Nokia 2110 The Classic Mobile Unveiled – Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview

The Nokia 2110 is a classic mobile phone that was first announced in 1995. It represents a significant milestone in the evolution of cellular technology, marking an era where mobile phones began to be widely adopted by the general public. Although it has since been discontinued, the Nokia 2110 remains a notable example of the early efforts to create user-friendly mobile communication devices.

Network

At the core of its communication capabilities, the Nokia 2110 utilizes GSM technology, specifically operating on the GSM 900 band. This was one of the earliest standards for mobile communications, allowing for robust and reliable communication. However, it lacked GPRS and EDGE capabilities, which limited its data transmission capabilities to basic voice calls and SMS messaging.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 148 x 56 x 25 mm and a weight of 236g, the Nokia 2110 is considerably bulkier compared to modern smartphones. It features a sturdy plastic construction with its characteristic antenna, which was a common design element in mobile phones of that era. The phone uses a Mini-SIM card, and its black color also complemented the understated elegance typical of the mid-1990s tech design.

Display

The Nokia 2110 is equipped with a monochrome graphic display that supports a resolution of 4 x 13 characters. This type of display was standard at the time, offering basic readability for texts and numbers without advanced graphic capabilities. The screen was functional enough for simple text communication but far behind the color and touchscreens that would follow in mobile technology.

Memory and Storage

Considering the period when it was released, the Nokia 2110's memory capabilities were minimal by today's standards. It wasn’t designed to support any external storage card slot, and it could store up to 125 phonebook entries in addition to the contacts stored on the SIM card. It also logged call records, maintaining a list of the last 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls.

Sound

The sound system was quite basic, lacking a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Users were limited to monophonic ringtones, a standard feature at the time that provided a selection of simple, melodic tones for call alerts.

Connectivity

The Nokia 2110 was devoid of modern connectivity options like WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS, Radio, or USB connections. It was primarily designed for voice calls and SMS, reflecting the mobile communication needs of the mid-1990s. This limitation highlights how far mobile technology has come in terms of connectivity options.

Features

This phone was intended for straightforward communication tasks, offering basic SMS messaging capabilities. It did not feature a web browser, clock, alarm, or games, focusing instead on its primary function as a mobile communication device. The absence of Java support demonstrates the limited function and app potential of early mobile phones.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable NiMH 550 mAh battery, the Nokia 2110 provided a respectable battery life for its time. Users could expect a standby time of up to 30 hours and a talk time of about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The phone also offered a vibrating battery option, an innovative feature that offered a tactile alert for incoming calls.

Miscellaneous

Produced in a classic black color, the Nokia 2110 had a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 1.48 W/kg for the head and 0.13 W/kg for the body, which was a significant consideration for mobile phone users concerned about radiation exposure. In the European Union, the SAR for the head measured slightly lower at 0.85 W/kg.

Conclusion

The Nokia 2110 serves as a nostalgic reminder of the early days of mobile communication. Its design and functionality provide insight into the technological constraints and innovations of the past. While modern smartphones offer vast capabilities and connectivity beyond basic voice calls and text messaging, the Nokia 2110 remains a pivotal device in the history of mobile telecommunications, showcasing the early ambitions and achievements of phone manufacturers. Despite its simplicity, it played a crucial role in making mobile phones accessible to a wider audience and paved the way for the mobile communication revolution that followed.