Siemens A36 Comprehensive Review & Pricing

Introduction to Siemens A36

The Siemens A36 was a feature phone launched by Siemens Mobile in the early 2000s. At that time, mobile phones were primarily used for calls and SMS, with limited additional features. Known for its simple design and basic functionality, the A36 represents an era when mobile technology was just beginning to take form. This article explores the details and specifications of the Siemens A36, offering a glimpse into the mobile technology landscape at the turn of the millennium.

Design and Build

The Siemens A36 featured a straightforward and compact design that was typical for mobile phones of its time. The device had dimensions of 118 x 46 x 21 mm (4.65 x 1.81 x 0.83 in) and a weight of 120 g (4.23 oz), making it lightweight and easy to carry. It was equipped with a Mini-SIM card slot, which was standard during that period. The plastic body provided a durable and resilient structure, capable of withstanding the wear and tear of daily usage.

Display Features

The Siemens A36 came with an alphanumeric display capable of showing 3 lines of text, with each line featuring up to 12 characters. The display did not have advanced features such as color or touchscreen, but it was adequate for displaying basic information like contact names, phone numbers, and text messages.

Network and Connectivity

As a GSM device, the Siemens A36 operated on 2G networks, specifically GSM 900 and 1800 bands. This limited but sufficiently widespread network capability allowed users to make calls and send SMS messages. The phone did not support GPRS, EDGE, or any kind of internet connectivity, reflecting the limited wireless technology available at the time.

Memory and Storage

The memory capabilities of the Siemens A36 were basic and designed to support its primary functions of communication. The phone did not include a card slot for memory expansion, and its phonebook was limited to storing contacts on the SIM card only. Call record options included logs for up to 10 dialed calls and 5 missed calls, highlighting the simplicity in functionality.

Sound and Ringtones

Sound capabilities on the Siemens A36 were minimal, with the device supporting monophonic ringtones—a common feature in early mobile phones. It lacked a loudspeaker or 3.5mm audio jack, emphasizing its role as a communication tool rather than a media device.

Battery Life

The Siemens A36 was powered by a removable NiMH 600 mAh battery, which offered a standby time of 60 to 150 hours and a talk time of 90 to 240 minutes. This battery life was standard for feature phones of that era and allowed for several days of usage without requiring frequent recharging.

Additional Features

Additional features on the Siemens A36 were minimalistic. It supported SMS messaging, a basic clock function, and was available in 20 languages. However, it did not offer any games, internet browser, Bluetooth, radio, or sensors, adhering to the simple and efficient nature of feature phones at that time.

Conclusion

The Siemens A36 embodied the characteristics of early mobile phones with its focus on core functionalities like calling and texting. Although it appears extremely limited by today's standards, it played an essential role during its time by enhancing connectivity and communication. The Siemens A36 serves as a technological artifact that reminds us of the early days of mobile communication, before the era of smartphones and constant connectivity.