The early 2000s were defined by feature phones – devices prioritizing call quality, battery life, and a surprising degree of personalization. The Nokia 3310, synonymous with durability, and the Siemens C65, known for its customization options, represent the pinnacle of this era. This comparison revisits these icons, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses for the modern enthusiast seeking a nostalgic experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the user prioritizing sheer resilience and legendary battery life, the Nokia 3310 is the clear winner. However, those seeking a more customizable experience with advanced ringtone and graphic capabilities will find the Siemens C65 a more compelling choice, despite its potentially lower durability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | Class 10 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| | - | GSM 850 / 1800 / 1900 - Siemens C66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2000 | 2004, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 113 x 48 x 22 mm, 97 cc (4.45 x 1.89 x 0.87 in) | 105 x 45 x 16 mm, 76 cc (4.13 x 1.77 x 0.63 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 133 g (4.69 oz) | 86 g (3.03 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 5 lines | 130 x 130 pixels, 1:1 ratio |
| Type | Monochrome graphic | CSTN, 65K colors |
| | - | Download assistant for logos |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 8 dialed, 8 received, 8 missed calls | 100 dialed, 100 received, 100 missed calls |
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 10MB |
| Phonebook | SIM only | 14 fields, in shared memory |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | - | CIF |
| Video | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | Vibration; Downloadable monophonic ringtones | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | - | Proprietary |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Alarm | Yes | - |
| Browser | - | WAP 2.0/xHTML |
| Clock | Yes | - |
| Games | 4 ( Snake II, Pairs II, Space Impact, Bantumi ) | Photopet + downloadable |
| Java | No | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Languages | 17 for menu, 11 for T9 | - |
| Messaging | SMS | SMS, EMS, MMS |
| | - | Predictive text input
Stopwatch
Organizer
SyncML
Clip-it covers |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | 55 h to 245 h | Up to 250 h |
| Talk time | 2 h 30 min to 4 h 30 | Up to 6 h |
| Type | Removable NiMH 900 mAh battery (BMC-3) | Removable Li-Ion 600 mAh battery (EBA-670) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | User exchangeable front and back covers | Blue Shadow |
| SAR EU | 0.96 W/kg (head) | - |
Nokia 3310
- Exceptional durability and build quality
- Unmatched battery life (weeks on standby)
- Simple and reliable user interface
- Limited customization options
- Small monochrome display
Siemens C65
- Extensive customization options (ringtones, graphics)
- Larger display for more information
- Support for XMF music format
- Less durable construction compared to the 3310
- Shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Both the Nokia 3310 and Siemens C65 utilized monochrome LCD screens, typical for the period. The Nokia 3310’s display, while smaller, benefited from a slightly higher contrast ratio, making text marginally more readable in direct sunlight. The Siemens C65, however, offered a larger display area, allowing for more information to be displayed at once, particularly useful when navigating its more complex menu system. Neither device featured backlighting with PWM dimming, a concern for users sensitive to flicker.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Nokia 3310 nor the Siemens C65 included a built-in camera. This was standard for feature phones of this era. The absence of a camera contributes to their longevity, removing a common point of failure and simplifying the overall design. The focus was entirely on voice communication and basic text messaging.
Performance
Performance, in the context of these phones, relates to menu navigation speed and the responsiveness of features like Snake. The Nokia 3310, built around a single-chip solution, prioritized efficiency over raw processing power. The Siemens C65, while also utilizing a single-chip design, incorporated a more advanced processor to handle its expanded feature set, including XMF music playback and more complex graphics. This resulted in slightly faster menu transitions on the Siemens C65, but at the cost of potentially reduced battery life.
Battery Life
The Nokia 3310’s legendary battery life stemmed from its efficient hardware and relatively small display. Users routinely reported weeks of standby time and days of talk time on a single charge. The Siemens C65, with its larger display and more feature-rich software, offered significantly less battery life, typically lasting a few days on standby. While both used NiMH batteries, the Nokia 3310’s optimized power management gave it a substantial advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia 3310 if you need a phone that can withstand significant abuse, offers weeks of standby time, and provides a simple, reliable communication experience. Buy the Siemens C65 if you prefer a phone that allows extensive personalization through ringtones, graphics, and a more sophisticated user interface, even if it means potentially sacrificing some ruggedness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia 3310 truly indestructible, and can it survive a drop onto concrete?
While not literally indestructible, the Nokia 3310’s robust polycarbonate construction and internal shock absorption are legendary. Numerous tests and anecdotal evidence suggest it can withstand significant drops onto hard surfaces with minimal damage, far exceeding the durability of modern smartphones.
❓ Can I still create custom ringtones for the Siemens C65, and what file formats are supported?
Yes, the Siemens C65 allows for extensive ringtone customization. It primarily supports XMF (eXtensible Music File) format, which allows for polyphonic ringtones and even basic music playback. Software tools are available online to convert MIDI files to XMF for use on the C65.
❓ Which phone is easier to find replacement parts for today?
The Nokia 3310 generally has better parts availability due to its higher production numbers and continued popularity. While Siemens C65 parts exist, they are rarer and often more expensive to acquire.
