The Nokia 3350 and Siemens M35i represent a pivotal era in mobile phone history – a time before smartphones dominated. Both phones prioritized durability, simplicity, and long battery life, but catered to slightly different user preferences. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses, revealing which phone better embodies the spirit of early 21st-century mobile communication.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a robust, no-frills phone with exceptional battery life, the Nokia 3350 emerges as the winner. Its legendary durability and cultural impact, coupled with a likely more readily available parts ecosystem, give it a slight edge over the Siemens M35i.
| 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 47 x 22 mm, 99 cc (4.65 x 1.85 x 0.87 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 108 g (3.81 oz) | 125 g (4.41 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 | 100 |
| 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 | 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
Organizer
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 | 3 - Hurricane Yellow, Half Pipe Blue, Summit Grey |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) | - |
Nokia 3350
- Legendary durability and build quality
- Exceptional battery life (up to a week)
- Iconic design and cultural impact
- Monochrome display limits visual experience
- Limited features compared to later phones
Siemens M35i
- Compact and business-oriented design
- Potentially more refined user interface
- Solid build quality
- Potentially harder to find replacement parts
- Battery life may be slightly shorter than Nokia 3350
Display Comparison
Given the era, both the Nokia 3350 and Siemens M35i utilized monochrome displays, prioritizing legibility and battery conservation over visual fidelity. The Nokia 3350’s display, while small, was known for its clarity in direct sunlight, a crucial feature for outdoor use. The Siemens M35i likely featured a similar display technology, but its focus on a more compact form factor may have resulted in a slightly smaller viewing area. The absence of backlighting in both models meant reliance on ambient light, impacting usability in darker environments.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Nokia 3350 nor the Siemens M35i featured a built-in camera. This was standard for feature phones of this generation, as camera technology was still relatively expensive and bulky. The absence of a camera contributed to their long battery life and simplified user experience. Users relied on separate digital cameras for capturing images.
Performance
Performance in these devices isn't measured in GHz or RAM, but in call reliability and menu responsiveness. The Nokia 3350, benefiting from Nokia’s established manufacturing processes, likely had a more optimized software stack for its hardware. The Siemens M35i, while also reliable, may have experienced slightly slower menu navigation due to potential differences in chipset optimization. Both phones operated on the 2G network, limiting data speeds to GPRS, sufficient for basic text messaging and WAP browsing.
Battery Life
Battery life was a defining characteristic of both phones. The Nokia 3350 was renowned for its multi-day battery life, often lasting a week or more on a single charge with moderate use. The Siemens M35i, while also offering excellent battery performance, likely had a slightly shorter lifespan due to its potentially smaller battery capacity and more complex features. Both phones utilized NiMH batteries, which were prone to memory effect if not properly discharged regularly.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia 3350 if you need a phone that can withstand significant abuse and offers a nostalgic experience with its iconic design and Snake game. Buy the Siemens M35i if you prefer a more business-oriented aesthetic and potentially a slightly more refined user interface, though finding replacement parts may prove more challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is it possible to replace the battery in either the Nokia 3350 or Siemens M35i?
Yes, both phones have user-replaceable batteries, though finding original NiMH batteries can be challenging. Aftermarket batteries are available, but their quality and performance may vary. Replacing the battery requires basic disassembly skills and a compatible replacement.
❓ Can I still use these phones on modern mobile networks?
No. Both the Nokia 3350 and Siemens M35i operate exclusively on 2G networks, which are being phased out in many countries. While they may still function in areas where 2G remains active, their long-term usability is limited.
❓ What kind of customization options are available for these phones?
Customization options are limited. Both phones allow for changing ringtones and setting custom text messages. The Nokia 3350 is more well-known for its ability to be 'flashed' with custom software, though this is a complex process and can void any remaining warranty (if any).
