Siemens M65 Comprehensive Review of Features Pricing and Performance

Introduction to Siemens M65

The Siemens M65, announced in March 2004, was one of the versatile feature phones of its time, offering a robust and practical design aimed at users who needed more than just basic telephony. Known for its sturdy build and innovative features for the period, it catered to both business users and outdoor enthusiasts.

Design and Build

The Siemens M65 comes with a rugged exterior, designed to withstand tough conditions. With dimensions of 109 x 49 x 19 mm and weighing 104 g, the device felt solid in hand. The mini-SIM supported device was acclaimed for its resilience, making it a preferable choice for users engaged in outdoor activities or those with demanding lifestyles.

Display Features

The display on the Siemens M65 featured a TFT screen capable of displaying 65K colors. With a resolution of 132 x 176 pixels, the screen served adequately for viewing images, reading messages, and playing the basic games available on the device. Despite the lack of modern capabilities, the display was sufficient for the tasks the phone intended to support at the time.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a VGA camera, the Siemens M65 allowed users to capture photos with relative ease. This 0.3 MP camera, while modest by today’s standards, provided functional utility for capturing quick snapshots. Video recording was also supported, catering to the multimedia needs of users during that era.

Memory and Storage

The Siemens M65 came with 11MB of internal storage, with no option for expanding memory through a card slot. This internal storage was utilized for storing contacts, messages, and multimedia. The phonebook supported by the device could hold multiple fields within its shared memory, allowing for efficient management of contacts and call logs.

Battery Performance

Powering the device was a removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery, identified as EBA-660. The battery life was impressive for its time, offering up to 300 hours of standby and up to 5 hours of talk time. This longevity made the Siemens M65 dependable for users who required their phone to last throughout the day.

Connectivity Options

On the connectivity front, the Siemens M65 supported GSM technology, specifically in the 900 / 1800 / 1900 bands. It included Class 10 GPRS for data transmission but lacked EDGE. Wireless capabilities like Bluetooth and WLAN were absent, though an infrared port was included for file sharing. The phone also lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack and instead relied on a proprietary USB port for data transfer and charging.

Entertainment and Applications

The entertainment options on Siemens M65 were engaging for its time. It was equipped with games such as Turrican, Team Point Blank, and Stack Attack Advanced. The device supported Java MIDP 2.0, allowing users to install and run Java applications and games, adding some level of customization and personalization.

Messaging and Internet

Siemens M65 supported multiple messaging formats, including SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email. The built-in WAP 2.0/xHTML browser facilitated web access, though it was limited given the device’s hardware. Nonetheless, these capabilities were significant at the time, allowing users to stay connected through various communication channels.

Durability and Style

The construction of Siemens M65 was conducive to durability, offering resistance against dust and water. Its design targeted users who required a device capable of enduring challenging environments. The “Cool Gray” color theme complemented its rugged architecture, appealing to both style-conscious consumers and those desiring functional utility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Siemens M65 was a phone ahead of its time, merging functionality with durability. Its robust design, combined with practical features, made it a choice worth considering during its release. Although its specifications may seem limited compared to modern smartphones, it represented a significant step in the evolution of mobile telephony to serve a diverse user base.