This iconic ‘dumbphone’ from the past will take over MWC (or so they say)

The Mobile World Congress (MWC) is a few winks away and smartphone companies are scrambling to make waves to ensure that they have the spotlight once the world looks at Barcelona. But it seems that one strong contender is making rounds to secure the popularity vote: a refurbished dumbphone from about 17 years ago.

All hail the historic Nokia 3310.

Evan Blass, who is famous for leaking upcoming tech since 2012, first reported the re-release on VentureBeat. Given his reputation for leaks with almost pin-point accuracy, various information outlets all over the world have jumped on the story. However, there has been no official word yet from HMD, the Nokia brand licensee.

The 3310 is rumoured to be priced at €59 (about P3,000) when it’ll be supposedly re-launched alongside the unveiling of three mid-rangers: the Nokia 3, 5, and 6. While the Nokia 6 is already out in China, it’s appearance at MWC hints that it might go global. Even so, the iconic candy bar phone claims the lion’s share of oohs and aahs.

This is the reaction from the world after hearing that @nokia are BRINGING BACK THE 3310! 2017 looking good so far! #Nokia3310 pic.twitter.com/YSBuhy6gPw

— WillBollen (@willbollcafc) February 14, 2017

This hype might be attributed not only to nostalgia but also to the characteristics of the dumbphone that is seemingly obsolete in its smarter ones: the ability to type and text with minimal attention, the ruggedized armor, and the seemingly inexhaustible battery that lasts for days. Most 3310s have endured and lived through everyday apocalypses, and some are still chugging along—and some people prefer these working 3310s than a modern slab of screen.

Some hype, however, stems from the equally iconic games such as Space Impact and Snake II—the latter was even made available to both Android and iOS.

Clearly, the world isn’t over Nokia yet—and Nokia might finally find its way back to the homes where it once reigned supreme. For now, tech enthusiasts can only cross their fingers and hope for the comeback on the 26th.