Nokia 3 smartphone

Photo: Tinh tế Photo via Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Nokia

Nokia 3

June 2017 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Nokia 3 is an entry-level Android smartphone released by HMD Global in 2017, featuring a 5-inch HD display, a MediaTek processor, and a focus on a clean Android experience. It aimed to re-establish the Nokia brand in the budget smartphone market.
Display5.0-inch HD IPS LCD with Gorilla Glass
ChipsetMediaTek MT6737
Main Camera8 MP with autofocus and LED flash
Battery2630 mAh Li-Ion
Starting from $45

💰 Nokia 3 Price

The Nokia 3 lowest price is $45, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass

Platform

OSAndroid 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie)
ChipsetMediatek MT6737 (28 nm)
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUMali-T720MP1/MP2

Memory

RAM2 GB LPDDR3
Internal Storage16 GB eMMC 5.0
Card slotmicroSDXC, up to 256 GB (dedicated slot)

Main Camera

Single8 MP, AF, f/2.0, 1.12 µm
FeaturesLED flash
Video720p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single8 MP, AF, f/2.0, 1.12 µm, 84° FOV
Video720p@30fps

Battery

TypeNon-removable Li-Ion
Capacity2630 mAh

Body

Dimensions143.4 x 71.4 x 8.48 mm (5.65 x 2.81 x 0.33 in)
Weight140 g (4.94 oz)
BuildGlass front (Corning Gorilla Glass), plastic back, aluminum frame
SIMNano-SIM (single or dual SIM variants)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE
GPSYes, with A-GPS
NFCYes (market dependent)
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTG

Launch

AnnouncedFebruary 2017
StatusDiscontinued (September 2020)
Release DateJune 2017

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Clean, near-stock Android experience
  • Good build quality for its price segment
  • Expandable storage via microSD card
  • Affordable price point at launch
  • Polarized display for better sunlight readability

Cons

  • Underpowered processor leading to sluggish performance
  • Modest camera performance, especially for video recording
  • Relatively small battery capacity and slow charging
  • Limited internal storage (16GB)
  • Lack of a fingerprint scanner
★ Our Verdict

The Nokia 3 offered a reliable stock Android experience and good build quality for an entry-level smartphone, but its performance and camera were modest even for its time, and the battery life was average.

The Nokia 3, released in 2017, was an entry-level smartphone designed for basic daily use. While it offered a clean Android experience and a sturdy build for its price, its specifications are now significantly outdated. The MediaTek MT6737 processor and 2GB of RAM will struggle with modern apps and multitasking, leading to a sluggish user experience. The 2630 mAh battery is also quite small by today's standards, and charging is slow. If you're considering this phone, it's best suited for very light usage, as a backup device, or for someone needing only essential communication features. For a primary smartphone, newer budget alternatives offer vastly improved performance, cameras, and battery life at similar or slightly higher price points. It is also discontinued, making new purchases difficult and software support non-existent, so consider its limited longevity and functionality before purchasing.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Nokia 3 Handset
  • Charger
  • USB Cable (microUSB)
  • Headphones
  • SIM Ejector Tool
  • Quick Start Guide

Nokia smartphones typically come with a Manufacturer's Limited Warranty of 12 to 24 months, covering hardware defects under normal usage.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the release date of the Nokia 3?

The Nokia 3 was announced in February 2017 and officially released in June 2017.

What operating system does the Nokia 3 run?

The Nokia 3 launched with Android 7.0 Nougat and was upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie.

Does the Nokia 3 support expandable storage?

Yes, the Nokia 3 supports expandable storage via a dedicated microSDXC card slot, up to 256 GB.

What are the camera specifications of the Nokia 3?

The Nokia 3 features an 8 MP autofocus camera on both the rear and front, both capable of recording 720p video at 30fps.

What is the battery capacity of the Nokia 3?

The Nokia 3 is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 2630 mAh battery.

Is the Nokia 3 still a good phone to buy in 2026?

Given its release in 2017, the Nokia 3's specifications are significantly outdated, and it is no longer supported with software updates. It would only be suitable for very basic tasks or as a backup device, and newer budget phones offer much better performance and features.