The Classic and Timeless Siemens C55: A Feature Phone that Stands the Test of Time
The year was 2002, and the mobile phone market was dominated by bulky and expensive smartphones. But then came the Siemens C55 – a simple, compact and affordable feature phone that changed the game. Released in September of 2002, the C55 quickly became a household name and cemented itself as a classic among feature phones.
Sleek and Lightweight Design
The C55, with its dimensions of 101 x 44 x 21 mm and weight of only 80g, was an instant hit among users who were tired of carrying around bulky devices. Its slim and lightweight design made it convenient to carry in pockets or bags.
No Card Slot Means Limited Storage
Unlike modern phones today, the C55 did not come with a card slot for external storage. This means that users were limited to the phone's internal storage, which was quite small at the time. But this did not stop the C55 from being a crowd favorite, as it made up for this limitation with its other features.
Efficient Communication through GSM Technology
The C55 utilized GSM technology for communication, making it compatible with most network providers. It supported two 2G bands – GSM 900 and 1800, ensuring good network connectivity for calls and messages. However, it did not have GPRS or EDGE capabilities.
Simple Yet Functional Display
The monochrome graphic display of the C55 may seem basic compared to the vibrant screens we have now, but it served its purpose well. With a resolution of 101 x 64 pixels and 5 lines, users could easily read their messages and navigate through the menus. The Navi key also made it easier to navigate the display.
No Built-In Camera or Loudspeaker
The C55 may not have had a built-in camera or loudspeaker, but it did have the option for downloadable polyphonic ringtones and vibration alerts. This allowed users to personalize their phone's sound and notification settings.
Functional Features for Everyday Use
While the C55 may have lacked modern features, it made up for it with its practical functions. It had a phonebook, call records, SMS and EMS messaging, and even instant messaging capabilities. The phone also came with two pre-installed games – The Prince of Persia and Galaxy Hero, providing entertainment on the go.
Long-Lasting Battery Life
The C55 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 700 mAh battery that boasted a standby time of 250 hours and talk time of up to 6 hours. This meant fewer worries about constantly charging the phone, making it reliable for everyday use.
Available in Various Colors and Languages
The C55 came in three elegant colors – aqua, champagne, and bordeaux, giving users the option to choose their preferred style. It also supported 20 languages, making it accessible to users from different parts of the world.
The Legacy Lives On
Despite being discontinued, the Siemens C55 is still remembered as a classic feature phone that offered practicality and functionality in a compact design. Its simplicity and efficiency have stood the test of time, making it a favorite among those who appreciate the beauty in simplicity. Truly, the C55 will always be remembered as one of the pioneer feature phones that paved the way for the smartphones we have today.
Siemens C55 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
Class 8
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2002, Sep
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
101 x 44 x 21 mm, 69 cc (3.98 x 1.73 x 0.83 in)
Weight
80 g (2.82 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
Monochrome graphic
Size
Resolution
101 x 64 pixels, 5 lines
Other
Navi key
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
yes
Call records
10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls
Camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, recorded ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Radio
No
USB
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, EMS, Instant Messaging
Browser
WAP 1.2.1
Clock
Yes
Alarm
Yes
Games
2 - The Prince of Persia, Galaxy Hero
Languages
20
Java
Yes
Other
Predictive text input
Organizer
Changeable cover
User profiles
Built-in hadsfree