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Discover the Siemens SF65 Features Prices Pros & Cons

Release Date
2004, Q3
Camera
1.3MP
Battery
660mAh
Storage
20MB
Operating System
Feature phone

Overview of Siemens SF65

The Siemens SF65 was introduced in the third quarter of 2004 and quickly gained attention for its unique design and features for its time. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a notable device in the history of mobile phones. This device is largely recognized for its clamshell design with a rotating top that reveals a digital camera interface, a novel concept during its release.

Design and Build

The Siemens SF65 features a compact clamshell design. Its dimensions are 91 x 44 x 23 mm with a weight of 97 grams, making it quite portable and easy to carry. The outer shell is available in two color variants: Polar white and Onyx black. The rotating top of the phone enhances its appeal and offers a sense of futuristic design with practicality, as it allows users to switch between phone and camera modes effortlessly.

Display

Equipped with a TFT screen, the Siemens SF65 offers a display capable of showing 65K colors. The screen resolution stands at 128 x 160 pixels, providing a decent visual experience for users at the time. The display quality, although basic by today's standards, was satisfactory for viewing messages, photos, and navigating the phone's menu.

Camera

The phone comes with a 1.3-megapixel camera, which was a significant feature at the time of its release. It includes an LED flash, enhancing its ability to capture images in low-light conditions. However, the device does not support video recording capabilities. This innovative imaging feature marked the SF65 as a pioneer in combining mobile communication technology with photography.

Network and Connectivity

The Siemens SF65 operates on GSM technology and supports 2G bands including GSM 900 and 1800. While it lacks modern connectivity options like Bluetooth and WLAN, it includes an infrared port for data transmission between compatible devices. It also features a proprietary USB connection for charging and data transfer, which was common at that time.

Memory and Storage

The device offers an internal storage capacity of 20MB, which was typical for feature phones of its era. It does not support external memory cards, meaning users are limited to the built-in storage. The SF65 can store up to 500 contacts in its phonebook with photo call capabilities, and also keeps records of the last 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 660 mAh battery, the Siemens SF65 offers a standby time of up to 400 hours and a talk time of up to 4 hours. This provided users with enough battery life for basic daily use, although heavy users may have required more frequent charging.

Software and Applications

Running on a feature phone operating system, the Siemens SF65 provides basic functions like SMS, EMS, MMS, and email for messaging. It includes a WAP 1.2.1 browser for web surfing and supports Java MIDP 2.0 for running compatible applications. While the software offerings are limited, they cater to essential communication and entertainment needs.

Sound and Multimedia

The SF65 accommodates various audio alerts including vibration and polyphonic ringtones, though it lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, which limits direct headphone connectivity. The speaker quality suffices for calls and ringtone alerts, albeit rudimentary by modern metrics.

Conclusion

While the Siemens SF65 may not boast the advanced capabilities of modern smartphones, it represents an essential step in the evolution of mobile phones. Its combination of a rotating camera and clamshell design was distinctive at its launch, appealing to users seeking innovative features. Despite being discontinued, the SF65's legacy continues as a reflection of the inventive spirit of early 2000s mobile technology.

Key Features of Siemens SF65

  • Network Technology: GSM
  • Compact Size: 91 x 44 x 23 mm, weighing 97g
  • Display: TFT screen with 65K colors and 128 x 160 pixels resolution
  • Camera: 1.3 MP main camera with LED flash
  • Internal Storage: 20MB with a phonebook capacity of 500 x 9 files and photo call
  • Sound: Loudspeaker with downloadable polyphonic ringtones
  • Infrared Port: Yes, for wireless data transfer
  • Java Support: Yes, MIDP 2.0
  • Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email capabilities
  • Battery Life: Up to 400 hours stand-by and up to 4 hours talk time
  • Available Colors: Polar white and Onyx black

Drawbacks of Siemens SF65

  • Lacks EDGE technology for faster data speeds.
  • No expandable memory card slot, limited to 20MB internal memory.
  • No video recording capability on the main camera.
  • Lacks a selfie camera.
  • No 3.5mm audio jack available.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity option.
  • No WLAN support for wireless internet connectivity.
  • No GPS positioning functionality.
  • Absent radio feature for FM or AM listening.
  • Uses proprietary USB instead of standard types.
Network
Technology GSM
2G bands GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS Class 10
EDGE No
Launch
Announced 2004, Q3
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 91 x 44 x 23 mm, 86 cc (3.58 x 1.73 x 0.91 in)
Weight 97 g (3.42 oz)
SIM Mini-SIM
Display
Type TFT, 65K colors
Size
Resolution 128 x 160 pixels
Memory
Card slot No
Phonebook 500 x 9 files, Photo call
Call records 30 received, dialed and missed calls
Internal 20MB
Main Camera
Single 1.3 MP
Features LED flash
Video No
Selfie camera
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
Alert types Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones
3.5mm jack No
Comms
WLAN No
Bluetooth No
Positioning No
Infrared port Yes
Radio No
USB Proprietary
Features
Sensors
Messaging SMS, EMS, MMS, EMail
Browser WAP 1.2.1
Games Yes + downloadable
Java Yes, MIDP 2.0
Battery
Type Removable Li-Ion 660 mAh battery
Stand-by Up to 400 h
Talk time Up to 4 h
Misc
Colors 2 - Polar white, Onyx black

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