If the 8210 was for the fashionistas, the 8310 is for the fashionistas who’ve just been promoted to middle management. Launched in late 2001, it’s Nokia’s first Series 40 phone to feature GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), which is a fancy way of saying the internet is now “always on” and you don’t have to wait for it to dial up like a 56k modem. It’s tiny, even by 8210 standards, and features a translucent plastic design that looks like it was inspired by an iMac G3. It’s bold, it’s slightly see-through, and in the “Red Hot” colour scheme, it’s impossible to ignore. At 84g, it’s a lightweight champion that packs an incredible amount of tech into a chassis that feels like a toy.
The big news, besides the GPRS, is the built-in FM radio. It’s the first Nokia to include one, and it’s a revelation for anyone who’s tired of their own ringtones. You’ll need to plug in the included headset to act as an antenna, but the sound quality is excellent. It’s also got a white LED backlight—moving away from the old green/yellow look—which makes the monochrome screen look incredibly modern and sharp. However, the buttons are microscopic, and anyone with thumbs larger than a toddler’s will find texting a bit of a challenge. It’s also notoriously expensive and the build quality feels a bit “creaky” compared to the old magnesium-framed Ericssons. But as a statement of high-tech luxury, the 8310 is the ultimate “look at me” phone of 2001.