Nokia-3310-Mobile-World-Congress-2017
Nokia 3310 will return to the stores in 2017. Image: MobileZone.

The Nokia 3310, first released at the beginning of the century, will hit the stores in a modernized version, according to serial leaker Evan Blass. Rumors point out to an unveiling that will take place at the next Mobile World Congress.

The small cell phone became notorious not only because of its low price and entertaining ‘snake’ game but also because of its resilience. In recent times, users have reported turning them on after 15 years or so and using them like the first day.

The 3310’s sturdy quality has also made it the target of various internet memes. Historically, it is one of Nokia’s best selling devices. For the MWC, Blass reports, the Finnish company will also put out the Nokia 3, 5, and 6.

Before iPhones, teenagers had 3310s

The little GSM phone came out in late 2000 and quickly became a favorite among young people. It had two very popular and easy-to-play games called Snake II and Space Impact.

With over 126 million units sold to this day, the 3310 has gained a certain cult status in cellphone history as the ‘unbreakable’ phone. Early online videos and stories showed it getting soaked, thrown, run over, and still working perfectly afterward.

Rumors about its future re-release

According to Blass, HMD Global, the manufacturer that currently owns the Nokia brand, will put out a ‘modern version’ of the popular phone. The new 3310 will reportedly cost about €59 ($62), but there are no rumors about its new features.

So far, the 3310 will apparently debut in Europe, as no US dates came with the leak. The Mobile World Congress will start on Sunday, February 26. Nokia enthusiasts will probably want to buy it as a second-hand phone.

To this day, it is still possible to buy a 3310 phone from Amazon, where it sells for approximately $80, though there is a broad range of prices. Snake II is also available as an app for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.

Nokia’s other releases for the Mobile World Congress

Following their merger with HMD Global, the well-known brand looks to revamp its mobile lineup, which did not achieve much success with the Windows-powered Lumia handsets.

The Nokia 6 will feature Android and has already made a debut in the Chinese market. The Nokia 5 and Nokia 3 will follow these footsteps with the latest version of Nougat, but inferior specs. Their unveiling, however, might represent Nokia’s final return to both Europe and America.

The Nokia 6 currently comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor, 4GB of RAM, a 16MP rear camera, and all the perks included in a premium phone. So far, the handset has garnered good reviews, and many users look forward to a Western appearance.

Source: Venture Beat