Nokia 3 — Full Specifications, Features & Price in Pakistan

Introduction

The Nokia 3 was among the first phones HMD Global launched under the Nokia brand (MWC, February 2017) — and its name is a used-market trap, because the later 3.1, 3.2 and 3.4 are entirely different phones. This guide covers the original 2017 Nokia 3: compact 5-inch HD phone, aluminium frame, MediaTek MT6737, 2GB RAM, 8MP cameras front and back, and — unusually for the price — NFC. In 2026 it is a nine-year-old handset with dead software and an aging battery.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Specification	Detail
Brand / Model	Nokia 3 (2017) — not the 3.1 / 3.2 / 3.4
Launch	Announced February 2017; released June 2017 (widely reported)
Dimensions	143.4 x 71.4 x 8.5 mm (widely reported)
Weight	140 g (widely reported)
Display	5.0-inch IPS LCD, 16:9
Resolution	720 x 1280 pixels (~294 ppi)
Chipset	MediaTek MT6737 (28 nm)
CPU	Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53
RAM	2 GB
Storage	16 GB
microSD	Yes, up to 128 GB
Rear camera	8 MP, autofocus, LED flash
Front camera	8 MP, f/2.0, autofocus
Battery	2630 mAh Li-ion, non-removable (WhatMobile lists 2650 mAh — conflict flagged)
OS at launch	Android 7.0 Nougat; upgradable to Android 9 Pie (per widely reported sources)
Wi-Fi	802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth	4.2 with A2DP
NFC	Yes
USB	microUSB 2.0
Fingerprint sensor	No
Colours	Silver White, Matte Black, Tempered Blue, Copper White

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia 3 punched above its price in build quality: a machined aluminium frame with a polycarbonate back and Gorilla Glass up front, in finishes like Tempered Blue and Copper White. At 143.4 mm and about 140 grams it is small, light and comfortable — a one-hand phone in an era of giants. No fingerprint sensor, no water resistance. The metal frame helped many units survive nine years cosmetically. Check for frame dents, back cracks, and the yellowing or bright spots that afflict old LCDs.

Display Features

The 5.0-inch IPS LCD has a 16:9 ratio and 720 x 1280 resolution (~294 ppi), protected by Gorilla Glass. A good budget panel in 2017 — sharp for its size with decent viewing angles — and the laminated display kept reflections down. No high refresh rate or HDR. On a nine-year-old used unit, panel aging is the main concern: test touch responsiveness across the screen and check brightness uniformity on a white screen.

Processor and Performance

The MediaTek MT6737 is a 28 nm quad-core chip with four 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and Mali-T720MP2 graphics. The A53 cores make it a step up from the Cortex-A7-based Snapdragon 212 in the Nokia 2, and with 2GB of RAM the Nokia 3 was the smoother phone in its day. In 2026 it is still basics-only: calls, SMS, WhatsApp texting and light browsing are manageable; modern websites and apps will strain it.

RAM and Storage

2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage — modest, but double the Nokia 2's RAM, which made a real difference in everyday use. Sixteen gigabytes leaves limited room after the system, so the microSD slot (up to 128GB) matters for photos and media. On a used unit, check available storage and be ready to factory-reset years of accumulated data. Keep the app count small and this remains workable for basic use.

Camera Features

Unusual in this guide: matching 8MP cameras front and rear, both with autofocus (front f/2.0), plus a rear LED flash. In 2017 that made it a decent budget selfie phone. Image quality today: acceptable daylight record shots, noisy low-light photos, no portrait or night modes. The autofocus front camera was a genuine differentiator for video calls. Test both cameras and the flash; modules for a 2017 phone are not replaceable in practice.

Battery and Charging

The 2630mAh non-removable battery (WhatMobile lists 2650mAh — a minor conflict) was small even in 2017, and the phone was never an endurance champion. Nine years later, surviving cells hold a fraction of their original capacity. Charging is slow microUSB with no fast charging. Test endurance hard; a Nokia 3 that cannot last a few hours of light use is not worth buying.

Software and Updates

Launched on Android 7.0 Nougat, updated through Android 8.1 to Android 9 Pie — generous support for a 2017 budget phone, and long finished. No security patches for years. Android 9 retains better app compatibility in 2026 than the Android 8.1 phones here, but a growing share of current apps — banking, payments, newer messaging versions — will still refuse to install. Install your essential apps on the actual handset before paying.

Connectivity and Additional Features

GSM, HSPA and LTE (Cat 4) with dual SIM, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot and Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2 and GPS. The standout is NFC — yes, on a 2017 budget Nokia — which none of the other eight phones in this guide have, though it is of limited practical use in 2026 without current payment apps. No 5G. microUSB 2.0, 3.5mm jack and FM radio present. Sensors: accelerometer, compass, gyroscope and proximity.

Variants, Colours and Availability

Sold with 2GB RAM and 16GB storage in single and dual-SIM versions, in Silver White, Matte Black, Tempered Blue and Copper White. Do not confuse it with the Nokia 3.1 (2018), 3.2 (2019) or 3.4 (2020) — all different phones. Check the model name in Settings before paying. PTA approval is per-device and per-IMEI: verify by IMEI (see the PTA guides linked below).

Price in Pakistan and PTA Information

WhatMobile Pakistan lists the Nokia 3 as 'Discontinued' (checked 2026-10-11); no official price, and none for years. Used units trade for very little, priced on condition and whether the small, aging battery still holds a charge. Pay little and expect a basic communication device — nothing more. PTA approval is strictly per-device and per-IMEI: two handsets of the same model can have different tax/registration status, so never assume a used unit is PTA approved. Learn what PTA approval means, how to check PTA approval and how to check an IMEI before paying for any used phone.

Main Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

• Well-built aluminium frame with Gorilla Glass
• 2GB RAM — double the Nokia 2's, smoother in practice
• Matching 8MP front and rear cameras (autofocus selfie camera)
• NFC — unique among the nine phones here
• Full sensor set including gyroscope and compass
• Android 9 — better app compatibility than Android 8.1 phones

Limitations:

• Discontinued — no support, warranty or spare parts
• Tiny 2630mAh battery, nine years old — weakest battery here
• No security patches for years; many modern apps will not run
• MT6737 is basics-only in 2026
• No fingerprint sensor, no 5G
• Easily confused with the Nokia 3.1/3.2/3.4

Who Should Consider This Phone?

The 2017 Nokia 3 suits a buyer wanting a tiny, well-built backup phone for calls and SMS — its 140-gram body and aluminium frame are genuinely pleasant — or a collector of HMD's early Nokia line. The NFC and gyroscope are curiosities rather than reasons to buy in 2026. Not a daily driver, and definitely not for anyone needing app compatibility or reliable battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the Nokia 3 in Pakistan?

No official price — WhatMobile lists the 2017 Nokia 3 as Discontinued (checked 2026-10-11). Used units trade for very little on condition and battery health; confirm used availability with Zohaan Mobile Gallery.

Is this the same phone as the Nokia 3.1, 3.2 or 3.4?

No. This guide covers the original 2017 Nokia 3 (MediaTek MT6737). The 3.1, 3.2 and 3.4 are later, different phones. Check the model name in Settings before buying.

Does the Nokia 3 have NFC?

Yes — unusual for a 2017 budget phone and unique among the nine phones in this guide. Practical use is limited without current payment apps.

What processor does the Nokia 3 use?

The MediaTek MT6737: quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 with Mali-T720MP2 graphics. Basics-only in 2026 — calls, SMS and light browsing.

What are its RAM and storage options?

2GB RAM and 16GB storage, with microSD expansion up to 128GB.

How good is the Nokia 3 camera?

Matching 8MP front and rear cameras, both autofocus (front f/2.0), plus rear LED flash. Decent daylight shots and better-than-average 2017 selfies; weak in low light.

What is the Nokia 3 battery capacity?

2630mAh (WhatMobile lists 2650mAh), non-removable, slow microUSB charging. Small when new and nine years old now — test endurance carefully.

Is the Nokia 3 PTA approved?

PTA status is per-device and per-IMEI and must be checked on the specific handset. See our guides on what PTA approval means and how to check it by IMEI.

Final Verdict and Where to Buy

The 2017 Nokia 3 was a nicely built little phone — aluminium frame, 2GB RAM, matching 8MP cameras, even NFC. Nine years on it is a collector's curiosity or emergency backup at best: tiny aged battery, dead software, weak chip. Buy only for small money after brutal battery testing, and never confuse it with the newer 3.1, 3.2 or 3.4.

If you are considering a used Nokia 3, always inspect the actual unit: battery health, screen condition and PTA status vary between handsets. You can view the Nokia 3 listing at Zohaan Mobile Gallery, browse all used mobile phones, or read our guide to buying a used mobile safely.

Contact us: WhatsApp +92 305 8452080 / +92 321 4086841 — Shop No. 6, First Floor, Iqra Plaza, Railway Road, Rahim Yar Khan 64200 (Mon–Thu & Sat–Sun, 9 AM–9 PM). We also offer mobile repair.