Sony Ericsson Xperia mini vs. Nokia 3110 Classic: A Clash of Eras

The smartphone revolution has left many older devices behind, but some hold a nostalgic charm. Today, we're pitting the Sony Ericsson Xperia mini, a budget Android phone from 2010, against the iconic Nokia 3110 Classic, a feature phone known for its durability and Snake game. Let's see how these two stack up.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia mini offers a basic Android experience and a slightly better camera, but the Nokia 3110 Classic wins on battery life, simplicity, and sheer durability. For modern functionality, the Xperia mini edges ahead, but for a reliable, no-fuss phone, the 3110 Classic remains a strong contender.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Ericsson Xperia mini Nokia 3110 classic
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100-
EDGE-Class 10
GPRS-Class 10
SpeedHSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps-
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM
 HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 -
Launch
Announced2011, May. Released 2011, August2007, February
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions88 x 52 x 16 mm (3.46 x 2.05 x 0.63 in)108.5 x 45.7 x 15.6 mm, 72 cc (4.27 x 1.80 x 0.61 in)
SIMMini-SIMMini-SIM
Weight99 g (3.49 oz)87 g (3.07 oz)
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass-
Resolution320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~192 ppi density)128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density)
Size3.0 inches, 26.8 cm2 (~58.6% screen-to-body ratio)1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~20.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLED-backlit LCD,TFT, 256K colors
 -5-way navigation key Downloadable wallpapers, screensavers
Platform
CPU1.0 GHz Scorpion-
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2-
GPUAdreno 205-
OSAndroid 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)-
Memory
Call records-20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB includedmicroSD (dedicated slot)
Internal512MB RAM, 320MB9MB
Phonebook-Yes, Photocall
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash-
Single5 MP, AF1.3 MP
Video720pQCIF
Selfie camera
 NoNo
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Alert types-Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth2.1, A2DP2.0, A2DP
Infrared port-Yes
PositioningGPS, A-GPSNo
RadioStereo FM radio, RDSStereo FM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0miniUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspotNo
Features
BrowserHTML, Adobe FlashWAP 2.0/xHTML
Games-Yes + downloadable
Java-Yes, MIDP 2.0
Messaging-SMS, MMS, Email
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compass-
 ANT+ MP4/H.264/WMV player MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV player TrackID music recognition Document viewer Voice memo Predictive text inputPush to talk MP3/MP4/AAC+/3GP/WMA player Predictive text input Organizer Voice memo Voice command
Battery
Music playUp to 25 h-
Stand-byUp to 340 h (2G) / Up to 320 h (3G)Up to 370 h
Talk timeUp to 4 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 4 h 30 min (3G)Up to 4 h
TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1200 mAh batteryRemovable Li-Ion 1020 mAh battery (BL-5C)
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Blue, Dark pinkBlack, Pink, Blue
ModelsST15i-
PriceAbout 120 EURAbout 100 EUR
SAR-0.96 W/kg (head)     0.33 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.78 W/kg (head)1.10 W/kg (head)
Tests
Audio quality Noise -88.7dB / Crosstalk -90.6dB-
Camera Photo / Video-
Loudspeaker Voice 71dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 66dB-

Sony Ericsson Xperia mini

  • Android OS (basic)
  • Slightly better camera
  • Larger screen
  • App access

  • Short battery life
  • Outdated hardware
  • Limited performance
  • Fragile build compared to 3110

Nokia 3110 classic

  • Exceptional battery life
  • Durable build
  • Simple and reliable
  • Classic Nokia design
  • Snake game

  • No touchscreen
  • Limited functionality
  • Basic camera
  • No app support

Display Comparison

The Xperia mini boasts a 3-inch touchscreen display, offering a more interactive experience. The Nokia 3110 Classic has a smaller, non-touch 2.4-inch screen, prioritizing readability over interactivity. The Xperia mini's screen is significantly more versatile for browsing and app usage.

Camera Comparison

The Xperia mini includes a camera capable of capturing photos and videos, though image quality is limited by its sensor and processing. The Nokia 3110 Classic has a basic VGA camera, offering minimal photographic capabilities. The Xperia mini is the clear winner here, albeit a modest one.

Performance

The Xperia mini, powered by a 1.0 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 chipset, provides a basic level of performance for simple apps and web browsing. The Nokia 3110 Classic, with its simpler feature phone OS, offers snappy performance for its intended tasks – calls, texts, and basic games. Don't expect multitasking prowess from either device.

Battery Life

The Nokia 3110 Classic is renowned for its exceptional battery life, often lasting for days on a single charge. The Xperia mini's battery life is considerably shorter, typically lasting a day with moderate use. The 3110 Classic's power efficiency is a major advantage.

Buying Guide

The Sony Ericsson Xperia mini is for those seeking a basic Android experience on a tight budget, appreciating its slightly larger screen and app access. The Nokia 3110 Classic is ideal for users prioritizing long battery life, a robust build, and a simple, distraction-free phone for calls and texts, or those seeking a nostalgic gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xperia mini worth buying in 2023?
It's a niche purchase. If you need a very basic Android phone on a super tight budget and don't mind its limitations, it might suffice. Otherwise, newer budget smartphones offer significantly better value.
❓ Can I use the Nokia 3110 Classic as a secondary phone?
Absolutely! Its long battery life and simplicity make it an excellent secondary phone for travel, emergencies, or as a dedicated music player.