Siemens CF62 & CX65

Expected April/May 2004
13th February 2004

Siemens have announced two new and slightly different handsets to add to their already quite wide range of handsets, the TF62 and CX65 models. Both are slightly unusual with features that make them a little unique, with a design that seems to be influenced by the Siemens SX1.

Siemens CF62

A slightly angular and minimalist looking clamshell, the CF62 is aimed towards to bottom of the market and is actually one of only a very few Siemens clamshell phones.

It measures only 78cc (about 85x45x22 mm) and weighs 85 grams. The internal screen is a 128x128 pixel display in 65,000 colours, and there's a smaller monochrome external display too.

Underneath is tri-band GSM phone that's GPRS capable. There's an optional digital camera, but no infra-red or Bluetooth, however the CF62 does support Java downloads and has MMS, polyphonic ringtones and the usual features.

Possibly the most unusual feature is the phone's looks. Although most current Siemens have gone for elegant curves, the CF62 is quite angular and stark. The antenna doubles as a carrying handle, although it's not exactly heavy, giving a look rather like a Cyberman from Dr Who.

Siemens are pitching the CF62 against low-end Motorola and Samsung clamshells, and it does at least look refreshingly different from the Far Eastern designs.

Siemens CX65

The new CX65 shares some of the CF62's design features, but is a completely different type of phone. In most ways, the CX65 is very comparable to the Sony Ericsson T630, but with a slightly larger screen and much better camera.

Provisional specifications put the screen on the CX65 at 132x176 pixels and 65,000 colours, about 10% better than the T630, and with a VGA resolution camera which is much better than the fairly poor unit in the Sony Ericsson. Size and weight and navigation are pretty similar too, so it would probably be fair to say the the T610 and T630 provided plenty of inspiration for Siemens.. Siemens just did it better.

Indeed, Siemens are getting much more aggressive in their product range, and clearly have Nokia, Sony Ericsson and Samsung in their sites. We thing the CX65 in particular will sell well, and their rivals have good cause to be worried.

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