As difficult (and implausible) as it sounds, Finnish brand Nokia is scheduling its champion retro device of the 2000s back into the spotlight this year. That’s right; we’re talking about the one and only memetic Nokia 3310.
Known for its durability in its casing and battery life – honestly, need we mention more? — the iconic ‘dumbphone’ gained its legendary status somewhere down the line in December 2011 when compared to modern smartphones etc, and various videos on Youtube have been shown to test the phone’s durability.
Retro? Yes! Hipster? Definitely! Will Singapore be graced with its legendary presence once again? Unlikely.
As much as we hate to say it, chances are high that the rebooted Nokia 3310 won’t be coming to Singapore, and not without good reason.
Why won’t Singapore receive the new Nokia 3310?
The reasoning is actually pretty simple. The original model was launched during a time where 2G data plans were widely used, prior to the mass launch of 3G networks in 2004. The new version of 3310 has been said to utilize the 2.5G network system. Isn’t Singapore shutting down the 2G network by this coming April?
As if to further emphasise the point, checks with the major telcos here revealed that besides the chief reasoning of the 2G network shutdown, Nokia has not made any plans to market the iconic phone in Singapore.
So if it’s not launching in Singapore, where would it be marketed?
Likely, these phones will be brought to countries whose technology and mobile networks are still in the process of developing, such as African nations.
However, it’s also likely that hipster fanatics who loved the retro phone won’t be deterred by the (rather major) limitations. But fair warning here: All you’re gonna get from the reboot in Singapore is the good ’ol Snake game. And the Opera browser, if you’re so keen.
Also, due to its cheap costs (currently priced at €49 or S$73), it’s much safer to utilize the retro phones in crowded events or parties. Then again, the retro phone is very much useful to gift people who aren’t a fan of smartphones. Or to teach kids what it was like not to have smartphones back in the day.
