As I open the modern field to disclose a close to precise duplicate of my first telephone —the Nokia 3210 – I’m transported to the late 1990’s. Again then, it was all about SMS charges and pay as you go plan allowances, and Snake was the last word (and solely) sport. Now, right here we’re once more, many years later, with a reboot of this trusty little icon from HMD, and it appears like time has rewound in the easiest way.
Listed here are my ideas after a hands-on take a look at of the Nokia 3210. I’m on a quest to seek out the very best first telephone choices for my youngsters as I intention to maintain them related in a means that’s in step with wholesome, creating younger minds.
Gentle As Air
The Nokia 3210 is unbelievably gentle. Choosing it up appears like holding, effectively, practically nothing in any respect. In comparison with the heavyweight smartphones that dominate right this moment’s market, this one’s a breeze to hold. Refreshingly, it truly suits in my pocket with out making me really feel like I’m lugging round a brick.
Can the telephone individuals and the pocket individuals PLEASE join on 2025’s pants designs?
Whats up, Nostalgia
Turning it on, the acquainted Nokia brand lit up, and I couldn’t assist however smile. It was like an outdated pal saying hi there. My first intuition? Verify for *Snake.* It took me seconds to seek out it, and let me inform you, Snake’s had a tiny glow-up: with vibrant little apples and a sharper design, it’s much more enjoyable. There’s one thing about that sport that’s as satisfying as ever, a refreshing change from right this moment’s endlessly complicated apps with their Rewards FOMO and Tamagotchi stage penalties.
Connection Minus Distraction
With restricted web entry (Opera Mini is the closest you’ll get to looking), this telephone is a superb selection for staying related with out diving into the digital vortex. Calls and texts? Completely. You possibly can even use 4G to get fast data on-the-go, however this machine gained’t have you ever mindlessly scrolling for hours. It’s a mild nudge to search for and be current, reminding us that typically, much less is extra.
SMS Goes Outdated College
Typing out texts on a numeric keypad once more takes endurance—it’s just like the anti-TMI safeguard we didn’t know we wanted. It additionally means the main target is on protecting messages quick and candy, or perhaps even selecting up the telephone to speak. How refreshing is that?
Prepared for Its Shut-Up?
Now, let’s speak digital camera. A 2MP snapper sits on the again, good for these low-res, vintage-esque photographs which are truly type of endearing. Certain, it’s no iPhone, however perhaps that’s an excellent factor. With this type of digital camera, it’s much less about capturing each second and extra about having fun with the second.
A Good First Step for New Cellphone House owners & Digital Detoxers
As a mum navigating the “first telephone” stage, I’m looking out for one thing that retains my baby related with out opening the door to full-blown smartphone life. This Nokia is my first evaluate, and up to now it suits the invoice—primary, dependable, and reasonably priced. At $120, it’s a stable possibility for peace of thoughts, a “simply in case it’s worthwhile to attain me” telephone with a giant dose of nostalgia and simply sufficient gaming to maintain bus-stop boredom at bay.
“I imagine that the subsequent few years will see the rise of “dumbphone solely” venues, occasions and actions as we start to worth privateness, expertise and human connection over fixed connection and countless filming”
I like to recommend the Nokia 3210 for anybody who desires to actually change off, even simply sometimes. It’s low cost sufficient for half time use and removes the choice (and due to this fact the need) to seize in your telephone “simply to examine”, risking the inevitable “are you able to simply” and “do you know” distractions throughout occasions after we merely need to be current.
Towards a Safer Digital Future
Ladies Love Tech is proud to help the “36 Months” initiative to boost the social media age from 13 to 16, presently earlier than parliament in Australia. Research present that ready can have large psychological well being advantages for teenagers, and our authorities is listening.
Making use of this type of strain in Australia will pave the way in which for large tech corporations to create safer areas for our teenagers throughout the World.
If this resonates with you, check out the SXSW panel on this subject and add your voice.
FYI: I made each of my kids watch this panel with me. It’s extremely highly effective as a part of your “can I get a telephone Mum” discussions and primary cyber training.
Keep Cyber-safe on the market!
Xoxo, Elise
