The Nokia 3210 has come to embody all modern consumers despise about mobile phones: it is bulky, heavy, and not particularly stylish. It has a small black and white screen with a poor pixel ratio. The SMS inbox holds a meagre 12 messages, which is hardly sufficient in our world of instant and continuous communication. It also lacks a camera, or any of the 3G features coveted in modern mobile telephones.

Despite its flaws however, the Nokia 3210 retains a vintage charm. It was a humble phone, built for practicality rather than to impress.

The Nokia 3210 was fairly reliable in comparison to modern mobile phones. In an age of cracked mobile phone screens and lost styluses, there is something refreshingly vintage about the humble Nokia 3210. Its casing was quite resilient when it came to being exposed to knocks and blows. Its screen was tough and hard-wearing.

Similarly, it was fairly easy to navigate for people with little experience of using mobile phones. It had large keys, and a straightforward menu. It was arguably better- suited to the needs of older mobile phone users than any of the 'easy-to-use' phones which have since sprung up.

The Nokia 3210 cannot compete with new mobile phones, both in terms of style and functionality. However, it is rather charming in a vintage way.

NB: Second hand Nokia 3210's are readily available from private sellers.