Unveiling Siemens M35i Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Explored

Overview of Siemens M35i

The Siemens M35i is a robust feature phone that was announced in the year 2000 and has since been discontinued. It was popular at the time for its durable design and essential communication features, being targeted towards users who need a reliable device for calls and messaging. The M35i was not designed to compete with modern smartphones, as it serves a more basic function, but it has historical significance for pioneering some of the rugged design elements found in later mobile devices.

Design and Build

The Siemens M35i measures 118 x 47 x 22 mm (99 cc) and weighs 125 grams (4.41 oz), making it a compact and lightweight device for its time. The design is characterized by a classic candy bar shape with a monochrome graphic display. The dimensions made it easy to hold and operate with one hand. The M35i was available in three colors: Hurricane Yellow, Half Pipe Blue, and Summit Grey. The outer casing was designed to endure rough handling, which was a major selling point for users who required a durable and sturdy mobile phone.

Display

The device features a monochrome graphic display with a resolution of 101 x 54 pixels, capable of showing up to 5 lines of text. This display technology was standard for the time and provided sufficient contrast for readability in various light conditions. While the display lacks the vibrancy of color screens available in later models, it was perfectly adequate for the phone’s primary functions, which include phone calls, text messaging, and basic menu navigation.

Network and Connectivity

The Siemens M35i operates on GSM technology and supports 2G bands specifically on GSM 900 and 1800. It does not support GPRS or EDGE, reflecting its status as a feature phone designed primarily for voice calls and simple SMS messaging. There was no support for modern connectivity options like Bluetooth or WLAN, and it did not feature a radio or USB connectivity.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a removable NiMH battery with a capacity of 500 mAh. When it comes to battery longevity, the M35i offers a standby time ranging from 50 to 180 hours and a talk time ranging from 90 to 300 minutes. The efficiency of the battery was well suited to the phone's operations, given the limited resource demands of its hardware.

Audio and Sound

The audio capabilities of the Siemens M35i are quite limited by modern standards. It does not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, focusing instead on monophonic ringtones and vibration alerts. The presence of a ringtone composer allowed users to create their personalized monophonic ringtones, adding a small element of customization.

Storage and Memory

As expected for feature phones from its era, the M35i does not include a card slot for expandable storage. The phone's internal capabilities include a phonebook storage for up to 100 contacts and a call log that records 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls, which suffices for keeping track of recent communications.

Software and Features

The Siemens M35i runs on a proprietary feature phone operating system that includes essential functions such as SMS messaging and a WAP 1.1 browser for basic web browsing. The phone also includes standard utilities like a clock and alarm. In terms of entertainment, it offers four pre-installed games: Wayout, Reversi, Quattropoli, and Minesweeper. The phone supports 20 different languages, catering to a global market.

Durability and Usability

One of the key aspects of the Siemens M35i is its rugged construction. It was built to be water-resistant and shock-proof to a certain extent, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who needed a reliable communication tool in challenging environments. Its user-friendly interface and durable keypad ensured that it was simple to operate even under tough conditions.

Conclusion

Though the Siemens M35i is no longer in production and lacks the advanced capabilities of current smartphones, it remains an example of durable design and practicality. Its simplicity, combined with durability, set it apart from other mobile phones of its time, making it a preferred choice for users who valued these attributes. Even today, it holds nostalgic value and is remembered as a robust and reliable mobile device.