The timeless classic: A look back at the Siemens A52
In 2003, when flip phones and sliders were all the rage, Siemens released their very own feature phone called the A52. Although it may seem outdated now, this device was once at the forefront of mobile technology. Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore the A52, its features, and why it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many.
Release Date and Brand
The A52 was launched in Q3 of 2003 by the German electronics company, Siemens. At the time, Siemens was a major player in the mobile phone market, often competing with other popular brands such as Nokia and Motorola.
Design and Dimensions
Weighing a mere 84g and measuring just 21mm in thickness, the A52 was a sleek and compact device. Its dimensions of 104 x 46 x 21 mm and weight of only 84g made it easy to carry around and perfect for slipping into your pocket or bag.
Display and Camera
The A52 sported a monochrome graphic display with a resolution of 101 x 64 pixels, spread across 5 lines. It also had the added convenience of softkeys, making navigation a breeze. While it may not seem impressive compared to today's smartphone displays, the A52's display was praised for its clarity and ease of use. As for its camera, the A52 did not have one, making it one of the rare feature phones to lack this feature during that time.
Memory and Features
The A52 had no external card slot to expand its storage, but it did come with a phonebook that could hold up to 50 contacts. It also had the ability to store call records of the 10 most recent dialed, received, and missed calls. For entertainment, the A52 featured two pre-installed games, StackAttack and Balloon Shooter, which were popular among its users. Other notable features of the A52 included predictive text input and exchangeable Clip-it covers.
Battery and Colors
The A52 ran on a removable Li-Ion 700 mAh battery (EBA-510), allowing for up to 250 hours of standby time and 6 hours of talk time. This was considered impressive for its time, as most phones could only last for a few hours on a single charge. The A52 was available in two colors, beige, and black, giving users some variety when it came to personalizing their device.
Discontinuation
Although the A52 had its fair share of loyal users, it did not stay on the market for long. It was announced in 2003 and discontinued shortly after, leaving a lasting impression on its users and becoming a nostalgic device for many.
Conclusion
The Siemens A52 may have been just a simple feature phone, but it was a device that showcased the company's dedication to innovation and user-friendliness. Despite its lack of advanced features, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who owned and used it. The A52 will always be remembered as a timeless classic in the world of mobile technology.
Siemens A52 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
No
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2003, Q3
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
104 x 46 x 21 mm, 75 cc (4.09 x 1.81 x 0.83 in)
Weight
84 g (2.96 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
Monochrome graphic
Size
Resolution
101 x 64 pixels, 5 lines
Other
Softkeys
Downloadable logos, screensavers
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
50
Call records
10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls
Camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
Yes
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Radio
No
USB
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, EMS
Browser
Clock
Yes
Alarm
Yes
Games
2 - StackAttack, Balloon Shooter
Java
No
Other
Predictive text input
Calculator
Exchangeable Clip-it covers