EF61: A Look Back at the BenQ-Siemens Feature Phone Released in 2006
The mobile phone market has evolved tremendously since the mid-2000s with the introduction of smartphones and advanced technology. However, there was a time when feature phones ruled the market and one such device was the EF61 by BenQ-Siemens. Released in July 2006, this feature phone may not have been as advanced as modern smartphones, but it certainly holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Design and Specifications
The EF61 had a slim and compact design, weighing only 99g and measuring 23mm in thickness. It was easy to hold and carry around, making it a convenient choice for everyday use. The phone came with 1.5MB of internal storage, which may seem very little now, but back then it was considered sufficient. In addition, it also had a microSD slot for expandable storage.
Network and Operating System
The EF61 was a GSM device, with support for GSM 900/1800/1900 bands. It also had GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) technology, allowing for basic internet connectivity. The phone was powered by a simple feature phone operating system, making it user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Display and Camera
The phone featured a 128x160 pixel TFT display with 256K colors, providing decent viewing quality for its time. It also had a second external CSTN display with 4096 colors and a resolution of 96x64 pixels. The device sported a 1.3MP camera, which may seem low in today's standards, but was considered impressive during its release.
Memory and Other Features
The EF61 came with a dedicated microSD slot and could store up to 100 dialed, received, and missed calls in its call records. It also had a phonebook with photo call capacity. One of the unique features of this device was its 3D surround sound technology, allowing for an enhanced audio experience. It also had features like a photo editor, predictive text input, and various organizer tools.
Battery and Other Details
The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery, providing up to 225 hours of standby time and 3 hours of talk time. It was available in a single color option: Whisper. As with most feature phones of that time, the EF61 did not have support for Wi-Fi or GPS. However, it did have Bluetooth and USB 1.1 connectivity options.
Conclusion
Despite being discontinued, the EF61 holds a special place in the history of mobile phones. Its compact design, user-friendly interface, and decent features made it a popular choice among users back in 2006. It may not be as advanced as modern smartphones, but it served its purpose well and was a reliable device for communication on-the-go. The BenQ-Siemens EF61 may have been a feature phone, but for many, it was a symbol of the changing times and a glimpse into the future of mobile technology.
BenQ-Siemens EF61 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2006, July
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
88 x 46 x 23 mm (3.46 x 1.81 x 0.91 in)
Weight
99 g (3.49 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 256K colors
Size
Resolution
128 x 160 pixels
Other
Second external CSTN, 4096 colors display (96 x 64 pixels)
Memory
Card slot
microSD (dedicated slot)
Phonebook
Yes, Photo call
Call records
100 dialed, 100 received, 100 missed calls
Internal
1.5MB
Main Camera
Single
1.3 MP
Video
No
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
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, HTML
Games
Yes + downloadable
Java
Yes, MIDP 2.0
Other
MP3/AAC/WMA player
Photo editor
Predictive text input
Voice memo
Stopwatch
Organizer