Siemens C60 InDepth Review of Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Siemens C60

The Siemens C60, released in the third quarter of 2003, reflects a period in mobile technology where functionality was combined with simplicity and durability. This feature phone was aimed at a market seeking reliability and basic mobile communication without the complexities of modern smartphones. Although it has been discontinued, examining its specifications and features provides insight into the mobile technology landscape of the early 2000s.

Network Capabilities

The Siemens C60 supported GSM technology and was compatible with 2G GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 bands, allowing for basic telephony and messaging services across various regions. The inclusion of GPRS Class 8 enabled slow data transfer rates by today’s standards but was adequate for simple internet connectivity via WAP browsers during its time. Notably, EDGE technology was absent from the device, aligning with its positioning as a basic communication tool.

Design and Build

The C60 sported a compact design, measuring 110 x 47 x 23 mm and weighing just 85 grams. This lightweight and pocket-friendly form factor made it a convenient device for everyday use. The phone accommodated a Mini-SIM card and was available in three colors: Sky, Petrol, and Grey, offering some aesthetic variety to consumers.

Display Characteristics

The device featured a CSTN display capable of showing 4096 colors with a resolution of 101 x 80 pixels, configured to display up to 5 lines of text. This level of display was standard during the phone's release, designed for basic text and simple graphical representation, ensuring the necessary functionality for messaging and basic navigation.

Memory and Storage

The Siemens C60 included 1.86 MB of internal storage, which was typical for feature phones of its time, and did not support expandable memory via card slots. This storage allowed for 100 phonebook entries with contact grouping capability, along with logging of up to 10 dialed, received, and missed calls.

Audio Features

Audio functionality on the C60 included a loudspeaker for hands-free use and support for downloadable polyphonic ringtones. However, it lacked a 3.5mm audio jack, emphasizing its primary design for spoken communication over multimedia capabilities.

Communication Features

In terms of connectivity, the Siemens C60 did not feature advanced communication options such as Bluetooth, WLAN, or radio, and it lackef GPS positioning or USB data transfer capabilities. However, it did include basic SMS and MMS messaging services, supported alongside a WAP 1.2.1 browser for minimal internet browsing.

Device Features

The device came equipped with basic applications such as a clock, alarm, and two pre-installed games (StackAttack 2 and Move the Box). Java support included offered some flexibility in downloading additional applications, enhancing the device's utility to some extent, though remaining limited to Java-supported software.

Battery Performance

The C60 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 700 mAh battery (EBA-510 model), offering a standby time of up to 250 hours and a talk time of up to 6 hours. This battery life was sufficient for user needs at the time, providing several days of functionality on a single charge.

Conclusion

The Siemens C60 is a testament to an era when mobile phones were transitioning from purely functional devices to more complex, feature-rich tools. The C60 offered basic communication features relevant to early 2000s users, providing reliability and ease of use. Its simple design, limited by today’s standards, served well in an era preceding the smartphone revolution, catering to users with basic mobile needs.