Nokia 3210

Nokia 3210

Manufacturer	Nokia
Availability by region	1999
Compatible networks	900 / 1800
Form factor	Candybar
Dimensions	123.8 x 50.5 x 16.7-22.5 mm
Weight	151g
Memory	Up to 250 names in phonebook
Battery	1250 mAh
Rear camera	no
Display	Backlit Monochrome
Connectivity	None

The Nokia 3210 was a highly popular cellular phone, first launched in 1999. A combination of cutting-edge features such as built-in antennas and T9 (predictive text) ensured the 3210 huge commercial success (approximately 160 million units) especially across Western Europe and North America. The 3210 can also attribute much of its success to an advertising campaign which was aimed predominantly at young people, a first in the mobile phone industry. The inclusion of 3 games, changeable covers, customisable ringtones and competitive prices led to the handset's huge popularity with those aged 15-25.

User interface

Pressing the Power button on the top of the handset powers up the phone. Provided no PIN security measure is in place, the handset Graphical User Interface will be displayed, indicating signal strength (1-4 bars), battery level and Network Operator. Pressing the (-) button calls the Main Menu of the handset, which features the following elements:

1. Phone Book
2. Messages
3. Call Register
4. Settings
5. Call Divert
6. Games
7. Calculator
8. Clock
9. Tones
10. My services (depending on SIM configuration)

Dimensions

The Nokia 3210 had a volume of 104cm³ and had a total weight of 153g. The handset measures 123.8mm x 50.5mm x 16.7mm (min), 22.5mm (max) and features customizable fascias which clip on.

This phone was way ahead in time with its wicked features.

Notable features

• 3 Games came preinstalled: Snake, Memory (pairs-memory game), and Rotation. The addition of such games encouraged high sales within a youth market which was enlarging at a very fast rate. Some versions of the 3210 included "hidden" games, React and Logic. They were activated by special software using data cable.

• As one of the first mobile phones, the 3210 featured an internal antenna. This distinguished the handset from others which featured large, awkward and unsightly antenna. Reception, although poorer than that of its predecessor, the 3110, was still very good.

• 'Picture messages' sent via the SMS texting service, were implemented in the handset, allowing users to send preinstalled pictures to one another. These included a 'Happy Birthday' picture amongst others.

• The handset was competitively priced and aimed particularly at teenagers and young professionals. This was at a time when few young people had access to a mobile phone, which was generally identified with older professionals and business people.

• The 3210 was the first to allow users to compose their own ringtone, a substantial benefit as previously customized ringtones could only be sent via SMS and at a charge.

Handset specifications

• Standby Time (hrs): 55-260
• Talk Time (mins): 180-270
• Charge Time (hrs): 4
• Ringtone Composer
• Dual Band: Yes
• Vibrating Alert (optional)
• Speed Dialing
• 3 Games
• Internal Antenna
• Green back light
• Interchangeable Fascias

Trivia

• The 3210 was originally designed with a vibrate alert function. Nokia decided not to implement this feature on some handsets within certain jurisdictions. A few months after its UK release, some mobile phone repair shops offered customers a handset upgrade to the vibrate function for a small fee.

See also

• Nokia 3110 - Predecessor
• Nokia 3310 - Successor
• Nokia