The Matrix phone is back: Nokia revives the 8110

Following the success of its 3310 revival last year, Nokia is bringing back another classic feature phone: the Nokia 8110.

Launched originally in 1996, the 8110 was the first example of a phone to feature a sliding form factor, with a cover protecting the keypad. The curved build got it the nickname "banana phone", but the 8110's prominence in original The Matrix means its also often referred to as "The Matrix phone".

The 8110 revival - officially referred to as the Nokia 8110 4G - adds a couple of modern features including 4G connectivity, Wi-Fi, a rear-facing camera, email sync, Google Maps and Google Assistant, and an app store with access to the likes of Facebook and Twitter. And it plays Snake, obviously.

When we tested out the new 3110 last year, we found the lack of over-the-top messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger quite challenging, so even basic app support could make the Nokia 8110 4G a genuine alternative for people sick of their smartphone.

The Nokia 8110 4G will be available from May for €79 in a choice of black, or appropriately, banana yellow. Local pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed, but the European pricing converts to about $120.

Alex Choros

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Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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