The Nokia 3210, not the original from the pre-Phantom Menace era, but the 2024 reissue, promises to save us from the digital overload. It claims to be the antidote to social media and endless smartphone distractions. But beneath the marketing-friendly facade lies a device so torturous that even the most die-hard Star Wars fan would prefer multiple viewings of Jar Jar Binks.
The Nokia 3210, while charmingly quaint in its simplicity, quickly becomes a frustrating anachronism. While it might be a decent first phone for a child or a perfectly acceptable option for someone solely interested in calls and texts, it’s hard to imagine anyone else finding it appealing.
The initial nostalgia fades quickly as the phone’s shortcomings become apparent. The relentless, ear-splitting beeps with every keypress, the lack of Wi-Fi, the non-existent app support, and the pitiful 4G connectivity all contribute to a truly agonizing user experience. Even the absence of a proper web browser adds to the frustration. The 3210 forces you to rely on data, which becomes prohibitively expensive on a pay-as-you-go plan, making even simple information searches an expensive endeavor.
HMD Global, the company behind the Nokia brand, might tout the 3210’s limited functionality as a digital detox benefit. But for anyone who uses their phone for more than just basic communication, the 3210’s limitations become an inescapable burden.
The screen, a 2.46-inch LCD, is a painful reminder of the technological progress we’ve made. It’s nearly impossible to see in sunlight or at any angle other than directly in front of you.
Even the camera, a paltry 2-megapixel affair, is barely functional. The iconic Snake game, though nostalgic, feels as overused as Mariah Carey’s Christmas anthem.
The 3210’s biggest problem is that it’s not clear who it’s for. The idea of a digital detox is appealing, but why not just delete social media accounts and uninstall unnecessary apps from a modern phone? It’s a far more practical approach than embracing the 3210’s archaic limitations.
Even for those who only want basic calls and texts, the 3210’s tiny keypad is not ideal, especially for anyone with dexterity issues. And for emergencies, there are more affordable options available.
The Nokia 3210 is ultimately a nostalgic play, a throwback to a simpler time when technology was less intrusive. It’s a conversation piece, a reminder of the early days of mobile technology. But as a daily driver in 2024, it’s a painful reminder of just how far we’ve come. It’s a curio that belongs in a drawer, a relic of a bygone era, much like the original 3210 that was relegated to the drawer with the advent of the iPhone in 2007.
