HMD Global Revives Classic Nokia Phones with Modern Upgrades for 2024

HMD Global, the company behind the Nokia brand, has introduced three new retro-inspired feature phones, drawing inspiration from classic designs of the early 2000s to the 2010s.

The Nokia 6310 (2024), Nokia 5310 (2024), and Nokia 230 (2024) are modern reinterpretations of handsets originally released in 2001, 2007, and 2015, respectively. These updated versions come with contemporary enhancements such as advanced accessibility features, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB-C charging.

The unveiling of these phones took place on the HMD website, which lists all the features and specifications but currently does not provide pricing or release dates. Historically, similar re-releases have been priced under £100 / $125 / AU$200.

Despite the updated hardware, these phones are not designed for high-performance tasks like playing Call of Duty Mobile or browsing Instagram. Their functionality is more akin to the original Nokia phones, with no app stores, limited internet capabilities, and only 2G support, which may be problematic as 2G networks are being phased out in some countries.

These phones offer a simpler user interface, long standby battery life that can last for weeks, and a design reminiscent of classic Nokia models, appealing to those who appreciate nostalgia. Nokia suggests that the limited features make these phones easier to use and provide a ‘digital detox’ from social media and other modern distractions. However, they come with trade-offs such as basic cameras, no touchscreens, and no access to streaming music or video apps.

This is not the first time HMD has revived classic Nokia designs. Last year, they released updated versions of the Nokia 130 and 150, and in 2021, they introduced a reimagined 6310 with a smaller battery and Micro USB port.

Retro Specs

All three new phones share similar specifications and hardware. They feature 2.8-inch QVGA IPS displays and removable 1,450mAh batteries that offer up to 27 days of standby time.

Powered by a Unisoc 6531F chip paired with 8MB of RAM, these phones have 16MB of internal storage, expandable up to 32GB via microSD card.

The main differences among the three phones are in design and minor hardware variations. For instance, the Nokia 230 (2024) boasts a 2MP camera, while the other two models have a basic 0.3MP rear camera.

The 2024 edition of the 5310 includes dedicated music playback buttons and dual front-facing speakers, similar to the original model. All three phones come with built-in classic apps, such as the game Snake, and FM radio.

These 2024 versions of the Nokia 6310, Nokia 5310, and Nokia 230 are likely to appeal to retro tech enthusiasts and those who fondly remember the original models, serving more as nostalgic nods to the past than practical modern phones.