Siemens M50 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Introduction to Siemens M50

The Siemens M50 is a mobile phone that was launched in June 2002. Known for its simplicity and durability, it captures the era of feature phones with basic functionalities, offering users essential communication tools without the complexities of today’s smartphones. In this article, we delve into the specifics of Siemens M50, exploring its features, specifications, and what made it stand out during its time.

Design and Build

The Siemens M50 has a compact and robust design, typical of early 2000s feature phones. Its dimensions are 109 x 46 x 23 mm, and it has a volume of 82 cc, fitting comfortably in the palm of the hand or a small pocket. Weighing just 97 grams, it's lightweight and easy to carry. The phone accommodates a Mini-SIM, which was a common standard during that time.

Display

Featuring a monochrome graphic display, the Siemens M50 delivers basic but functional visuals. The screen resolution is 101 x 64 pixels, capable of displaying five lines of text. Although it lacks the vibrant colors of modern displays, the clear and straightforward black-and-white interface suited the needs of its users in terms of readability and simplicity.

Network and Connectivity

The M50 operates on GSM technology and supports 2G bands GSM 900 and 1800, which were widely used at the time. It offers GPRS Class 8 for mobile data, though it does not support EDGE or more advanced data technologies. Connectivity options are quite limited, with no Bluetooth, WLAN, or USB connectivity. As such, it was primarily used for basic communication rather than data-driven applications.

Battery Performance

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion battery of 720 mAh capacity, the Siemens M50 delivers a reliable standby time of up to 260 hours and a talk time of approximately 6 hours. This efficiency was adequate for most daily usages, ensuring users could go about their day with minimal need for recharging.

Sound and Alerts

The Siemens M50 does not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm audio jack, which limits its ability to play audio to external speakers. Alert types include vibration and downloadable monophonic ringtones, a typical feature of phones during that period, providing users with basic notification features.

Memory and Storage

Storage options on the Siemens M50 are minimal. It does not support a memory card slot, limiting the storage space to phonebook entries and call records only. Users could store up to 50 contacts in the phonebook, and the device maintains logs for the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. This limited storage was quite common for phones designed primarily for calling and texting.

Messaging and Navigation

The phone supports SMS and EMS messaging formats, allowing users to send and receive text messages and simple enrichments like ringtones and images. Its WAP 1.2.1 browser offers basic internet browsing capabilities, suitable for accessing mobile sites designed for low bandwidths and smaller screens.

Games and Applications

Entertainment on the Siemens M50 comes in the form of downloadable games, providing users a touch of dynamic recreation. Although the phone supports Java, enabling some level of third-party application development, the capabilities and variety were limited compared to modern smartphones.

Additional Features

The Siemens M50 encompasses necessary utilities such as a clock and alarm, which were standard in feature phones. It supports up to 20 languages, making it accessible to a broad range of users across different regions. Despite the simplicity in features, these utilities were integral for day-to-day use during the pre-smartphone era.

Color Variants

The Siemens M50 was available in two color variants: chromium blue and chromium orange. These colors added a personal touch and allowed users to choose a model that best suited their style preferences.

Conclusion

Although discontinued, the Siemens M50 remains a symbol of the early mobile phone era, representing simplicity and functional design. Its essential features and ease of use made it a popular choice among users who prioritized communication over multimedia functionalities. The Siemens M50 exemplifies the stage in mobile technology where clarity and practicality were paramount, paving the way for advancements in mobile communication while serving as a nostalgic benchmark for mobile phone evolution.