Nokia's legacy lives on with the Asha 503 and the reimagined 3310 4G. Both offer a nostalgic experience, but cater to different needs. This comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide which retro phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Asha 503 edges out the 3310 4G thanks to its slightly better display and more modern software. However, the 3310 4G's legendary durability and iconic design make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing simplicity and battery life.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, October. Released 2013, November | 2018, January. Released 2018, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 102.6 x 60.6 x 12.7 mm (4.04 x 2.39 x 0.5 in) | 117 x 52.4 x 13.4 mm (4.61 x 2.06 x 0.53 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 110.2 g (3.88 oz) | 88.1 g (3.10 oz) |
| | - | Flashlight |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~133 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.0 inches, 27.9 cm2 (~44.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~29.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Nokia Asha software platform 1.2 | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 4 GB included | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 512MB 256MB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 480p@19fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | Yes |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | - |
| | SNS apps
MP4/H.263 player
MP3/AAC player
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | Audio/Video player |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 34 h | Up to 31 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 840 h (2G) / Up to 840 h (3G) | Up to 360 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h (2G) / Up to 4 h 30 min (3G) | Up to 8 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable (BL-4U) | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable (BL-4UL) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Yellow, black, green, red, blue, white | Azure, Yellow, Warm Red, Charcoa |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.43 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -88.3dB / Crosstalk -82.1dB | - |
| Camera |
Photo | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 635:1 (nominal), 1.281 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 75dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 75dB
| - |
Nokia Asha 503
- Better display contrast
- Slightly faster performance
- More modern software
- Basic camera
- Battery life not as impressive as 3310 4G
- Camera quality is limited
Nokia 3310 4G
- Legendary durability
- Exceptional battery life
- Iconic design
- Simple and easy to use
- Slower performance
- Limited functionality
- Basic camera quality
- Less modern software
Display Comparison
The Asha 503 boasts a 2.4-inch QVGA display with a reported contrast ratio of 635:1 (nominal) and an impressive 1.281 in sunlight. The 3310 4G features a 2.4-inch QVGA display, but lacks specific contrast ratio data. While both are basic, the Asha 503's contrast advantage provides slightly better visibility.
Camera Comparison
The Asha 503 includes a basic camera for photos. The 3310 4G also has a camera, but image quality is generally low on both devices. Don't expect high-resolution photos from either phone; they're primarily for casual snapshots.
Performance
The Asha 503 runs on a dual-core 1 GHz processor and 1024 MB of RAM, offering a smoother experience for basic apps and web browsing. The 3310 4G utilizes a slower processor, prioritizing power efficiency over speed. Expect noticeable lag on the 3310 4G when multitasking or using more demanding apps.
Battery Life
The 3310 4G is renowned for its exceptional battery life, often lasting for days on a single charge. The Asha 503 offers decent battery life, but not to the same extent as the 3310 4G. The 3310 4G wins hands down in this category.
Buying Guide
The Nokia Asha 503 is ideal for users seeking a feature phone with a touch of modern functionality, like basic apps and a slightly improved display. The Nokia 3310 4G is perfect for those who want a virtually indestructible phone with exceptional battery life and a classic, instantly recognizable design – prioritizing longevity over advanced features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is more durable?
The Nokia 3310 4G is famously known for its incredible durability and is often considered virtually indestructible.
❓ Can I use apps on these phones?
The Asha 503 supports some basic apps, while the 3310 4G has limited app support. Neither phone offers the extensive app ecosystem of smartphones.
