Nokia 5110 – Back from the Dead (2022)

Project concept and feasibility

• Original article proposes reusing the Nokia 5110’s separate UI board (screen, keypad) with a new 4G modem+MCU board inside the old case.
• Several commenters say this is effectively building a new phone that just reuses case/buttons/display, not “just” swapping a modem.
• Many note that the promised “Part 2” never arrived (over two years later), reading this as evidence the task was harder than presented.
• Prior art is mentioned (e.g., DIY phones and kits) showing it’s possible in principle, but time‑consuming and non‑trivial.

Technical details: modems, VoLTE, and architecture

• Old feature phones often used a single CPU for both UI and radio; newer designs typically use modular 4G modems accessed via AT commands over serial/USB.
• For modular designs, a 4G module can sometimes present calls/SMS in a 2G‑like way, but VoLTE compatibility and carrier quirks complicate things.
• Several point out 4G voice is SIP/VoIP over a prioritized data channel (VoLTE); some argue it’s “proper” telephony, others criticize poor standardization and whitelisting.
• One commenter clarifies the project’s approach: replace the whole logic/radio board, not re‑use the original firmware.

Networks, shutdowns, and e‑waste

• 2G is gone or going in many western markets (notably North America and Australasia) but persists in parts of Europe and elsewhere.
• 3G shutdowns (e.g., Australia, parts of Europe) are causing problems: VoLTE‑incompatible or non‑whitelisted phones become unusable for voice, creating e‑waste.
• Some still successfully use old 2G phones where 2G remains and legacy SIMs are still valid.

Nostalgia and modern “Nokia” issues

• Strong nostalgia for 5110/3210/3310/6310‑era devices: robustness, week‑long battery life, instant boot, simple UI, and memorable models like n900, E‑series.
• Several want a 5110‑like phone with modern LTE/VoLTE and a modern battery, preserving the old UI/feel.
• Multiple reports that current Nokia‑branded feature phones (by HMD) feel cheap, have buggy firmware, poor call quality, and short lifespans; others report acceptable or good experiences, so quality is viewed as inconsistent.

Alternatives and “dumbphone” recommendations

• Commenters discuss modern rugged or minimalist phones (Sonim, AGM, CAT, etc.) as partial replacements: calls/SMS, hotspot, sometimes Android Go and sideloading, but not week‑long battery.
• Trade‑offs: availability by region, VoLTE support, band compatibility, price, and vendor support (some brands’ makers have gone bankrupt).