Nokia 3310 latest news: Cloned versions of upcoming HMD Global mobile phone start appearing in Malaysia

The Nokia 3310 is coming out by the middle of May but some copycats have already started offering cloned versions of the iconic budget mobile phone. Fake versions of mobile phones are nothing new and, particularly for folks who could care less about authenticity.

According to VTechgraphy, fake Nokia 3310 units are now being sold in Malaysia. The phones do have glaring similarities to the upcoming device. Avaxx, the official Nokia retailer over there, threatened to resort to class action measures but it seems that the move only made things worse.

The first wave of fake Nokia 3310 devices did not actually carry the Nokia logo and only looked pretty much alike the resurrected device from HMD Global. The case is different on another batch which now had the logo placed above the device’s smaller display.

The cloned versions of the Nokia 3310 may not mean much to consumers considering they already come at a cheap price. It could be a sensible buy for ones who are eager to see what the device will have to offer. Unlike the authentic Nokia 3310, the spotted clones do not run on Nokia’s Series 30 UI, Phone Arena notes.

HMD Global is expected to offer the Nokia 3310 to developing markets and priced at a pretty affordable €49 (AU$72). For the benefit of those who missed it, the Nokia 3310 will feature a 2.40-inch display (240x320 pixels), 16 MB internal storage (expandable up to 32 GB via microSD), 2 MP main camera and powered by a 1,200 mAh.

From the specs alone, the Nokia 3310 is best used for simple calls, text messages and browsing – basic necessities of ordinary consumers. Hence, the only plausible conclusion is for some retailers trying to steal some hype and probably disappearing once HMD Global officially rolls the device out.

The Nokia 3310 is not expected to arrive in the U.S. market. The same goes for the Australian market which Nokia has refused to confirm according to LifeHacker Australia.

However, HMD Global may not need to explain itself since the Nokia 3310 comes with limited network compatibility – 2G. With the 2G switch-off, buying a Nokia 3310 that will not be supported by Australian carriers makes no sense. The Nokia 3310 is an iconic brand to have though functionality is still needed. Rather than get a cheap device that won’t work, it may be best to turn to other phone brands and get a mobile phone that will serve its purpose.