UNPLUGGED AND LOVING IT: MY WEEKEND WITH THE ICONIC NOKIA 3210
When I was asked to review the newly reimagined Nokia 3210 for Lifestyle News, I was equally parts curious and sceptical.
Could this old-fashioned phone really hold up in today’s hyper-connected world? Swapping my smartphone for a few days felt like stepping into a time machine, but I embraced the challenge.
I decided to take a leap into nostalgia and try something different. I ditched my smartphone and swapped it for the iconic brick phone that defined a generation.
No Instagram, no TikTok, no Snapchat streaks —just me, the game Snake, and some good old-fashioned texting.
At first, it felt stressful. What were my friends doing? Who posted what? The FOMO (fear of missing out) was real. But honestly, after the first few hours, it all began to fade.
I found myself tuning into my own life instead of watching someone else’s through a screen. Instead of scrolling mindlessly, I walked without headphones and noticed things around me I hadn’t seen in ages. I read a book without the constant interruptions of notifications and had uninterrupted, meaningful conversations with my family.
Using the Nokia 3210 was an adjustment. Texting on the tiny keypad was an exercise in patience. Every message felt deliberate and meaningful because typing took effort.
Surprisingly, my friends responded with thoughtful replies rather than quick “k” or random snaps of their ceiling. The art of conversation felt alive again.
And then there were the calls. With no social media distractions or filters, I experienced real, uninterrupted conversations. It was refreshing—almost therapeutic.
By Sunday, social media had stopped crossing my mind. Likes, streaks, and hashtags felt irrelevant. I was genuinely present, enjoying my weekend in ways I hadn’t in a long time. And Snake? Addictive doesn’t even begin to describe it. Who knew a simple game from the 90s could be more satisfying than doom-scrolling the same three apps?
Would I give up my smartphone forever? Probably not. But this experience was a powerful reminder of how tethered we’ve become to our screens.
The simplicity of the Nokia 3210 offered me a much-needed digital detox—a break that let me reconnect with myself and my surroundings. Sometimes, less really is more.
The Nokia 3210: The Icon Returns
For those who don’t know, the Nokia 3210 was first released 25 years ago and quickly became one of the most beloved mobile phones of all time. Now, it’s back, revamped for a new generation. Available in nostalgic colours like Scuba Blue, Y2K Gold, and Grunge Black, this reimagined classic is more than just a phone—it’s a statement.
While it’s still delightfully simple, the new Nokia 3210 comes with some modern upgrades. There’s a 2MP camera with flash (and a handy torch), a 1450mAh battery that lasts for days, and even 4G connectivity for crystal-clear calls. But it hasn’t lost its charm—it still comes loaded with Snake, ready to test your thumb dexterity.
And if you’re not quite ready to commit to full nostalgia, the Nokia lineup includes other affordable options like the Nokia 215, Nokia 225, and Nokia 235.
These pocket-sized gems are perfect for anyone looking to unplug without completely losing touch. Prices start at just $79, so taking a step back from the smartphone craze doesn’t have to break the bank.
As Lars Silberbauer, Chief Marketing Officer of Human Mobile Devices (HMD), says, “The Nokia 3210 has simplicity at its core, allowing consumers to be totally present. Forget dumbphone—this is 2024’s fun phone.”
He’s not wrong. Spending a weekend with the Nokia 3210 showed me that life doesn’t have to revolve around notifications and social media.
Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that bring the most joy. Whether you’re curious about a digital detox or just want to relive the glory days of the late 90s, the Nokia 3210 is worth a try.
You might surprise yourself. I know I did.
