Nokia 3310 3G vs Nokia E5: A Clash of Retro Titans

The Nokia 3310 is a legend, resurrected with 3G. The Nokia E5, a slightly older smartphone, offers a different kind of retro appeal. But which one is the better choice for those seeking a simpler, more durable mobile experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia E5 edges out the 3310 3G thanks to its smartphone capabilities and slightly better performance. However, the 3310 3G's legendary durability and simplicity make it a compelling option for those prioritizing basic communication and long battery life.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia 3310 3G Nokia E5
Network
2G bandsGSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Single SIMHSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100
SpeedHSPAHSPA 10.2/2 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM / HSPA
 HSDPA 900 / 2100 - Dual SIMHSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100
Launch
Announced2017, September. Released 2017, October2010, April. Released 2010, August
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame-
Dimensions117 x 52.4 x 13.4 mm (4.61 x 2.06 x 0.53 in)115 x 58.9 x 12.8 mm, 75 cc (4.53 x 2.32 x 0.50 in)
Keyboard-QWERTY
SIMSingle SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)Mini-SIM
Weight88.2 (DS)/ 84.9 (SS) (3.10 oz)126 g (4.44 oz)
 Flashlight-
Display
Resolution240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density)320 x 240 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~169 ppi density)
Size2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~29.1% screen-to-body ratio)2.36 inches, 17.2 cm2 (~25.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFTTFT, 256K colors
Platform
CPU-600 MHz ARM 11
OS-Symbian 9.3, Series 60 rel. 3.2
Memory
Call recordsYes-
Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot)microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included
Internal64MB250MB; 256MB RAM
PhonebookYes-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single2 MP5 MP
Video288p480p@15fps
Selfie camera
 NoNo
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth2.1, A2DP2.0, A2DP
NFCNo-
PositioningNoGPS, A-GPS; Ovi Maps
RadioFM radioStereo FM radio, RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANNoWi-Fi 802.11 b/g, UPnP & DLNA technology
Features
Browser-WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Adobe Flash Lite
GamesYes-
JavaNo-
MessagingSMS-
 Audio/Video playerDocument editor (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), PDF viewer MP4/H.264/WMV player MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player Voice command/dial Organizer Predictive text input
Battery
Music playUp to 40 hUp to 38 h
Stand-byUp to 576 hUp to 635 h (2G) / Up to 670 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 6 h 30 minUp to 13 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 15 min (3G)
TypeLi-Ion 1200 mAh, removable (BL-4UL)Removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery (BL-4D)
Misc
ColorsAzure, Yellow, Warm Red, CharcoaCarbon Black, Chalk White, Sky Blue, Copper Brown, Silver Grey
ModelsTA-1022, TA-1006, TA-1036-
PriceAbout 70 EURAbout 90 EUR
SAR-1.18 W/kg (head)     1.12 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.82 W/kg (head)     1.57 W/kg (body)0.88 W/kg (head)
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -90.0dB / Crosstalk -91.5dB
Camera- Photo
Loudspeaker- Voice 75dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
OUR TESTS
Audio quality-Noise -90.0dB / Crosstalk -91.5dB
Camera-Photo
Loudspeaker-Voice 75dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB

Nokia 3310 3G

  • Legendary Durability
  • Exceptional Battery Life
  • Simple and Easy to Use
  • Classic Nokia Design

  • Limited Functionality
  • Basic Display
  • Low Performance
  • No Advanced Features

Nokia E5

  • Smartphone Capabilities (Email, Web)
  • Larger Color Screen
  • Slightly Better Performance
  • More Modern Interface

  • Shorter Battery Life than 3310 3G
  • Low-Resolution Screen
  • Outdated Hardware
  • Limited App Support

Display Comparison

The Nokia 3310 3G features a small, basic LCD screen, ideal for readability but lacking in visual richness. The Nokia E5 has a larger, color screen, offering a better viewing experience for browsing and media, though it's still a relatively low-resolution display by modern standards.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a basic 'Photo' camera, suggesting low-resolution and limited functionality. Image quality on both will be underwhelming compared to modern smartphones. The E5's slightly more advanced software might offer marginally better results, but don't expect miracles.

Performance

The Nokia E5's 600 MHz ARM 11 processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the 3310 3G's likely less powerful chipset. Expect smoother navigation and faster app loading on the E5, though both phones are far from flagship-level performance.

Battery Life

The Nokia 3310 3G is renowned for its exceptional battery life, potentially lasting for days on a single charge. The Nokia E5, being a smartphone, will have shorter battery life, likely requiring daily charging, though still respectable for its age.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Nokia 3310 3G? Those seeking a virtually indestructible phone for basic calls, texts, and a long battery life. Who should buy the Nokia E5? Users wanting a basic smartphone experience with email, web browsing, and a slightly more modern interface, while still appreciating a durable design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Nokia 3310 3G worth buying in 2024?
If you prioritize extreme durability and long battery life for basic communication, it's a unique and charming option. However, modern smartphones offer far more features.
❓ Can I install apps on the Nokia E5?
The Nokia E5 runs S60, a relatively limited smartphone OS. App availability is significantly restricted compared to Android or iOS.