Test report and technical data Siemens C45
The Siemens C45, simple design yet equipped with an appropriate software!
Pros: size, good software, value for money
Cons: clumpy design, nonpractical keys
Since my old mobile phone slowly gave out about a year ago, my parents bought me a new mobile phone. Actually I wanted to have a Nokia, but since my parents were the ones to chose my new mobile phone, the decision was not up to me. I already feared the worst, that my father would get me a Siemens since he continously tries to work against a possible monopoly position of Nokia.
My fear was justified, in the end I was broken in on with the Siemens C45. I can't say that I was too enthused but there was nothing I could do to change it. So I decided to chum up with the Siemens C45...
What I don't like about the Siemens C45 until today definitely is its design. For my taste the design is way too cloddy although the Siemens C45 actually is nicely rounded off. However the impression does not let go of me. The Siemens C45 possesses exchangeable CLIPits covers, hereby enabling the user to personalize his/her Siemens C45.
There is no reason to complain about the size of the Siemens C45, the Siemens C45 merely has a length of 11cm and is not equipped with a visible antenna. In addition to that the Siemens C45 does not weigh too much with its 110g. The Siemens C45 is handy indeed, the design just does not underline a nice impression, which is primarily a result of the too small screen of the Siemens C45. The screen has a size of five lines only, which is quiet a drag when composing messages. Furthermore the screen of the Siemens C45 displays information on the battery condition, the signal intensity, date/time and offers direct links to the main menu and to the message composer. The background light of the Siemens C45 glimmers in yellow-orange colour, a well likalbe colour, which is neither boring nor too flashy. The keys of the Siemens C45 are not too felicitous, they are placed too close to another for adequate message-composing and they may be activated only with quite some effort.
Operating the Siemens C45 is not all too difficult. Although I am used to regularly activating mobile phones it really was no problem at all to get used to the Siemens C45. The outline of the menu is well structured, so as the user first reaches the different functions in order of their importance. Issuing orders is made easy by activating two specific keys which are located right beneath the screen. The Siemens meets just any claims of ease of use here. Even I am satisfied with the performance of the Siemens C45 and I can't really say that I am really falling for the Siemens C45.
The Siemens C45 is equipped with all standard features of its price range. Of course the Siemens C45 possesses a vibration alert, numerous ringing tones, T9 intelligent typing, several games and a small organizer.
The battery of the Siemens C45 is of quite good quality as well, unfortunaltely I am not informed about the precise facts here. I can only say that my Siemens C45 survives about four days of intesive use. A rather convincing performance.
The telephone book of the Siemens C45 memorizes up to 125 entries, I value this function very much. After having memorized the entries the latter can then be arranged groupwise.
Finally, the messaging function of the Siemens C45. The Siemens C45 saves up to 25 messages, whereas ten of these messages are actually saved on the SIM-card. I was positively surprised of the Siemens C45 in this area, I did not expect such a good memory function.
In addition to that the internet function of the Siemens C45 needs to be mentioned. The Siemens C45 is w@p-capable, a function I did value in the beginning, but did not really use in the end since it is complex and so very expensive. I'd rather wait and use my computer at home than using the internet function of a mobile phone. For those who would still want to make use of this function it can still be said, that you have the possibility of accessing the net with the Siemens C45 in any case.
In a final step I would like to clearly annotate that the software of the Siemens C45 is of wicked good quality, neither did it have errors nor was operativeness of the Siemens C45 to be influenced by any kind of shock.
A similar result can be stated about the reception quality of the Siemens C45. Sending messages works in a couple of seconds only and shall it once not work out the way it is supposed to, then a weak or overloaded network is to blame.
The sound quality of the Siemens C45 is remarkable as well, I have never heard such noises as cracks, hissing and beeping in the line, the line is perfectly clear.
All in all I realized by now, that the Siemens C45 is not all that bad as I thought. The Siemens C45 can definitely show a better performance in terms of reception and sound than many other mobile phones, even Nokias! One can always rely on the Siemens C45, that's why I manage to cope with the less attracting desing by now, there's just some stuff about a mobile phone that is more important than its looks.
My advice for you guys:
Don't let yourself be affected by the design of the Siemens C45, all the other functions and especially the performance of the Siemens C45 are just perfect! There could still be something done about the keys of the Siemens C45, however they still do. Today I am quiet happy with my parents' decision, especially in regard to the low price of the Siemens C45, since the Siemens C45 does meet most higher demands and in addition to that the Siemens C45 is reliable and robust.
Test-review:
Technical features: ++
Reception quality: ++++
Ease of use: +++
Battery stand-by time: +++
Design: ++
Instruction manual: +++
Value for money: +++
Overall rating: +++
++++/excellent, +++/good, ++/satisfactory, +/poor
All texts, pictures and other data © 2003, Universal Boards GmbH & Co KG.
Multiplication or replication for personal use or distribution
without the agreement of Universal Boards GmbH & Co KG. is prohibited by law.