Nokia 8210 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Nokia 8210: A Legendary Device in Mobile Phone History

Network Capabilities

The Nokia 8210 was launched with GSM technology, supporting 2G bands, specifically GSM 900 and GSM 1800. It did not offer GPRS or EDGE, which was typical for phones during that era. The focus was on providing clear voice calls rather than internet connectivity, which was in its nascent phase at the time of the phone's release.

Launch and Public Reception

Announced in 1999, the Nokia 8210 quickly became a status symbol of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Its sleek design and compact size made it highly desirable. Despite being discontinued later, it left a lasting impression on mobile phone design aesthetics, showcasing Nokia's ability to marry functionality with style.

Design and Physical Attributes

With dimensions of 101.5 x 44.5 x 17.4 mm and a weight of just 79 grams, the Nokia 8210 was designed to fit comfortably in the hand and easily slip into pockets. It utilized a Mini-SIM and came with a range of customizable Xpress-on covers, available in six different colors. This feature added a personal touch and allowed users to frequently change the phone's aesthetic to suit their mood or style.

Display Features

The phone was equipped with a monochrome graphic display capable of showing five lines of text. While it may seem basic by today’s standards, it was adequate for displaying messages and navigating the phone’s simple UI. The display's simplicity was intentional, focusing on durability and longevity over advanced features.

Memory and Storage

The Nokia 8210 had no card slot for expandable memory, but it did feature a phonebook capable of storing up to 250 contacts. Call records could track 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. This level of storage was seen as generous during the phone's era, emphasizing function without unnecessary complexity.

Sound and Alerts

Although it lacked a loudspeaker and 3.5mm jack, the Nokia 8210 offered vibration alerts and downloadable monophonic ringtones — a novelty at the time. This feature allowed users to personalize their phones beyond just appearance, adding a new layer to the user experience.

Communication Features

For its time, the Nokia 8210 was relatively well-equipped with communication features that included an infrared port, though it lacked Bluetooth and WLAN capabilities. This allowed for basic data exchange between compatible devices, such as another phone or a PC equipped with infrared capabilities.

Mobile Software and Features

As a feature phone, the Nokia 8210 ran on a proprietary Nokia OS, with support for basic SMS messaging, an alarm function, and a clock. It came preinstalled with four games, providing entertainment on the go. Additionally, the phone supported 32 languages, catering to a diverse global market.

Battery Life and Performance

The Nokia 8210 housed a removable Li-Ion 650 mAh (BLB-2) battery, offering a standby time ranging from 50 to 150 hours and a talk time of 2 to 3 hours and 20 minutes. This was considered quite efficient and lent to the phone's reputation for reliability and endurance, crucial for users who valued long battery life.

Legacy and Impact

The Nokia 8210 is remembered not just as a piece of technology but as a cultural icon of its time. Its influence extended beyond functionality to be associated with fashion and lifestyle. As smartphones began to emerge, the 8210 remained beloved for its simplicity, proving that a mobile device could be personal and stylish without complex features. The success of the Nokia 8210 paved the way for future innovations in mobile phone design and user interface improvement, leaving a lasting legacy in the mobile phone industry.