The BenQ-Siemens CL71: A Feature Phone That Revolutionized Communication
In the fast-paced world we live in, staying connected is a necessity. And with the constant advancements in technology, mobile phones have become an integral part of our daily lives. One device that truly stands out in the history of mobile phones is the BenQ-Siemens CL71.
Designed and released by BenQ-Siemens in March 2006, the CL71 quickly gained popularity and became one of the most sought after feature phones of its time. Here's a closer look at what made this device so special:
Sleek Design and Dimensions
Weighing only 115g and with a thickness of 17.8mm, the CL71 was compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. Its dimensions of 97 x 46.5 x 17.8mm (3.82 x 1.83 x 0.70 in) made it an ideal choice for those who preferred a smaller device.
Ample Storage and Network Connectivity
With 24MB of storage and a microSD slot, the CL71 offered plenty of space to store photos, music, and other files. It also had GSM technology and supported 2G bands of GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900, allowing users to stay connected wherever they went.
Impressive Display
The 1.9 inch TFT display with 256K colors may not seem like much compared to today's smartphones, but at the time of its release, it was considered top-notch. The 176 x 220-pixel resolution provided clear and vibrant colors, making it easier to view pictures, videos, and messages.
Memory and Camera Features
Apart from its 24MB internal storage, the CL71 also had a microSD card slot for expandable memory. It also had a 1.3MP rear camera with video capabilities, allowing users to capture and share special moments with their loved ones.
Entertainment at Your Fingertips
The CL71 may have been a feature phone, but it offered a wide range of features that kept users entertained. It had an FM radio, downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, and even a built-in MP3/AAC/WMA player. The phone also came with pre-installed games and was compatible with Java, making it easy to download and play games on the go.
Long Battery Life and Other Features
The CL71 may have been small in size, but it had a powerful removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery that provided up to 170 hours of standby time and up to 2 hours and 20 minutes of talk time. It also had other useful features such as predictive text input, voice dial, organizer, and stopwatch.
The Impact of the BenQ-Siemens CL71
Despite being discontinued, the BenQ-Siemens CL71 left a lasting impact on the mobile phone market. Its compact design, impressive features, and affordable price made it popular among users of all ages. It also paved the way for future advancements in mobile phone technology.
In conclusion, the BenQ-Siemens CL71 may not have been as advanced as smartphones today, but it was a game-changer in its time. It revolutionized how we communicate and paved the way for further developments in mobile phone technology. Even today, it remains a classic and stands as a testament to the constant evolution of communication devices.
BenQ-Siemens CL71 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2006, March
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
97 x 46.5 x 17.8 mm (3.82 x 1.83 x 0.70 in)
Weight
115 g (4.06 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 256K colors
Size
Resolution
176 x 220 pixels
Memory
Card slot
microSD (dedicated slot)
Phonebook
Yes, Photo call
Call records
10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls
Internal
24MB
Main Camera
Single
1.3 MP
Video
Yes
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
Yes
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
1.2
Positioning
No
Radio
FM radio
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
Voice dial
Organizer
Stopwatch