BenQ-Siemens have also released the new BenQ-Siemens E81. Like the E71 also released today, the E81 won't set the world on fire. It's a 3G phone with a 1.3 megapixel camera, MP3 player, and not an awful lot else!

Still, it is summer, releasing phones is hard work, and with Christmas still months away, I guess there's no point releasing your crown jewels just yet. At least, that's what I first thought upon seeing the E71 and the E81. But just wait till you see the BenQ-Siemens E91!

But first, more details and BenQ-Siemens E81 pics after the jump.

From the press release:

The BenQ-Siemens E81 is a UMTS powerhouse in its most compact form. Measuring a mere 99.8 × 46.7 × 16.7 millimeters, this exceedingly small mobile boasting extensive UMTS functionality will fit into even the smallest pocket. Thus, BenQ Mobile for the first time fits UMTS power into a mobile phone in the classic bar shape – in mini size.

For all those who wish to be flexible and mobile, the BenQ-Siemens E81 is the perfect combination of function, design and state-of-the-art technology for day-to-day communication. Packed full of entertaining media and practical business functions, the BenQ-Siemens E81 is ideally suited to discovering the diverse potential the UMTS mobile network has to offer.

While on the move, videos can be followed in high quality via a fast UMTS link on the 1.8 inch mobile display (262,144 colors, picture definition 176 × 220 pixels). Whether MP3, ACC- or eAAC+, music can now be received directly from the internet onto the mobile via audio streaming or download. A separate button enables immediate access to all music functions.

Night or day, the BenQ-Siemens E81 boasts a 1.3 megapixel camera with built-in LED photo flash for taking spontaneous snapshots.

Video clips can also be shot and replayed conveniently. While making a video call, the mobile’s camera shows the caller everything that one can see oneself – whether this is palm trees on the beach or the flipchart in the conference room. Thus mobile communication gains special visual added value.
Harmoniously rounded casing edges and a high-quality glossy finish surface lend a sophisticated appearance and timeless elegance to the classical bar form of the BenQ-Siemens E81. With its ergonomic shape, this mobile powerhouse is very comfortable to hold and can be operated intuitively.

Practical business functions like organizer and e-mail help the user to organize leisure activities and day-to-day business efficiently. Data stored on the mobile can be synchronized instantaneously with a PC via a USB cable, the SyncStation DSC-100 (both available as accessories), and Bluetooth. Storage capacity for data, photos, movies and music can be extended to as much as 1 gigabyte using Micro-SD cards.
Original accessories such as various Bluetooth headsets and versatile hands-free solutions for the car complement the compact UMTS mobile, such as the light and ergonomic Headset Bluetooth Comfort and the Car Kit Bluetooth Portable HKW-700 – an innovative plug-and-play hands-free solution for the car.

The BenQ-Siemens E81 is the first device in this mini format to be equipped with extensive UMTS functionality. Thus BenQ-Siemens offers its customers a simple and convenient introduction to UMTS technology and is continuing its product strategy to combine innovative technology with optimum user comfort. The BenQ-Siemens E81 will be on retail sale in the color “Lucent Black” in Europe from September 2006 and in Asia from October 2006. Prices will be determined locally.