The BenQ-Siemens S68 keeps it simple and straightforward. While there's no camera or expandable memory slot, BenQ-Siemens has got the balance right between a compact design and a simple interface. If you're looking for a mobile phone that combines an easy-to-understand interface and a light and thin handset, this is definitely worth checking out.
The BenQ-Siemens S68 is currently available at T-Mobile for free on a monthly contract.
DesignThe BenQ-Siemens S68 is a simple and slim candybar handset made from brushed aluminium and black plastic. It measures 44mm by 107mm by 13mm and weighs a pocket-friendly 76g. The front section of the S68 is divided into two sections. The top section contains a 28mm by 37mm screen that displays 262,000 colours and the bottom section houses an alphanumeric keypad.
The screen is bright and large enough to read text messages easily, but viewing Web pages is slightly more difficult. Underneath the screen there are two soft keys and a four-way navigation rocker with an OK button in the middle. To the right and left of the navigation key below the top soft keys are the 'send call' and 'end call' keys.
The keys on the keypad are large and easy to press. We particularly like that they are raised, as this makes it easier to distinguish between them and generates a high level of tactile feedback. Our only niggle with the keypad is the four-way navigation rocker, which is very thin and therefore harder to press than the rest of the keypad.
There's a voice recorder and fast-dial rocker key on the left of the phone. When you push it up you activate the voice recorder and when you press it down it activates the fast dial mode. The fast dial mode is similar to speed dial, however this only holds one number and you have to confirm the call before it connects.
On the right side of the S68 there's a dedicated rocker that lets you adjust the volume during calls and when using the media player. The back of the phone is minimalist -- in line with the rest of the phone. There's no camera, just a smooth surface with a small embossed BenQ-Siemens logo at the top. To enable you to remove the back cover there are two small sections that stick out on either side -- by pressing them in, the cover is released and you can access the battery and SIM slot.
FeaturesThe BenQ-Siemens S68 is not only simple on the outside, it's also simple on the inside. It doesn't lack in features though, it just has a very intuitive, easy-to-understand menu. To access the menu you press the OK button and then search by pressing up or down to scroll through each section. This might seem an obvious feature to highlight, but as menus are becoming increasingly difficult to access, it is a significant benefit.
on Mobile Phones 
Facebook 
iPhone App 
Newsletters 
Twitter 
RSS Feeds 
Send Us Tips
User reviews1
Add your review
slavicd 25 March 2009
Good: Simple phone, good agenda of contacts
Bad: VERY slow, dies very often
Comment: I bought it right after it got in the stores. First I was well surprized at its audio quality - it had a good, loud sound. With time though I came up to see what I didn't like in it - it started to crash often (well every 3 days) and the battery life wasn't quite what I expected from a phone with no camera or second display in it. Te other thing that I did not like was it was slow!! You have to wait 8 or more seconds to call again if you've just cancelled a call - the most disturbing thing for me. The message archive - seems a very good idea but it's implemented poorly - it takes an INFINITE time to load the messages in the archive (I waited for around one minute for the message to change).
What I like is its ergonomity and style (althoug tired of it already and I'm buying another phone now)
See all user reviews