Nokia classic versus outdoor king: Which mobile lasts longer?

Lorenz Keller

11/2/2026

Translation: machine translated

Video: Piero Istrice, Nico Bernasconi

In the past, mobiles like the Nokia 3310 were built from the ground up to be robust. Today, it is only special outdoor smartphones like the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro. But which device is more robust?

For our video test, we pitted two bricks with mobile phone functions against each other - from two completely different generations.

The Nokia 3310 dates back to a time when «smart» meant that I could play Snake on it. It also had more storage space for ringtones (which I bought completely overpriced in the Jamba economy subscription at the time). The mobile from 2000 sold 126 million units and was considered «indestructible».

We bought two second-hand devices for our test. One of them actually still works perfectly - including the «Mission Impossible» ringtone and snake. Only the battery is now a little weak and no longer lasts a week like it did a quarter of a century ago.

Times have definitely changed. The only thing current smartphones have in common with the mobiles of yesteryear is that I can use them to make calls and send text messages.

Progress also has disadvantages.

Large touchscreens, elegant glass backs and large camera sensors - everything is delicate. The surfaces can be scratched or, in the event of an unfortunate impact, shatter if dropped from a height of just one metre. Most people who buy a new device put it in a case right from the start and protect the screen with a special film. It's actually absurd: you pay hundreds of francs for the latest design - and cover it up at the same time.

Only rugged phones are still rugged

If you're looking for robustness like the Nokia 3310 back in the day, you need a rugged phone. These smartphones are made for use in wind and weather, heat and cold and under the most adverse conditions. They are used by emergency services as well as by craftsmen, farmers, foresters and field workers. But they are also suitable for outdoor hobbies or camping.

We chose the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro for the comparison, which received very good ratings from the Community. The Android device with a 6.78-inch screen has a 10,600 mAh battery that lasts for several days. Its second speciality is a thermal camera from the well-known manufacturer Flir, which you can use to record thermal images.

Smartphones

EUR470,06

Ulefone Armor 27T Pro

256 GB, Black, 6.78", Dual SIM, 5G

8

In contrast to other outdoor models, the 27T Pro is not only stable, but is also suitable as a smartphone. This is thanks to the Dimensity 6300 processor with 12 GB of RAM. Android 14 runs smoothly on it. 256 GB of memory is more than enough for pictures, videos and data. And the main camera with 50 megapixels is also reasonably usable - even if it is significantly worse than other smartphones in the 400 francs price range. As an extra, there is also a sensor for night vision shots that are illuminated with infrared.

But even more important for our test: the device is packed in a sturdy housing and the touchscreen is specially protected. The Ulefone is iP68 and iP69K certified. This means that it can not only be submerged under water, but can also be hosed down with high pressure and steam jets. Ulefone has also tested the device in accordance with the military standard MIL-STD-810H and promises, among other things, that drops from a height of two metres should not be a problem for the device and display.

But is that really the case? And how does the decades-old Nokia compare to the modern rugged phone? Watch the video to see the result. Spoiler: Both phones are even tougher than expected.

Is ruggedness important to you in a smartphone - and how do you protect it? Write it in the comments.

Lorenz Keller

Senior Editor

Lorenz.Keller@digitecgalaxus.ch

Gadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.

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