Nokia 3310 could get a MAJOR upgrade, and it might change how you use this feature phone

The Nokia 3310 looks set to be one of the most popular mobile releases of 2017.

In a market dominated by smart and connected devices packed to the hilt with online-enabled features, Nokia’s €49 new launch seems to come from a different world.

Although it does come with a number of updates from the original device, including a 2MP rear camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and an overhauled Snake game, the new Nokia 3310 won’t worry the likes of the iPhone 7 when it comes to speed.

However, this may all be about to change, as the classic Nokia phone looks to strike a resurgent blow for the feature phone, thanks to a new release from Qualcomm which could transform how people use the device.

The American chipmaker recently announced its Snapdragon 205 chipset, specially designed to give feature phones like the Nokia 3310 a major boost.

The chip allows feature phones to access 4G LTE internet networks for the first time, meaning faster and more reliable online connections, and greatly expanding the possibility of what feature phones can do.

The Snapdragon 205 brings download speeds of up to 150Mbps and upload speeds of 50Mbps to devices that previously would have bee left far behind.

But that’s not all, as the chip can also support phones with 3MP rear camera and 0.3MP front camera, as well as useful tools such as dual-sim capability and NFC connections, both of which could be the key to drawing in valuable new customers.

If included with the Nokia 3310, the Snapdragon 205 could be a game-changer for the device.

Currently, the new Nokia device will only run on a 2G network, meaning that it will lag far behind your current smartphone in terms of speed and connectivity.

2G networks are rarely used these days – with a number of countries actually looking to switch off their 2G networks in the coming years.

The UK still has its 2G network for now, but there’s no telling how much longer for.

The new Nokia 3310 does ship with some specially-tweaked apps and online services, although some major offerings are missing out.

This includes WhatsApp, which Nokia confirmed won’t be present, although Twitter does make the cut.

The Nokia 3310 also doesn’t feature a touchscreen, unlike most current phones, with texts being the work of an alphanumeric keyboard and the 2.4in colour display.

However HMD Global has included Bluetooth connectivity into the device, which lets you send pictures taken from the 2MP rear camera to other devices.

Despite still not having an official UK release date, the new Nokia 3310 still looks set to be a hit among nostalgic phone fans.

Much like its predecessor, the device features an incredibly durable battery life, with the company saying that its new device is capable of withstanding 22 hours of talk-time before the battery dies, and can last for a month on standby mode.

Unlike the original, the new Nokia 3310 comes in some bright new finishes.

HMD Global is making the refreshed 3310 available in Warm Red and Yellow, which both come with a fingerprint-prone high-gloss finish, and Dark Blue and Grey, with a matte-look finish.