BenQ-Siemens CF61: A Handy Feature Phone for Everyday Use
If you are in the market for a reliable and budget-friendly feature phone, then the BenQ-Siemens CF61 might just be the perfect fit for you. The CF61 was released in March 2006 and gained popularity among users due to its compact design and decent features. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of this device and see why it was a popular choice during its time.
Design and Dimensions:
The CF61 has a simple yet sleek design that makes it easy to hold and operate with one hand. It has a thickness of 23mm and weighs only 99g, making it extremely lightweight and portable. The phone also comes with an exchangeable front cover, allowing users to switch up the appearance of their device according to their taste.
Display:
The CF61 features a 1.8-inch TFT display with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels and 256k colors. Though the screen is small compared to today's standards, it provides a clear and bright display, making it easy to read text and view images. Additionally, the phone also has a second external display with 4k colors, which can be used to check incoming calls or messages without opening the device.
Storage and Memory:
The CF61 comes with 1.5MB of internal storage, which may not seem like much in today's times, but was sufficient for storing contacts, messages, and some media files back then. However, the phone also has a dedicated microSD slot, allowing users to expand their storage up to 2GB. The device can store up to 1000 contacts and has a photo call feature, making it easy to identify incoming calls.
Camera and Sound:
For a feature phone released in 2006, the CF61 surprisingly comes with a 1.3MP rear camera. Though it may not seem like much compared to today's camera capabilities, it was a decent feature back then. The phone also has a loudspeaker, downloadable ringtones, and 3D surround sound, providing users an enjoyable audio experience.
Connectivity:
The CF61 supports GSM technology with 2G bands of 900/1800/1900, allowing users to make calls, send messages, and connect to the internet through WAP 2.0/xHTML browser. It also has Bluetooth 1.1 and a USB port for data transfer and connectivity with other devices.
Battery Life:
The CF61 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery, providing up to 225 hours of standby time and 3 hours of talk time. Though the battery may not seem impressive compared to today's standards, it was sufficient for everyday use back then.
Overall, the BenQ-Siemens CF61 was a reliable and user-friendly feature phone that offered all the essential features at an affordable price. With its simple design, decent camera, and expandable storage, it was well-loved by users during its time. Though the CF61 is now discontinued, it still holds a special place in the hearts of those who used it.
BenQ-Siemens CF61 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2006, March
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
88 x 46 x 23 mm, 80 cc (3.46 x 1.81 x 0.91 in)
Weight
99 g (3.49 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 256K colors
Size
1.8 inches, 29 x 35 mm, 10.2 cm2 (~25.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution
128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density)
Other
Second external 4K colors display, CSTN (96 x 64 pixels)
5-way navigation key
Memory
Card slot
microSD (dedicated slot)
Phonebook
1000 x 20 fields, Photo call
Call records
10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls
Internal
1.5MB
Main Camera
Single
1.3 MP
Video
No
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
Yes
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Other
3D surround sound
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
Yes
Positioning
No
Radio
No
USB
1.1
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, EMS, MMS
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games
Yes + downloadable
Java
Yes, MIDP 2.0
Other
MP3/AAC/WMA player
Predictive text input
Organizer
Exchangeable front cover
Voice memo