In a world dominated by smartphones, the humble feature phone continues to hold appeal for those seeking simplicity, durability, and extended battery life. We pit the Siemens C65 against the Nokia 6124 classic, two representatives of a bygone era, to determine which offers the best experience for users prioritizing core communication features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a reliable, no-frills phone, the Nokia 6124 classic emerges as the stronger choice. Its ARM 11 processor, while dated, provides a known quantity of performance, and Nokia’s established software support offers a degree of confidence absent from the relatively obscure Siemens C65.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA |
| | GSM 850 / 1800 / 1900 - Siemens C66 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2004, March | 2008, March. Released 2008, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 105 x 45 x 16 mm, 76 cc (4.13 x 1.77 x 0.63 in) | 105 x 46 x 15 mm, 66 cc (4.13 x 1.81 x 0.59 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 86 g (3.03 oz) | 93 g (3.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 130 x 130 pixels, 1:1 ratio | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) |
| Size | - | 2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~25.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | CSTN, 65K colors | TFT, 16M colors |
| | Download assistant for logos | Downloadable wallpapers, screensavers |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | 369 MHz ARM 11 |
| OS | - | Symbian 9.2, S60 rel. 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 100 dialed, 100 received, 100 missed calls | - |
| Card slot | No | microSD (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 10MB | 35MB 64MB RAM 128MB ROM |
| Phonebook | 14 fields, in shared memory | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | CIF | 2 MP |
| Video | No | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | CIF videocall camera |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | No | 2.0, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio |
| USB | Proprietary | miniUSB |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML |
| Games | Photopet + downloadable | - |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | - |
| Messaging | SMS, EMS, MMS | - |
| | Predictive text input
Stopwatch
Organizer
SyncML
Clip-it covers | Push to talk
WMV/RV/MP4/3GP player
MP3/WMA/WAV/RA/AAC/M4A player
Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 250 h | Up to 230 h (2G) / 240 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h | Up to 3 h 10 min (2G) / 2 h 24 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 600 mAh battery (EBA-670) | Removable Li-Ion 890 mAh battery (BL-5B) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue Shadow | Black, White |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.11 W/kg (head) |
Siemens C65
- Potential collector's item due to Siemens brand history.
- Likely robust build quality typical of Siemens phones.
- Simple and straightforward user interface (assumed).
- Lack of readily available information and support.
- Uncertain processor performance.
- Limited parts availability.
Nokia 6124 classic
- Known ARM 11 processor performance.
- Established Nokia brand reputation for durability.
- Wider availability of replacement parts and accessories.
- Dated technology and limited features.
- Low-resolution camera.
- Small display size.
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific display information for the Siemens C65, a comparison is limited. The Nokia 6124 classic features a color display typical of its era, likely a TFT LCD. Both phones would have prioritized legibility over resolution or color accuracy, focusing on maximizing battery life. The Nokia’s display size is standard for the time, while the C65’s display characteristics remain unknown, making a direct comparison impossible.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Siemens C65 nor the Nokia 6124 classic are known for their camera capabilities. Both likely feature a basic VGA camera, suitable for extremely low-resolution photos. Image quality would be poor by any modern standard. The primary function of these cameras was novelty rather than serious photography. Without specific details on the C65’s camera, it’s impossible to determine any advantage either way.
Performance
The Nokia 6124 classic is powered by a 369 MHz ARM 11 processor. While slow by modern standards, this processor was sufficient for the phone’s intended tasks: voice calls and SMS messaging. The Siemens C65’s processor is unspecified. Given its market positioning, it likely utilized a similar-tier processor, potentially from a different manufacturer. The ARM 11 in the Nokia benefits from a more established software ecosystem and debugging history, potentially leading to greater stability.
Battery Life
Both phones prioritize battery life. The Nokia 6124 classic, with its efficient ARM 11 processor and basic display, could achieve several days of standby time and a reasonable talk time. The Siemens C65, lacking detailed specifications, likely offered comparable battery performance. The absence of power-hungry features like large displays or data connectivity contributes to the extended battery life of both devices. The Nokia’s widespread availability also means replacement batteries are more readily found.
Buying Guide
Buy the Siemens C65 if you are a collector of vintage mobile phones and specifically seek a Siemens device for its historical significance. Buy the Nokia 6124 classic if you prioritize a functional, readily available, and relatively well-supported feature phone for basic calling and texting, and appreciate Nokia’s reputation for durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia 6124 classic compatible with modern networks?
The Nokia 6124 classic is a 2G phone and will have limited or no compatibility with modern 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. It may still function on 2G networks where they are available, but coverage is diminishing in many regions. It's primarily useful for basic calling and texting in areas with 2G service.
❓ Can I find replacement batteries for the Siemens C65?
Finding replacement batteries for the Siemens C65 will be significantly more challenging than for the Nokia 6124 classic. Siemens has largely exited the mobile phone market, and parts availability is limited. You may need to rely on third-party sellers or salvaged parts.
❓ What kind of SIM card does the Nokia 6124 classic use?
The Nokia 6124 classic uses a Mini-SIM card. This is the standard SIM card size prior to the widespread adoption of Micro-SIM and Nano-SIM cards. Adapters are available if you need to use a smaller SIM card.
