Siemens is tired of being the runner-up, and with the C35i, they’ve finally produced a handset that can look a Nokia in the eye without blinking. Launched in early 2000 as a direct rival to the 3310, the C35i is a compact, dual-band GSM worker that brings high-end features like WAP to the masses for a very reasonable price. It’s significantly smaller than the Nokias of the time, and while it still sports a stubby little external antenna, it’s remarkably lightweight at just 105g. The design is clean and functional, with a slightly curved body that fits the hand like a well-worn bar of soap.
The technical highlight here is the inclusion of a WAP 1.1 browser, which, while about as fast as a donkey on a treadmill, makes the C35i feel significantly more modern than many of its contemporaries. The display is a clear graphic LCD that can show four lines of text, and the menu system, while not quite as intuitive as the Navi-Key setup, is logically laid out and easy enough to master after a few pints. You’ve even got a few games to kill time, including a version of minesweeper and a labyrinth game that is surprisingly addictive once you get the hang of the slightly spongy keypad.
Battery life is decent enough, providing around 5 hours of talk time and 180 hours of standby from the NiMH battery pack, though you’ll want to keep an eye on it if you’re doing a lot of WAP browsing. It also features a built-in vibrator, which is a nice touch for a mid-range phone, and the signal reception is among the best in its class. While it might not have the “cool” factor of the 3310 or the ruggedness of an Ericsson, the Siemens C35i is a superb all-rounder that offers a lot of tech for your pound. It’s a sensible, reliable, and oddly charming alternative for anyone who wants to buck the Nokia trend.