Nokia, once a mobile giant, was known for its wide range of phones, some iconic and others memorable for their unusual, sometimes impractical designs. The Nokia 7610, with its curved, off-center keypad, falls into the latter category.
With HMD reviving classic Nokia models, there’s renewed interest in modern takes on these unique phones. This 5G concept design of the 7610 keeps the original’s shape but improves usability while adding a touch of modern flair.
The Nokia 7610 stood out despite its traditional vertical candy bar design, thanks to its unique leaf-like shape with one side curved and the other sharply angled. Adding to its distinctiveness, the keys followed the T9 layout but were oddly shaped and varied in size, making them tricky to press accurately by feel alone.
The Nokia 7610 5G concept replaces the quirky original keypad with a standard layout that feels familiar to longtime Nokia users. The keypad remains slightly off-center to the right, while the left side now features a large, flat circular pad that acts as a joystick-like controller. While its practical use is uncertain, this addition gives the phone a balanced and distinctive look.
In most other ways, this concept resembles a typical Android phone, but it includes features rarely seen in today’s smartphones. Notably, it has a headphone jack and a removable back panel for easy battery replacement—both nostalgic touches for fans of classic designs.
These details pay homage to what made Nokia phones memorable: a commitment to functionality and a willingness to experiment with bold, unconventional designs. While a revival of the Nokia 7610 seems unlikely, this concept is a fascinating exploration of how that unique design language could be updated for modern tastes and needs.
