The Nokia 1100 was a classic mobile phone that was introduced by Nokia in 2003. It quickly became one of the best-selling phones of all time, with over 250 million units sold worldwide. The phone was designed to be affordable and easy to use, making it a popular choice for people in developing countries and those who wanted a simple phone without all the bells and whistles of a smartphone.
In early 2009, it was in the news due to a firmware flaw in a batch of phones that were manufactured in a plant in Bochum, Germany.The phone could supposedly be programmed to receive messages directed to a different phone number, thus receiving sensitive data such as online banking details. This flaw was brought to authorities’ attention after some phones were sold for over US$32,000.
Design and Features
The Nokia 1100 had a simple candy bar design with a black and white display that was easy to read. The phone had a T9 keypad that made it easy to type messages and dial numbers. It also had several useful features, including a built-in flashlight, an alarm clock, and a calculator.
Battery Life
One of the Nokia 1100’s biggest strengths was its long battery life. The phone had a 850mAh battery that could provide up to 400 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours of talk time. This was a significant advantage over other phones at the time, which often had much shorter battery life.
Durability
The Nokia 1100 was also known for its durability. The phone was designed to be rugged and could withstand drops, bumps, and scratches. This made it a popular choice for people who worked in construction, farming, or other industries where phones were subjected to rough conditions.
Legacy
The Nokia 1100’s popularity continued long after it was discontinued. It became a cultural icon in some countries, with people using it as a symbol of simplicity, reliability, and nostalgia. Some even used the phone as a tool for activism and social change, such as using it to send text messages during protests or to share news and information in areas without reliable internet access.
Read More: Nokia 1100 Launch Date: A Look Back at the Classic Feature Phone
Firmware History
| Version | Build date |
|---|---|
| 3.31 | 13 October 2003 |
| 3.44 | 6 November 2003 |
| 3.45 | 18 November 2003 |
| 4.15 | 15 December 2003 |
| 4.25 | 20 February 2004 |
| 4.35 | 26 March 2004 |
| 5.6 | 14 July 2004 |
| 5.62 | 25 October 2004 |
| 6.64 | 8 April 2005 |
| 7.34 | 20 October 2005 |
| 7.36 | 21 November 2005 |
| 8.11 | 19 June 2006 |
Variants
There are four distinct variations within the series: the 1100a, 1100b, 1101 and the 1108. They differ as follows:
- The 1100a operates on the GSM-900/1800 network.
- The 1100b operates on the GSM-850/1900 network.
- The 1101 replaces the green backlighting with a white backlighting and adds a simple WAP 1.1 browser.
- The 1108 also replaces the green backlighting with a white backlighting. Mainly made for Asian markets.
Conclusion
The Nokia 1100 was a classic phone that stood the test of time. It was affordable, easy to use, and durable, making it a popular choice for millions of people around the world. While the phone is no longer in production, its legacy continues to live on, with many people still cherishing their Nokia 1100 phones as a reminder of a simpler time.
Read More: Nokia 1100 5G (2023) First Looks, Release Date, Price