Siemens A55
Entry-level GSM Mobile Phone

The A55 from Siemens defies the formula used by makers for their low-end mobiles. Its size, for one thing, is surprisingly small and pocketable - about the size of a Sony Ericsson T68i and most midrange Nokia models (but at a fraction of the price), plus it seems to weigh even less. Its lithe frame and rounded styling as well as its changeable covers and 'fashion-phone' marketing slant would make the A55 appeal to the ladies market as well.

Most entry-level mobiles are unattractive because of their large size and clunky battery packs that weigh the unit down. This isn't the case with the A55 whose 6-hour talktime, 250-hour standby time battery is extremely small and slim.

The A55 is also WAP-enabled and can handle 16 polyphonic tones - features that you will not find on other makers' entry-level mobiles. It is possible to type in up to 760 characters in a message; typing also does not slow down as the text message gets longer. Unique touches include the orange backlight that fades slowly rather than disappearing altogether once buttons are no longer pressed. These are a lot of features for a cheap phone and a good sign that even budget-buyers can have small and functional handsets