Siemens Xelibri 4 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview and Design Philosophy

The Siemens Xelibri 4 was launched in the early 2000s as part of the Xelibri fashion phone series, a line that Siemens used to explore the intersection of tech and style. Announced in the second quarter of 2003 and now discontinued, the device was primarily designed for users who valued visual appeal over technical specifications. It was aimed at fashion-forward individuals who saw their phone as an accessory as much as a communication tool.

Design and Build

Measuring 99 x 53 x 19 mm and weighing just 71 grams, the Xelibri 4 was compact and lightweight, designed to easily slip into a pocket or small purse. Its aesthetic appeal lay in its unique shape and monochrome graphic display, which could show up to 5 lines of text with a resolution of 101 x 65 pixels. The device was made from high-quality plastic materials, giving it a glossy finish and an ergonomic feel.

Display

The Siemens Xelibri 4 featured a monochrome display typical of feature phones from the early 2000s. While the resolution was 101 x 65 pixels, the small screen supported essential text-based functionalities, such as SMS and EMS messaging, in a simple and straightforward manner. The user interface was basic but effective for the period.

Hardware Specifications

The Xelibri 4’s technical specifications were modest, reflecting its fashion-oriented focus. The device did not support additional storage, and lacked modern features such as a camera, Bluetooth, WLAN, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It operated as a GSM device on 900/1800 bands, suitable for voice calls and basic text messaging. The Xelibri 4 lacked GPRS or EDGE capabilities, which meant it could not handle data operations or internet browsing.

Battery Performance

Battery life is often a crucial factor in the convenience of mobile devices, and Siemens addressed this with a removable Li-Ion 650 mAh battery. This modest battery offered up to 200 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours of talk time, which was adequate for casual users. The battery was designed to be easily removable, allowing users to replace it with a spare if needed.

Software and User Interface

The Siemens Xelibri 4 operated on a proprietary operating system typical of the feature phone era. It provided essential features like phonebook storage for up to 100 contacts, call logs for 10 dialed, received, and missed calls, as well as SMS and EMS messaging. Games and internet functionalities were absent, emphasizing the phone’s use for basic communication.

Sound and Alerts

Sound features were minimalistic, with no loudspeaker but support for vibration and polyphonic ringtones. The device did not support custom ringtones beyond downloadable options, which was standard for phones at this time. The exclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack meant it could not directly support wired earphones.

A Legacy in Mobile Fashion

The Xelibri series represented an era where phones began to be seen as personal statements. The Xelibri 4, in particular, is a testament to the early 2000s attempt to merge fashion with technology. Today, it stands as a collectible device, representative of a time when manufacturers sought to diversify mobile phone aesthetics and appeal to niche markets.

Conclusion

The Siemens Xelibri 4 challenges the idea that every mobile phone needs to be a powerhouse of features. By focusing on style and simplicity, it caters to a specific type of user. Although modern technology has far surpassed its capabilities, its place in mobile history as a stylish feature phone remains noteworthy.