BenQ-Siemens EL71

Available now (in some markets)
8th March 2006

The BenQ-Siemens EL71 is a compact sliding handset with a 240x320 pixel display, 1.3 megapixel camera, expandable memory using microSD/TransFlash cards and EDGE data support.

This is a typically "Siemens" looking handset by design, including styling elements seen on many late model Siemens handsets (unfortunately, many of these have been cancelled such as the Siemens SG75). At 94 grams, the BenQ-Siemens EL71 is pretty lightweight, considering that it has a 2.0" display and sliding mechanism.

Essentially, the BenQ-Siemens EL71 is a mid-market multimedia phone with MP3/AAC/AAC+ audio playback (may vary between operators), video capture, playback and streaming and of course stills photographs. There's a WAP 2.0 browser and email client too, plus Bluetooth (although we don't believe that the EL71 supports stereo Bluetooth).

It's a competent enough handset overall, but BenQ-Siemens are competing in a crowded market segment and the EL71 doesn't seem to have much to distinguish it from the competition.

BenQ-Siemens say that the EL71 should be available during Q2 2006 in "Quartz Anthracite" and "Opal Black" colours.

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