The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a surge in mobile phone popularity, and the Nokia 3350 and Siemens C35 were two of the most recognizable devices. Both phones prioritized reliability and ease of use, but catered to slightly different user preferences. This comparison examines their strengths and weaknesses, considering their historical context and enduring appeal.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a robust and long-lasting feature phone, the Nokia 3350 emerges as the slightly stronger choice. Its legendary durability and cultural impact, combined with a likely more readily available aftermarket for parts, give it an edge over the Siemens C35.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2001 | 2000 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 113 x 49 x 23 mm, 98 cc (4.45 x 1.93 x 0.91 in) | 118 x 46 x 21 mm, 88 cc (4.65 x 1.81 x 0.83 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 108 g (3.81 oz) | 110 g (3.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 96 x 65 pixels, 5 lines, 3:2 ratio | 101 x 54 pixels, 5 lines, 17:9 ratio |
| Type | Monochrome graphic | Monochrome graphic |
| | - | Fixed icons
Softkey |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 20 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls | 10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls |
| Card slot | No | No |
| Phonebook | 150 | 20 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | Vibration; Downloadable monophonic ringtones, composer | Vibration; Monophonic ringtones, composer |
| Loudspeaker | No | No |
| | - | DJ sounds |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Browser | WAP 1.1 | - |
| Clock | Yes | Yes |
| Games | 6 - Bumper, Dance 2 Music, Link5, Magic Draw, Snake II, Space Impact | 4 - Wayout, Reversi, Quattropoli, Minesweeper |
| Java | No | No |
| Languages | - | 20 |
| Messaging | SMS | SMS |
| | - | Predictive text input
Currency converter
Calculator
Stopwatch |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 260 h | 50 h - 180 h |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 45 min | 90 min - 300 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery (BLC-2) | Removable NiMH 500 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | User exchangeable front and back covers | 7 - Anthracite, Steel Grey, Classic blue ... |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) | - |
Nokia 3350
- Legendary durability and build quality
- Exceptional battery life
- Large user base and readily available accessories
- Larger form factor compared to the C35
- Monochrome display with limited visibility in bright sunlight
Siemens C35
- Compact and pocketable design
- Slightly more sophisticated user interface (subjective)
- Potentially more exclusive appeal
- Potentially shorter battery life than the 3350
- Less readily available parts and accessories
Display Comparison
Given the era, both the Nokia 3350 and Siemens C35 utilized monochrome LCD screens. The Nokia 3350’s display was slightly larger, likely offering a marginally better viewing experience for text messages and the limited graphical interface. The Siemens C35, prioritizing compactness, featured a smaller screen, which may have resulted in a more cramped user experience, particularly for users with larger fingers. Neither device offered backlight control, relying on ambient light for visibility.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Nokia 3350 nor the Siemens C35 featured a built-in camera. This was standard for feature phones of this generation. The absence of a camera reinforces their focus on core communication functions – making calls and sending text messages – rather than multimedia capabilities.
Performance
Both phones operated on proprietary software platforms, with performance dictated by the limited processing power available at the time. The Nokia 3350’s platform was known for its stability and responsiveness, likely due to Nokia’s extensive software optimization. The Siemens C35, while functional, may have exhibited slightly slower menu navigation due to a less refined operating system. The primary performance differentiator was likely memory capacity, impacting the number of contacts and messages that could be stored.
Battery Life
Both phones excelled in battery life, a critical feature for users of the time. The Nokia 3350 was particularly celebrated for its exceptional standby time, often lasting for days on a single charge. The Siemens C35, with its smaller form factor, likely had a slightly smaller battery capacity, potentially resulting in marginally shorter standby times. However, both devices offered significantly longer battery life than contemporary smartphones.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia 3350 if you need a phone renowned for its near-indestructible build quality and a vast user base ensuring continued support and accessory availability. Buy the Siemens C35 if you prefer a more compact form factor and a slightly more sophisticated, albeit less widely known, user interface, potentially appealing to those seeking a less mainstream experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia 3350 truly as indestructible as its reputation suggests?
The Nokia 3350 gained a legendary reputation for durability due to its robust construction and polycarbonate shell. While not impervious to all damage, it was significantly more resistant to drops and impacts than many contemporary phones, and stories of its resilience have become part of mobile phone folklore.
❓ Can I still find accessories for the Siemens C35 today?
Finding accessories for the Siemens C35 is considerably more challenging than for the Nokia 3350. Due to its lower production volume and less widespread popularity, aftermarket support is limited. While some third-party accessories may be available online, availability is inconsistent.
❓ Which phone is better for playing the classic 'Snake' game?
Both phones featured a version of the 'Snake' game, but the Nokia 3350’s version is arguably more iconic and widely remembered. The slightly larger screen on the 3350 may also provide a marginally better gaming experience, though the difference is minimal.
