The smartphone landscape is diverse, but rarely do we see a comparison between a modern, albeit entry-level, smartphone like the TCL Classic and a reimagined classic like the Nokia 3310 (2017). This isn't about raw power; it's about understanding what each device offers in terms of functionality, usability, and value for users seeking basic connectivity.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing smartphone capabilities – even basic ones – the TCL Classic is the clear winner. Its Mediatek MT6739 chipset provides access to apps, internet browsing, and modern communication features entirely absent on the Nokia 3310 (2017). While the Nokia 3310 excels in battery life and durability, it's a fundamentally different device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | - |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 14 | - |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024 | 2017, February. Released 2017, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2024 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 107.3 x 55.6 x 19.8 mm (4.22 x 2.19 x 0.78 in) | 115.6 x 51 x 12.8 mm (4.55 x 2.01 x 0.50 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 139.8 g (4.94 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 (~40.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~30.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | - |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 16MB |
| Phonebook | Yes | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 240p@8fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Java | No | No |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS | SMS |
| Sensors | Barometer | - |
| | - | Audio/Video player |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 5W wired | - |
| Music play | - | Up to 51 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 600 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 22 h |
| Type | 1850 mAh | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Warm Red (Glossy), Dark Blue (Matte), Yellow (Glossy), Grey (Matte) |
| Models | 4058C | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| SAR | 0.86 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.49 W/kg (body) |
TCL Classic
- Smartphone functionality (apps, internet)
- Camera for photo capture and sharing
- More versatile communication options
- Shorter battery life compared to Nokia 3310
- Lower build quality likely compared to Nokia 3310
Nokia 3310 (2017)
- Exceptional battery life (days on a single charge)
- Rugged and durable construction
- Simple and distraction-free user experience
- Limited functionality (no apps, limited internet)
- Low-resolution camera with limited features
- Cannot run modern applications
Display Comparison
The TCL Classic, being a smartphone, inherently possesses a more complex display system than the Nokia 3310 (2017). While specific display specs for the TCL Classic are not provided beyond its smartphone nature, we can infer a color display with a resolution suitable for app usage. The Nokia 3310 (2017) features a 2.4-inch color display, but its resolution and brightness are significantly lower, designed for basic text and icon visibility. The TCL Classic’s display is geared towards multimedia consumption, even if limited, while the Nokia 3310’s is purely functional.
Camera Comparison
The TCL Classic, as a smartphone, includes a camera system, though its quality is likely modest. The Nokia 3310 (2017) features a 2MP camera, primarily for basic snapshots. However, the TCL Classic’s camera, even if low-resolution, enables photo sharing via social media and messaging apps, a functionality unavailable on the Nokia 3310 (2017). The TCL Classic’s image processing capabilities, however basic, are far superior to the Nokia 3310 (2017)'s limited functionality.
Performance
The TCL Classic’s Mediatek MT6739, a 28nm chipset with a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, represents a significant leap in processing power compared to the Nokia 3310 (2017). The Nokia 3310 (2017) relies on a basic feature phone platform, designed for call handling and SMS messaging, lacking the capability to run modern applications. The MT6739 allows for multitasking, albeit limited, and supports internet connectivity, features entirely absent in the Nokia 3310 (2017). The 28nm process node, while not cutting-edge, provides a reasonable balance between performance and power efficiency for basic smartphone tasks.
Battery Life
The Nokia 3310 (2017) is renowned for its exceptional battery life, capable of lasting days on a single charge due to its low-power feature phone platform. The TCL Classic, with its more powerful Mediatek MT6739 chipset and smartphone operating system, requires more frequent charging. While the TCL Classic supports 5W wired charging, the Nokia 3310 (2017) prioritizes longevity over fast charging. The trade-off is functionality versus endurance; the TCL Classic offers more features but demands more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Classic if you need access to apps like WhatsApp, require mobile internet browsing, or want a device capable of taking and sharing photos. It's a gateway to the smartphone world. Buy the Nokia 3310 (2017) if you prioritize extreme battery life, ruggedness, and a distraction-free experience focused solely on calls and texts – essentially a modern feature phone for minimalists.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739 in the TCL Classic powerful enough for social media apps like Facebook?
The Mediatek MT6739 is an entry-level chipset, but it's generally sufficient for basic social media browsing and usage. Expect some lag when loading complex pages or running multiple apps simultaneously, but it will handle core functionality like scrolling through feeds and sending messages.
❓ Can I install WhatsApp on the Nokia 3310 (2017)?
No, the Nokia 3310 (2017) runs on a feature phone operating system (Series 30+) that does not support the installation of modern applications like WhatsApp. It is limited to basic SMS messaging and calls.
❓ How long does the TCL Classic typically last on a single charge with moderate use?
With moderate use (calls, messaging, some browsing), the TCL Classic will likely last a full day on a single charge. However, heavy usage, such as prolonged video streaming or gaming, will significantly reduce battery life.
