Competition is getting intense in the slider phone market. Barely after Samsung launched the sleek E800, Siemens has stepped in with the SL65, its 2004 refresher of the previous SL55 handset. Can this second iteration hold up to the noise-canceling E800?

Design
Aesthetically, this Siemens kept much of its predecessor's looks, including the manual slide-up. However, after being pampered by Samsung E800's slick sliding mechanism, we find the SL65 a little cumbersome to use. While unlocking the unit, we would end up activating the WAP browser inadvertently as the key is excessively large.

On the other hand, frequent texters will find the keypad a joy to use. Here, Siemens sticks to a conventional design and the keys are adequately sensitive and tactile. Also, the entire keyboard isn't sunken and its rectangular buttons don't cause discomfort like the elliptical-shaped ones embedded on the E800.

Navigating through the menus using the joystick is counterproductive as it is slippery and too stiff for comfort. Fortunately, you can launch different applications just by flicking it in one of the four directions. This is further complemented by two softkeys that can be mapped to various functions of your choice.

Display-wise, the SL65's resolution of 130 x 130 pixels isn't as dense as the Samsung E800's. However, the ability to tweak the brightness and contrast on this 65k-color TFT to suit your preference is a plus point.

As with most camera-phones, this VGA shooter has its lens and self-portrait mirror mounted on the back. The poor placement results in a tendency for fingers to obstruct during photo-taking.

Features
Unlike Samsung's dualband offering, Siemens triband SL65 is a boon for frequent globetrotters. Additionally, this handset's speakerphone is convenient for mobile professionals and those who don't like to be bogged down by a handsfree. That said, users finicky about voice quality may want to consider the Samsung E800 as it delivers superior voice quality, thanks to its noise-canceling technology.

What's compelling about the SL65 is its connectivity features. The infrared is well-implemented and doesn't restrict users to merely Web and desktop connectivity unlike the E800. We like the fact that you can simply capture a photo and beam it to other devices wirelessly without needing to rely on costly MMS messages.

In addition to VGA stills, the onboard camera churns out 30-second clips in 128 x 96 pixels. However, as with most camera-phones, the videos appear choppy. Interestingly, the microphone does a commendable job recording sounds. Photo enthusiasts will frown at the limited camera tweaks and the German phone maker fails to include a flash for capturing under low-light conditions. This job falls onto an optional flash accessory.

In term of software, the SL65 has an edge over the E800. It's generally more intuitive to use and snappier. But Siemens can really do more in the graphical department to take advantage of the 65k-color TFT. Despite switching between the various preloaded themes, icons appear drab and unexciting.

Siemens hits a nice note with its 40-chord polyphony ringer. Although it lacks MP3 ringtones, users can contend with the WAV support.

Reception, Battery Life And SAR
During the review period, the SL65 posed no problems in terms of reception and sound quality. The speakerphone was loud and clear when tested but the other party mentioned that we sounded a little soft. Battery life was just manageable as the 700mAh Lithium-ion cell averaged two days of standby on moderate use.

This model recorded a highest Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value of 0.58W/kg and complies with international requirements concerning exposure to radio waves.

Conclusion
The Siemens SL65 priced at S$598 is a good S$100 off its closest rival, the Samsung E800. Despite some glaring design mishaps mentioned earlier, this mobile remains attractive in terms of feature set and triband capability. For those who don't travel and would rather opt for better voice quality, the pricier Samsung E800 may be a better option.