Nokia 3310 - The complete guide: features, games, common problems, and how much it's worth today
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The Nokia 3310 was the best-selling and most beloved phone of the early 2000s. Released in 2000, it sold over 126 million units worldwide. Even today, 25 years later, it remains a symbol of durability, simplicity, and nostalgia.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll find everything you need to know about the Nokia 3310: technical specifications, games, common problems, solutions, interesting facts, and its current value in the used market.
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## Nokia 3310 Technical Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|:---|:---|
| Release Year | 2000 |
| Dimensions | 113 x 48 x 22 mm |
| Weight | 133 grams |
| Battery | Ni-MH (900 mAh) |
| Standby Time | Up to 260 hours (11 days) |
| Talk Time | Up to 4 hours and 30 minutes |
| Display | Monochrome, 84 x 48 pixels |
| Memory | 100 contacts, SMS up to 160 characters |
| Ringtones | Polyphonic (built-in composer) |
| Games | Snake II, Pairs II, Space Impact |
**Why was it so special?**
- It was almost indestructible (legend has it it could stop a bullet)
- The battery lasted for days, not hours
- It could be customized with interchangeable colored covers
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## Nokia 3310 Games
The Nokia 3310 had three pre-installed games. Here's how they work and how to achieve high scores.
### Snake II
Snake II is the most iconic game on the 3310. A snake grows every time it eats a square. It dies if it hits a wall or its own body.
**Trick for high scores:**
- At the beginning, move slowly
- Create a tight "8" in the middle of the screen
- At high scores, the snake becomes very fast. At that point, move in small circles
**Theoretical maximum score:** 1999 points (then the counter stops)
### Pairs II (memory game)
You need to match pairs of symbols hidden behind the tiles. The faster you match, the more points you get.
**Trick:**
- Focus on positions, not symbols
- The grid has 8 pairs (16 tiles)
- With memory, you can finish the game in under 30 seconds
### Space Impact (space shooter)
A game similar to Space Invaders. You have to shoot enemies descending from above and dodge their projectiles.
**Trick:**
- Always stay in the center of the screen
- Smaller enemies give more points
- The spaceship has 3 lives. Use them carefully
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## Common Nokia 3310 Problems and How to Solve Them
### 1. Nokia 3310 won't turn on
**Possible causes:**
- Dead battery (leave it charging for 1 hour)
- Oxidized contacts (clean with an eraser)
- Dead battery (buy a replacement on eBay for 10-15 euros)
If you have power-on issues with other models, read the guide on [how to unlock Nokia N73 without a code](https://www.infosate.com/blogs/notizie/come-sbloccare-nokia-n73-senza-codice).
### 2. The phone turns off by itself
**Most likely cause:** battery not making good contact.
**Solution:** slightly bend the battery contacts upwards with a toothpick.
### 3. "Insert SIM card" appears
**Causes:**
- SIM not inserted correctly
- Dirty SIM contacts
- SIM too old (90s SIMs are no longer supported)
**Solution:** try a newer SIM (even from a different operator).
### 4. Screen flickers or is faded
**Cause:** display flat cable is coming loose.
**Solution:** open the phone and reconnect the cable. Requires some manual dexterity.
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## How much is a Nokia 3310 worth today? (2025 prices)
| Condition | Estimated Price |
|:---|:---|
| Used, working (without box) | 40-60 euros |
| Used with original box | 80-120 euros |
| New in box (unopened) | 200-300 euros |
| Special editions (e.g., rare colors) | Up to 500 euros |
**Where to sell it for the best price:**
- **eBay** – reach international collectors
- **Subito.it** – quick sale in Italy
- **Facebook Groups** (e.g., "Vintage Phones in Italy")
**What influences the price:**
- The original box (increases the price by 50-100%)
- Manuals, charger, and original headphones
- Interchangeable covers (if present)
- Absence of scratches and signs of wear
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## Nokia 3310 Fun Facts
1. **It could go days without charging.** The battery life was so long that many only charged it once a week.
2. **It was used as a weapon in movies.** In "The Bourne Identity" (2002), Jason Bourne uses a Nokia 3310 to write a message before being chased.
3. **Nokia re-released the 3310 in 2017.** The modern version has a color screen, camera, and even longer battery life (up to 31 days of standby).
4. **The secret code *#0000#** shows the firmware version. It still works today on old Nokia phones.
5. **The ringtone composer** allowed users to create personalized melodies. Even today, you can find websites with hundreds of sheet music scores for the 3310.
For other power-on issues, check out the guide on [Nokia N95 won't turn on: how to fix it](https://www.infosate.com/blogs/notizie/nokia-n95-non-si-accende-come-risolvere).
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## Frequently Asked Questions about the Nokia 3310
### How much does a new battery for Nokia 3310 cost?
A compatible battery costs 10-15 euros on Amazon or eBay. An original one is either unavailable or costs over 50 euros.
### Does the Nokia 3310 still work with today's SIM cards?
Yes, but only with SIM cards that support 2G networks. In Italy, TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad still have active 2G networks (at least until 2026-2027).
### How do I reset the Nokia 3310?
Dial `*#7780#` to reset settings without losing data. For a complete reset (everything erased), dial `*#7370#` and enter the code 12345.
### Does the Nokia 3310 have Bluetooth?
No. The 3310 does not have Bluetooth or infrared. The only way to transfer data is via cable (FBUS) or by replacing the SIM card.
### How much does the Nokia 3310 weigh?
133 grams. For comparison, an iPhone 15 weighs 171 grams.
📸 **How to transfer photos from other old Nokia phones?** Read the guide on [how to transfer photos from Nokia 7100 Supernova to PC](https://www.infosate.com/blogs/notizie/come-trasferire-foto-da-nokia-7100-supernova-al-pc).
🔧 **Problems with other phones?** Here's how to [reset Samsung GT-E1150 to factory settings](https://www.infosate.com/blogs/notizie/come-resettare-samsung-gt-e1150-ai-dati-di-fabbrica).
📱 **Facts about other vintage phones:** Find out how much a [Motorola StarTAC is worth today](https://www.infosate.com/blogs/notizie/motorola-startac-come-funziona-e-quanto-vale-oggi).
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## Conclusion
The Nokia 3310 is much more than a phone. It's a piece of history, a symbol of an era when cell phones were simple, durable, and lasted for days without recharging.
If you have an original 3310 in your attic, dig it out. It could be worth up to 300 euros if it's in good condition. And even if you don't sell it, turning it on and playing Snake II after 25 years is a priceless trip down memory lane.
Do you own a Nokia 3310? Tell us your story in the comments!
All our Nokia 3310 phones are **verified, working, and with original batteries**. Tracked shipping and free returns.
🛒 **Looking for a working Nokia 3310?** [Check out our store](https://www.infosate.com/confezione-originale-nokia-3310-nuovo)