Nokia 3100 The Complete Guide to Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of the Nokia 3100

Released in the third quarter of 2003, the Nokia 3100 was a popular handset in its time, distinguished by its compact design and robust performance. As part of Nokia's successful series of mobile phones, it catered to users looking for a reliable device with essential features. While modern standards have significantly evolved, understanding the Nokia 3100 provides insight into early 2000s mobile technology and consumer preferences.

Network and Connectivity

The Nokia 3100 operated on GSM technology, supporting frequencies of 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz. Although devoid of 3G or 4G capabilities that are common today, it offered reliable 2G connectivity which was suitable for voice calls and basic texting. The GPRS capabilities, classified as Class 4, allowed for limited data operations, a novelty at the time for a feature phone.

Design and Build

Sporting dimensions of 102 x 43 x 15 mm and a weight of 85 grams, the Nokia 3100 was a sleek and lightweight device. Its compact size and rounded edges made it easy to handle and carry. The use of a Mini-SIM was standard for phones of that era. Its user-friendly design included a high-contrast CSTN display that supported 4096 colors, a vibrant offering for its time. The display measured 1.5 inches with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, making it capable of rendering clear text and basic graphics.

Display

The Nokia 3100 featured a CSTN display supporting 4096 colors, which was a step up from the monochrome displays of its predecessors. The 1.5-inch screen offered a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. While minimal by today’s standards, this resolution was an acceptable trade-off for the phone’s low power consumption and extended battery life.

Memory and Storage

With an internal storage capacity of 484 KB, the Nokia 3100 was limited in comparison to current smartphones but sufficient for storing essential data such as a 256-contact phonebook and records of dialed, received, and missed calls. The absence of a card slot meant that users had to manage their storage efficiently, but this was typical of feature phones of that time.

Sound and Alerts

The Nokia 3100 supported downloadable polyphonic and monophonic ringtones, adding a layer of personalization that was highly favored. It included a loudspeaker but did not have a 3.5mm audio jack which is common in modern-day devices. Users could receive call and message alerts via vibration and sound, catering to different situational needs.

Battery Performance

The phone was equipped with a removable Li-Ion 850 mAh battery (model BL-5C), providing a standby time of up to 410 hours and a talk time of up to 6 hours. This long battery life was a significant advantage in a period when users prioritized longevity and reliability over advanced technological features. The Nokia 3100 ensured that users could engage in extended conversations without frequent recharging.

Communication Features

Although lacking modern connectivity options like Bluetooth or WLAN, the Nokia 3100 facilitated essential communication with SMS and MMS messaging capabilities. It included a WAP 1.2.1, xHTML browser for basic internet browsing, presenting users with a modest window to the web that suited its era.

Games and Entertainment

For entertainment, the Nokia 3100 provided preloaded games such as Beach Rally, Snake EX2, and Bowling. Users also had the option of downloading additional games, offering a decent variety for a feature phone. These simple games were popular time-passes before the era of app stores and complex mobile gaming.

Additional Features

The Nokia 3100 supported a calendar, alarm, and clock functions alongside basic organizer tools, contributing to its practicality as a daily assistant. It was available in three color variants - Blue, Red, and White, giving users the ability to choose a phone that matched their style.

Conclusion

The Nokia 3100 stands as a representation of early mobile technology, providing insight into the evolution of feature phones. It delivered the essential functions required by users in the early 2000s, focusing on reliability, durability, and simplicity. While it may not compete with modern smartphones in terms of features, its place in mobile history remains significant as a stepping stone towards today's advanced communication devices.