Siemens M55 Comprehensive Specs Pricing and Review

Overview of Siemens M55

The Siemens M55 was one of the pioneering mobile phones of its time, announced in the second quarter of 2003. Notably remembered for its robust design and unique feature set within the context of early 2000s mobile technology, the M55 catered to users looking for reliability and basic functionality. This device is a representative of an era when mobile phones were transitioning from simple communication tools to feature-driven gadgets.

Network Capabilities

The Siemens M55 was equipped with GSM technology, supporting 2G network bands GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900. It also provided GPRS Class 8, which was quite advanced at the time, allowing users to access basic data services like emails and WAP browsing. The lack of EDGE technology highlights its period-specific limitations regarding faster data transfer rates.

Launch and Availability

Announced in the second quarter of 2003, the Siemens M55 was eventually discontinued as technology rapidly progressed, and newer models entered the market. However, during its release period, it gained attention for its combination of style, durability, and functionality, appealing to a broad user base.

Body and Design

The device featured a compact design with dimensions of 101 x 46 x 21 mm, making it very portable and easy to handle. Weighing in at 83 grams, it was lightweight but sturdy. The design was typical of early 2000s phones, with a focus on practicality over aesthetics. The phone utilized the Mini-SIM format, which was standard in cellphones of that era.

Display Features

The Siemens M55 sported a CSTN display capable of displaying 4096 colors. While not impressive by today's standards, it was sufficient for the time, offering clarity for text display and basic graphics. The screen resolution was 101 x 80 pixels, accommodating up to seven lines of text—this was part of the charmed simplicity of early cellphones.

Memory and Storage

The phone had an internal memory of 1.8MB, with no card slot for memory expansion. This limited storage could accommodate 500 phone book entries with 14 fields each and a basic call log of 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. This capacity suited the needs of regular phone usage at the time, when phones were primarily communication devices.

Sound and Alert Features

Sound was an essential aspect of the Siemens M55, featuring a loudspeaker and support for vibration alerts. Users could personalize their devices with downloadable polyphonic ringtones and also had access to a basic ringtone composer. However, there was no 3.5mm jack for earphones, reflecting the era's prevalent focus on functionality over multimedia capabilities.

Communication Features

The M55 lacked the modern connectivity options we know today. It did not have WLAN, Bluetooth, or radio capabilities. However, it included a basic WAP 1.2.1 browser, which facilitated simple internet browsing over the GPRS network and supported SMS, MMS, and Email messaging features.

Battery Performance

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 700 mAh battery (model EBA-510). It boasted a standby time of up to 250 hours and a talk time of up to 6 hours, adequate for users who needed a reliable device for calls and messages throughout the day without frequent recharges.

Multimedia and Additional Features

The Siemens M55 came pre-installed with two basic games, Wappo and Extreme, for entertainment purposes. It supported Java, allowing users to download and install additional simple applications and games. Features like clocks and alarms were standard and integral parts of its functionality.

Conclusion

The Siemens M55 is a testament to the mobile phone industry's early phase, where the emphasis was on core functionalities rather than the rich multimedia capabilities of today's smartphones. While it may not grab today’s tech-savvy user with its specs, it certainly laid the groundwork for the mobile devices we now take for granted. Its simplicity, combined with just the right amount of features, made it a dependable companion for its users.