The Early 2000s-Era Nokia 3310 May Be Returning to Stores

Before the age of the smartphone, and the age of the flip phone prior to that, the Nokia 3310 reigned supreme. Now, VentureBeat reports that the classic device will be making a comeback later this month, according to a source familiar with the manufacturer's plans.

When Nokia unveiled the 3310 model in 2000, it lacked many of the characteristics we've come to associate with mobile phones. Users couldn't use the device to take pictures, send emails, or surf the web. It did, however, include several features that were notable for the time. In addition to making and receiving calls, owners could do math on the calculator, time themselves with the stopwatch, send text messages, or play Snake for hours on the phone's monochrome screen. The 3310 was also valued for its long battery life and durable form—two qualities that might appeal to mobile users used to carrying around chargers and swiping their fingers across cracked screens.

The 2017 version of the 3310 won’t be a truly faithful replica of the first device. According to the report, Nokia is releasing a "modern version" that will pay homage to the original, but any new features likely won’t be too extravagant, as the updated 3310 will retail for just $63.

HMD Global Oy, the Finnish manufacturer who owns the rights to the Nokia brand, has yet to confirm the content of the leak. But the phone is expected to make its official debut at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on February 26.

[h/t VentureBeat]