The Nokia 2660 Flip is part of Nokia’s resurgence in the mobile phone market, bringing back the beloved flip-phone design with a touch of modern features. Aimed at users who prefer simplicity over the complexities of smartphones, this device has garnered attention for its user-friendly interface, durable build, and nostalgic feel. In this review, we will dive deep into its design, performance, features, and overall usability to see if it’s worth adding to your collection.
Design and Build Quality
A Retro Design Reimagined
The Nokia 2660 Flip stays true to the classic flip-phone design, providing an immediate sense of nostalgia for users who once cherished this form factor. With its clamshell structure, the phone folds neatly into a compact shape, fitting easily in pockets or bags. The outer shell is made of a sturdy plastic material, offering a solid grip without feeling too bulky or heavy.
One notable feature is the external screen, a small display that shows the time, battery life, and caller ID when the phone is closed. This is a nice throwback to older models but with a slight modern touch, as the clarity of this screen is much improved. Available in a variety of colors, including blue, black, and red, the Nokia 2660 Flip offers a subtle aesthetic that appeals to a broad audience.
Durability and Portability
At 123 grams, the Nokia 2660 Flip is extremely lightweight, making it highly portable. This is a phone designed to withstand the bumps and drops of daily life. Its plastic body may not have the premium feel of modern glass smartphones, but the trade-off is clear: durability. The flip mechanism itself feels sturdy, providing a satisfying ‘snap’ each time you open or close the phone, a small but enjoyable feature that adds to the overall tactile experience.
Display and Interface
Dual-Screen Convenience
The Nokia 2660 Flip features two screens. The main display is a 2.8-inch QVGA screen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. While these specs are nowhere near what you’d find on a smartphone, the screen is bright and clear, perfectly suited for text-based tasks, basic media consumption, and light use of the phone’s few apps.
The second screen, which is located on the outer shell, is a 1.77-inch display that gives users quick access to essential information. It’s a great feature for checking notifications or caller IDs without needing to flip the phone open. Although basic, this dual-screen setup adds a layer of convenience that most smartphones lack.
Intuitive and Simple Interface
Running on Nokia’s Series 30+ operating system, the 2660 Flip is all about simplicity. This is a no-frills phone, with a straightforward menu system that even the least tech-savvy user will find easy to navigate. You have access to essential functions such as calling, messaging, a basic camera, and even a few apps like a calculator and calendar. For many, the lack of an overwhelming app ecosystem is a feature, not a drawback.
The keypad is large, with physical buttons that are well-spaced and easy to press. This makes texting and dialing a breeze, especially for users who prefer the tactile feedback that comes with physical keys—a stark contrast to the touchscreens of today’s smartphones.
Features and Performance
Basic but Functional Camera
The Nokia 2660 Flip comes with a 0.3 MP VGA camera. While it’s far from being a high-performance camera, it gets the job done for those moments when you need a quick snapshot. The camera quality isn’t a selling point, but for a phone that’s meant to be simple and functional, it fits within the overall package. Don’t expect any fancy features like portrait mode or video stabilization—this is as basic as it gets.
Battery Life: A Standout Feature
One of the strongest aspects of the Nokia 2660 Flip is its battery life. With a 1450 mAh battery, the phone can easily last several days on a single charge, depending on usage. For users who primarily use the phone for calling, texting, and occasional basic app use, the battery life can extend up to a week. The standby time is remarkable, and it charges via micro-USB, a familiar and widely available charging method.
For users tired of charging their smartphones every night, the Nokia 2660 Flip provides a refreshing change, offering peace of mind for long trips or heavy daily usage without the constant need for a charger.
Connectivity and Accessibility
4G Connectivity for Modern Needs
While the Nokia 2660 Flip is a feature phone, it supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for better call quality and faster text messaging. While you won’t be streaming HD videos or downloading large files, this added connectivity ensures the phone is capable of keeping up with modern telecommunications infrastructure.
There is no Wi-Fi or NFC, but Bluetooth is supported for hands-free devices, and you can access basic web browsing using 4G. The phone also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack—a rarity in modern smartphones.
Accessibility Features
The Nokia 2660 Flip is clearly designed with accessibility in mind. It comes equipped with a hearing aid compatibility rating of M4/T4, ensuring that users with hearing impairments can comfortably use the device. Additionally, the large, tactile buttons make it an excellent choice for elderly users or anyone who prefers a straightforward, easy-to-use phone.
Another notable feature is the built-in emergency button, located at the back of the phone. This allows users to quickly call emergency contacts by pressing a single button, making it a highly practical feature for seniors or those who may need immediate assistance.
Pricing and Target Audience
Who Is It For?
The Nokia 2660 Flip is clearly not designed for tech enthusiasts who want the latest in mobile technology. Instead, it caters to a specific market segment—those who value simplicity, durability, and long battery life. This includes elderly users, those who need a backup phone, or individuals seeking a ‘detox’ from the constant barrage of notifications and apps that come with modern smartphones.
Affordable and Accessible
With a price tag hovering around $80 to $100, the Nokia 2660 Flip is an affordable device. It sits comfortably in the budget category and provides significant value for its price. While it lacks the advanced features of high-end smartphones, it excels in providing a reliable and straightforward user experience, which is exactly what its target audience is looking for.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable: A budget-friendly option for users who don’t need smartphone features.
- Long Battery Life: Can last several days on a single charge.
- Durable Design: Sturdy and compact with a satisfying flip mechanism.
- User-Friendly: Large buttons and a simple interface make it easy to use.
- 4G Connectivity: Modern call quality and texting speeds despite being a feature phone.
Cons:
- Basic Camera: The 0.3 MP camera is not suited for photography enthusiasts.
- Limited Features: No Wi-Fi, limited apps, and basic web browsing functionality.
- No Modern Smart Features: No access to an app store or advanced customization options.
Final Verdict
The Nokia 2660 Flip is a delightful throwback to simpler times, but it also manages to incorporate enough modern features to remain relevant in today’s market. It excels in its role as a basic, functional phone for users who don’t need the distractions of a smartphone. Its long battery life, sturdy build, and accessibility features make it a fantastic option for elderly users or anyone looking for a reliable second phone. At its price point, the Nokia 2660 Flip offers excellent value, and its nostalgia factor adds a unique charm that’s hard to ignore.