Siemens Xelibri 1 The Stylish Retro Gem Specs Pricing & More

Design and Build Quality

The Siemens Xelibri 1 is a feature phone that stands out due to its unique design philosophy. With dimensions of 101 x 46 x 19 mm and weighing just 73 grams, the Xelibri 1 was designed to be a compact and lightweight device. Its size makes it extremely portable, fitting easily into pockets or small bags.

The phone used a Mini-SIM card and was constructed with a focus on minimalism and fashion, traits that characterized the Xelibri range. The design was a significant departure from more traditional mobile phone aesthetics, emphasizing fashion-forward elements with its form and color schemes. The lack of a loudspeaker and 3.5 mm jack highlighted its prioritization of simplicity over audio capabilities.

Display Features

The display of the Siemens Xelibri 1 featured a monochrome graphic screen with a resolution of 101 x 64 pixels. While this might seem limited by today’s standards, it was adequate for its time, especially given its purpose as a fashion-oriented phone rather than a feature-rich device.

The display was sufficient for basic phone functions such as making calls and sending messages. However, the lack of color and limited resolution meant that multimedia use was not the primary focus for this device.

Network and Connectivity

Supporting GSM technology, the Siemens Xelibri 1 operated on the 900/1800 MHz bands. This dual-band operation allowed it to work effectively in most parts of the world where these frequencies were supported, a standard feature for many phones of the era.

However, the device lacked advanced connectivity options that we expect today. There was no GPRS or EDGE, meaning that internet connectivity was not possible. Additionally, it lacked Bluetooth, WLAN, and any form of positioning services such as GPS, reflecting its basic operational focus.

Memory and Storage

The Siemens Xelibri 1 did not feature extensive memory capabilities. It lacked support for external storage via card slots. The phonebook could store up to 100 contacts, which was average at the time.

For call management, the device could log 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. Again, the storage capabilities highlight the phone's focus on simplicity rather than being a comprehensive communication device.

Battery Life

Battery life was one of the strengths of the Siemens Xelibri 1, courtesy of its removable Li-Ion 610 mAh battery. Given its limited functionality, the battery provided impressive standby times of up to 200 hours and talk time of up to 4 hours. This would have been sufficient for a typical user focused on basic communication needs.

The removable battery feature also meant that users could carry a spare battery, providing additional convenience for extended use.

Messaging and Additional Features

Messaging capabilities included support for SMS and EMS, with no email or internet-based message options due to the lack of internet connectivity. The absence of MMS might have been a downside for users who were beginning to adopt multimedia messaging.

The absence of a browser and Java support limited the phone’s utility for additional applications and games. This underlined the device's focus more as a fashion statement than a functional gadget.

Sound and Alert Features

The sound profile of the Xelibri 1 was basic, lacking a speaker and a 3.5mm jack. Alerts were limited to vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, sufficient for catching the user's attention without the complexity of modern audio features.

While it lacked the advanced sound capabilities of later mobile phones, the focus remained on delivering a straightforward user experience with essential notification functions.

Market Reception and Legacy

Announced in the second quarter of 2003, the Siemens Xelibri 1 was part of a broader strategy by Siemens to create mobile phones that were as much about fashion as functionality. The phone's distinct design and focus on style over substance appealed to a niche market that valued aesthetics.

The Xelibri line, although not commercially successful, is often remembered for pushing the boundaries of mobile phone design. It highlighted the potential for mobiles to serve as fashion accessories, a concept that resonates with the variety of designs seen in devices today.

Despite being discontinued, the Siemens Xelibri 1 remains a noteworthy chapter in the history of mobile devices, representing a time when manufacturers experimented with the identity of mobile phones beyond their utility as communication tools.