nokia 3310 3G?
3G allows for basic internet access, such as browsing simple web pages and using basic apps, although performance will be limited compared to smartphones.
❓ Are these phones suitable for modern apps like WhatsApp?
No, these phones are not capable of running modern apps like WhatsApp. They are designed for calls, texts, and basic features.
