Nokia 8110 Explained: Retro Design Meets Modern Features

Nokia 8110 (1996) & Nokia 8110 4G (2018): Detailed Noun Explanation (English)

The Nokia 8110 has two key variants: the 1996 original “banana phone”—a iconic 2G feature phone famous for its curved sliding design and appearance in The Matrix—and the 2018 Nokia 8110 4G, a modernized smart feature phone with 4G connectivity, a color display, and basic smart functions. Both emphasize nostalgia and reliability, targeting users seeking a simple, durable device with retro appeal.

Basic Identity & Launch Info

Item	Nokia 8110 (1996)	Nokia 8110 4G (2018)
Full English Name	Nokia 8110	Nokia 8110 4G
Model Code	RH-1, RH-2 (Global)	TA-1048, TA-1059 (Global)
Launch Date	1996 (original); discontinued	Feb 25, 2018 (4G variant)
Core Position	Iconic 2G feature phone; pop – culture symbol	Nostalgic 4G smart feature phone
Key Taglines	“The Matrix Phone”; “Curved Slider Design”	“The Banana Phone Reimagined”; “4G Connectivity, Retro Style”
Starting Price	~$100 (1996); ~$79 (2018, 4G)

Key Technical Specifications (English)

1. Display

Parameter	Nokia 8110 (1996)	Nokia 8110 4G (2018)
Type & Size	Monochrome graphic; 4×13 character matrix	2.4 – inch TFT color display
Resolution	4×13 characters	240×320 pixels (QVGA), 167 ppi
Features	Dynamic font size; softkey prompts	65K colors; scratch – resistant glass

2. Processor & Performance

Parameter	Nokia 8110 (1996)	Nokia 8110 4G (2018)
Chipset	Custom Nokia ASIC (no dedicated CPU/GPU)	Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 (8905)
CPU	Single – core (basic telephony processor)	Dual – core 1.1GHz Cortex – A7
GPU	None	Adreno 304
Memory & Storage	125 – entry phonebook; no expandable storage	512MB RAM; 4GB internal storage; microSD (up to 32GB)

3. Camera & Multimedia

Parameter	Nokia 8110 (1996)	Nokia 8110 4G (2018)
Camera	No rear/front camera	2MP rear camera (1600×1200px, LED flash); no front camera
Multimedia	Monophonic ringtones; no speakerphone; no 3.5mm jack	MP3 player; FM radio; 3.5mm audio jack

4. Battery & Charging

Parameter	Nokia 8110 (1996)	Nokia 8110 4G (2018)
Battery Capacity	400mAh removable Li – ion	1500mAh removable Li – ion
Talk Time	3–5 hours	Up to 17 hours
Standby Time	80–150 hours	Up to 25 days
Charging	Proprietary charger	Micro – USB 2.0; 5W charging

5. Design & Build

Parameter	Nokia 8110 (1996)	Nokia 8110 4G (2018)
Material	Plastic body; curved sliding cover	Plastic frame; glass front; matte plastic back
Dimensions	141×48×25mm	133.45×49.3×14.9mm
Weight	152g	117g
Color Options	Black	Black, Yellow
Protection	Basic dust/water resistance (no IP rating)	Basic dust/water resistance (no IP rating)

6. Software & Connectivity

Parameter	Nokia 8110 (1996)	Nokia 8110 4G (2018)
OS	Proprietary Nokia OS	Smart Feature OS (based on KaiOS)
Connectivity	2G (GSM 900); no Bluetooth/Wi – Fi/GPS	4G LTE, 3G, 2G; Wi – Fi 802.11 b/g/n; Bluetooth 4.1; GPS
Messaging	SMS; no MMS/email	SMS, MMS, email; social media apps (Facebook, Twitter)
Security	PIN lock; call barring	PIN lock; pattern lock

Key Differentiators

Iconic Design: The curved “banana” shape and sliding cover made the 1996 model a cultural icon, while the 2018 4G version retained the design with modern materials.
Pop – Culture Impact: The 1996 model was featured in The Matrix, boosting its global popularity.
Connectivity Evolution: The 2018 4G variant added 4G, Wi – Fi, and Bluetooth, transforming it from a basic phone to a connected device.
Nostalgia & Practicality: Both versions cater to users who want a simple, reliable phone with retro charm, without the complexity of modern smartphones.

Common Terminology Clarification

QVGA (Quarter Video Graphics Array): A display resolution of 240×320 pixels, common in early 2000s mobile devices.

ASIC (Application – Specific Integrated Circuit): A custom chip designed for specific functions, used in the 1996 model for basic telephony tasks.

Feature Phone: A mobile phone with limited functions, focusing on calls, SMS, and basic utilities, unlike smartphones with app ecosystems.

Smart Feature OS: A lightweight OS for 4G feature phones, supporting apps and modern connectivity while maintaining simplicity.