BenQ-Siemens E71, E81, SL91: First look

BenQ Mobile has just introduced three new models. E71 is a music phone with shiny casing, on which the finger prints are invisible; according to the manufacturer the E81 model offers a vintage performance in an extremely small phone; in the case of SL91, BenQ Mobile managed to combine an impressive design with lots of features, including 3G support and 3.2 megapixel camera with auto focus.

BenQ-Siemens E71: shiny surface without fingerprints

The group of music phones has extended itself with another piece. BenQ-Siemens E71 is a middle class multimedia mobile phone, especially intended for listening to music. So, in the phone you will find a MP3 player, a memory card slot, radio and even an application for podcasting. The phone has a classic construction and smooth edges. The shiny casing will come in black or dark sliver colors.

Benq-Siemens E71

The shiny phones are eye-catching and have a glossy effect. The shimmering surface, however, is a fingerprints magnet and the phone is ugly spotted at once. In this new model, BenQ-Siemens have used a new surface treatment, which is said to ensure a shiny surface without fingerprints. Of course, this applies only for the dark silver color; the black version will need a serious polish for sure.

Benq-Siemens E71 in hands

The phone dimensions are 104 x 46 x 15 mm, weight - 80 g. In such a small box they managed to put a very good 262K colors display with resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, a megapixel camera, 16 MB internal memory and a microSD memory card slot. There are also Bluetooth, 3D java games, a phonebook and an organizer with PC Sync options. Data transfers are ensured by EDGE or GPRS.

There will be a cable for connection with Hi-Fi system - the expected reduction to 3.5 jack mm or 2x cinch. Of course, the cable won't be a part of the standard package. I am afraid you will find in it neither a data USB cable, nor a memory card. This would affect the price, which, of course is not yet set. The phone has to hit the European shops in September.

BenQ-Siemens E81: 3G power in a small body

The manufacturer claims that the E81 model is an extremely small phone with an extreme performance. However, it is hard to believe in slogans and this case is not an exception. The dimensions of 100 x 47 x 17 mm are something usual and aside form the 3G support the phone doesn't impress with anything special. However, it offers an attractive rounded design and well balanced feature set, which falls within the range of middle class phones.

Benq-Siemens E81

Except the mentioned 3G network supprt the phone is also tri-band GSM. The phone offers data transfers by GPRS, EDGE lacks in this model. The display with resolution of 176 x 220 pixels doesn't impress much nowadays, though it is a quality active TFT one, capable of 262K colors. You'll find the 1.3 megapixel camera lens on the back of the phone and the microSD memory card slot. These will come in useful, because the phone itself has only 5 MB internal memory. An interesting is that in this 3G phone there's no videocall camera on the front side. Video calls will be possible only using the camera on the phone's back cover.

From all sides

Among the functions there are MP3 player, e-mail client, phonebook and an organizer with synchronization options, video player, Java games and other standard functions. The phone can be connected to a computer with the help of an USB cable (which is not a part of the package) or via Bluetooth.

Benq-Siemens E81 in hands

BenQ-Siemens E81 will be offered in black color, subsequently another color variants will be presented, too. It will hit the European markets in the beginning of September. The price is not defined again.

BenQ-Siemens SL91: a rounded chocolate with delicate filling

The biggest tidbit from the freshly presented trinity is the SL91 model - a stylish phone with slider design and nice equipment. The manufacturer is not even trying to conceal the fact that the phone was inspired by LG. The new model resembles the famous chocolate; it is only more rounded in shape. The front side of the black shiny phone is "disturbed" by the silver edges of the navigational keys only. Similarly to the LG chocolate, the surrounding functional keys are sensor-based and there's no need to be pressed - a slight touch is enough.

Benq-Siemens SL91

The dimensions of the slider are 89 x 47 x 23 mm and it weighs 109 g. It is a tri-band GSM phone and it also supports 3G in UMTS network. The VGA camera on its front side can be used for video calls, the 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus, which is situated on the back side can be used for taking pictures or for shooting video. The great image is ensured by a QVGA (240 x 320 pixels) display with outstanding characteristics, capable of showing 16.7 million colors. The internal memory of 64 MB can be extended by microSD memory card.

Benq-Siemens SL91 opened

 
In the desk cradle

Amongst the functions, interests arouse the FM radio, which supports RDS, the MP3 player and the video player. Available are, of course, a big phonebook and an organizer with PC Sync options. Connection with a computer can be established either trough a USB cable or via Bluetooth. The phone will be delivered together with new headphones with volume control on the cable. In the package you'll also find a stylish stand with lighting effects, which serves as a charger.

Benq-Siemens SL91 in hands

 
Keypad backlight

 
Benq-Siemens SL91 user interface

The phone won't be on the market until the fourth quarter of the year. We are curious about its price, which still remains a secret, and about the quality of the camera. Maybe this model will be a serious competitor of Sony Ericsson K800?

All the three together