Nokia 6310 review: relive the early 2000s with this nostalgic feature phone

In a world dominated by smartphones, feature phones still serve a purpose for those seeking simplicity and digital detox options. The Nokia 6310 is HMD Global's 2021 reinterpretation of the iconic 2001 model, marketed as a reliable device for basic communication needs. For those exploring basic phone options, this model stands out for its exceptional battery life and accessibility features.

It's the 2021 model that I've tested for this review, and the one you're most likely to find in stores and on third-party sites. However, note that there is also a 2024 model, with a larger 1,450 mAh battery (up from 1,150 mAh) and a USB-C port for simpler charging. (This one has a more old-fashioned Micro-USB slot).

Bear in mind, that both of these are 2G phones, in a world that's rapidly phasing out 2G in favour of 3G, 4G and 5G. If you're not bothered about using the web and just want to make calls and send texts, that won't be a problem. If you are, you should check first whether 2G is even available in your region, as all the major US carriers have already switched off or are in the process of shutting down their 2G networks.

Nokia 6310: Specifications

Nokia 6310: Price and availability

The Nokia 6310 (2021) retails for $49.99/£39.00/AU$69.95, which is pretty standard for a feature phone. Given its long battery life and durable construction, I'd say it offers fair value. There are cheaper feature phones from Nokia and others there, but they're generally less good.

Nokia 6310: Build and handling

The Nokia 6310's polycarbonate shell feels surprisingly premium for a budget device, with a satisfying heft and matte finish that resists fingerprints. While it's very light, at 98g, it does feel solid, and like it could survive several drops.

I found the physical T9 keypad offered excellent tactile feedback, with clicky, responsive buttons that I found pleasantly nostalgic after years of touchscreen typing. The 2.8-inch screen is small compared to a smartphone, for a feature phone it actually feels nice and roomy. Certainly, it's a lot nicer to use than the 1.8 screen of the (admittedly cheaper) Nokia 110 4G.

In use, I found navigating the 6110's menu system easier and more intuitive than any feature phone I've tried before, thanks to the prominent directional pad and clear menu structure. I also appreciated the accessibility features, including a mode that enlarges fonts and maximizes volume – perfect for older users or those with visual impairments. It was perhaps surprising that voice description of menu items was turned on by default, but this didn't bother me and was pretty easy to turn off in settings once I'd tired of it.

Finally, it was nice to see the back cover was easy to remove (revealing the battery, dual SIM slots, and microSD card slot). No tools were required; just a fingernail. Nice.

Nokia 6310: Performance

In daily use, I found the Nokia 6310 excelled at its core functions. Calls were clear with excellent reception, and text messaging was straightforward with the physical keyboard. The Series 30+ operating system was responsive and quick when navigating menus.

On the plus side, the wireless FM radio delivered surprisingly clear audio through the front-facing speaker, making it a genuinely useful feature for news and entertainment. Those of a certain age will also find the pre-installed Snake game wonderfully nostalgic with its classic 90-degree movement pattern preserved intact.

The standout feature, though, is unquestionably battery life. During my testing, the phone lasted nearly three weeks with light use, making it ideal for emergency use or travel. The 2G-only internet connection is painfully slow by modern standards, but hey, if you're on a digital detox, that'll just help encourage you not to hit the web.

Nokia 6310: Photography

Like virtually all feature phones, you shouldn't expect to take useable photos with the Nokia 6310. With only a flimsy 0.3MP sensor, it produces predictably grainy images with poor detail and color accuracy. Admittedly in good lighting, you can capture okay-ish reference images like these below, taken on a fabulously sunny day.

In low-light, though, you just get murk. And worse still, even in good lighting, there's little point in taking reference images of documents because there doesn't seem to be a way to zoom in on them on the small screen. So you won't be able to read the text back unless you export it to a laptop or smartphone. Even then, it's pretty touch and go whether text will be legible.

The camera on the Nokia 3310 also lets you shoot video. Given how low-res, grainy and jerky this is, I honestly don't see the point of it, but I guess it's better to have than not. Also be aware that you can't shoot video at all unless you insert a microSD card. Even if you have one lying around, it'll have to be 32GB or less; anything with more memory, annoyingly, won't work.

Nokia 6310: Verdict

The Nokia 6310 successfully delivers on its promise of simplicity, reliability and extended battery life. It's camera did a better job than the cheaper Nokia 110 4G, and a slightly better job than the Nokia 225 4G. On the downside, it doesn't actually offer 4G like those phones, so if 2G is switched off in your region, it's a bit pointless.

There are a couple of other niggles, such as not being able to zoom in one pictures, and not being able to shoot video without inserting a microSD card of 32GB or less. But on the whole, I found this phone to be a refreshing escape from constant notifications and social media distractions. In other words, it's very limited, but that's kind of the point.

While it won't replace your smartphone in the slightest, it serves admirably as a secondary device or digital detox tool. And more broadly, the physical buttons, accessible interface and durable construction make it particularly well-suited for anyone seeking a more mindful relationship with technology.

Check out our guides to the best burners phones and the best dumbphones for alternatives to the Nokia 6310