In 2014, Nokia Oyj (ADR)(NYSE:NOK) decided to redirect its focus on telecom network equipment. The decision resulted in the sale of its phone business to the giant tech Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). However, it did not put into consideration that its brand would remain in the minds of many loyalists.
The world’s once dominant phone maker is back with its classic 3310 phone, which for a very long time was a household device. The common yet very easy phone has been re-launched in Nokia’s home market of Finland perhaps as a result of nostalgia. To many Europeans, Nokia’s refurbished ‘brick’ is simpler and of a more “innocent” age.
Nokia 3310 was the world’s most popular device in 2000
In 2000, the device hit with a storm and quickly become the first handset to be owned by thousands of Smartphone users. Apparently, even those who could afford other superior models would somehow have an ancient Nokia in their back pocket. It was referred to as the basic talk and text phone.
Sharing the excitement of the new chapter, Shaun Durandt, General Manager, HMD Global, which has the rights to remake Nokia phones said, “We are delighted to bring the Nokia 3310 phone to our consumers in South Africa. Nokia has been one of the most iconic and recognizable phone brands in our country for decades.”
The nostalgic appeal is clear and the demand appears to be strong
Nokia 3310 has a lot to offer, including 22 hours of talk time and up to one month of standby time on one charge. These are among the many things that are likely to appeal many customers. According to the head of retail at Nigerian mobile phone distributor Finet, Colins Nwosu, Nokia has reliability thanks to its battery, which lasts longer. It also has durability, which means it is essentially untraceable and unhackable.
Notably, initial sales have been very strong and especially in the UK. This is likely to improve further with the coming of another three Nokia Smartphones, which are running on Google’s Android. They are due to go on sale in a few weeks.
Meanwhile, Nokia’s stock closed $6.32 a fall of $0.01 or 0.16%
