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Price and specifications of Nokia 3 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Release Date
2017, June 17
Camera
8MP
Battery
2630mAh
Processor
MT6737
Screen
5.0"
Storage
16GB , microSDXC
Ram
2GB RAM
Operating System
Android 7.0, up to Android 9.0

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia 3 boasts a design that blends a glass front (protected by Gorilla Glass 3) and a plastic back, encapsulated within a robust aluminum frame. Measuring 143.4 x 71.4 x 8.5 mm and weighing 140 grams, this design is intended to deliver an aesthetically pleasing look while being durable enough for daily use. This design allows it to sit comfortably in the hand, providing both style and functionality. The choice of materials reflects Nokia's intent to offer something both premium in feel and affordable.

Display

Equipped with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD, the Nokia 3 provides users with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, yielding a pixel density of about 294 PPI. While lower than some higher-end models, this display makes up for it in the vibrant reproduction of colors and adequate brightness levels. The inclusion of Gorilla Glass 3 further ensures durability against scratches and drops, helping maintain the screen's integrity under normal usage conditions.

Performance

Powering this device is a Mediatek MT6737 chipset, combined with a Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a Mali-T720MP1 GPU. With 2GB of RAM, the Nokia 3 handles basic smartphone tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light photography seamlessly. While it may struggle under heavy multitasking or gaming, it still offers a competently smooth performance for its price range. For benchmarking enthusiasts, the device scores a respectable GeekBench rating of 1529.

Camera

This smartphone provides a basic yet functional camera setup, with both the main and selfie cameras featuring 8 MP sensors with f/2.0 aperture and auto-focus capabilities. The rear camera is equipped with LED flash and supports 720p video recording at 30fps. The relatively modest camera specifications cater well to casual photography requirements, ensuring decent photo quality under good lighting conditions. However, performance in low-light scenarios might not meet the expectations of more demanding users.

Battery Life

The Nokia 3 is powered by a 2630 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, delivering an endurance rating of 53 hours, as per standardized tests. This ensures adequate battery life for users who utilize their phones for typical day-to-day activities such as calling, messaging, and occasional internet use. While heavy users might find the need to recharge mid-day, average users should be able to last a full day on a single charge.

Operating System and Software

Initially shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat), the Nokia 3 is upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), showcasing Nokia’s commitment to software support and updates even for its budget devices. This upgrade path ensures users can access a more refined user experience with enhanced functionality and security. The Android One program offers a clean, stock Android experience, devoid of unnecessary bloatware, allowing seamless navigation and operation.

Storage

The device comes with 16GB of internal storage, which may suffice for users with light storage needs. It supports expandable storage via a microSDXC card, providing users the flexibility to increase storage capacity as per their requirements, a feature that is quite valuable for those who store multimedia content directly on their device.

Connectivity Options

With support for GSM, HSPA, and LTE technology, the Nokia 3 ensures satisfactory network coverage and data speeds, with LTE Cat4 offering up to 150/50 Mbps. Additionally, the phone supports common connectivity features such as Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and NFC. It also includes a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support, an FM radio, and a standard 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring it meets the basic connectivity needs of most users.

Additional Features

The Nokia 3 is equipped with several sensors including an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, which enhance the device’s usability across various applications. These sensors support numerous functionalities and applications that rely on motion detection or navigation.

Conclusion

Overall, the Nokia 3 stands as a compelling choice among budget smartphones, delivering a satisfactory mix of performance, design, and capabilities for the price bracket it occupies. Its robust design, adequate performance for everyday tasks, upgradeable Android version, and capable connectivity features draw in users looking for reliability at a reasonable cost. While it may not be the choice for users seeking high-end specifications, it rightfully secures a place in the hands of those valuing functionality and simplicity.

Disadvantages of Nokia 3

  • Low internal storage (16GB) with only 2GB RAM, which may affect performance and limit app installations.
  • Older chipset (Mediatek MT6737) which is not the most efficient for multitasking or gaming.
  • Limited battery capacity at 2630 mAh, which might not provide all-day usage for heavy users.
  • The display resolution is only 720 x 1280 pixels, which is lower compared to more modern devices.
  • Video recording is limited to 720p, resulting in lower quality video capture.
  • Uses microUSB 2.0 instead of the more modern USB-C for charging and data transfer.
  • No fast charging support, which means longer charging times.
  • Plastic back build which might not give a premium feel compared to glass or metal alternatives.
  • Sound quality and volume might be considered average with a loudspeaker rating of 70-83dB.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2017, February 24
Status Available. Released 2017, June 17
Body
Dimensions 143.4 x 71.4 x 8.5 mm (5.65 x 2.81 x 0.33 in)
Weight 140 g (4.94 oz)
Build Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame
SIM Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Platform
OS Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie)
Chipset Mediatek MT6737 (28 nm)
CPU Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53
GPU Mali-T720MP1
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal 16GB 2GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm, AF
Features LED flash
Video 720p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 8 MP, f/2.0, AF
Video 720p
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP, LE
Positioning GPS
NFC Yes
Radio FM radio with RDS
USB microUSB 2.0, OTG
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Ion 2630 mAh, non-removable
Misc
Colors Silver White, Matte Black, Tempered Blue, Copper White
Models TA-1032, TA-1020, TA-1028, TA-1038
SAR EU 0.48 W/kg (head)     1.85 W/kg (body)
Price About 100 EUR
Tests
Performance GeekBench: 1529 (v4.4)
Display Contrast ratio: 1351 (nominal), 2.871 (sunlight)
Camera Photo / Video
Loudspeaker Voice 70dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 83dB
Audio quality Noise -91.9dB / Crosstalk -91.8dB
Battery (old) Endurance rating 53h

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