All
Sony mobiles released before the
CMD-Z1 were manufactured by
Siemens. Hence the closest competition for the CMD-Z5 is the
Siemens S35i (released in April 2000, unlike the CMD-Z5 that came out in
Singapore in June 2000). The Z5 looks smaller, but unlike the S35i has an aerial and a flip.
I had to do a lot of research before settling on one of these two phones, and in the end the
Siemens had most the features of the
Sony at less than half-price (The price for the Z5 in Singapore in June 2000 was $SG 1100, and the
Siemens S35i was around $SG 450. Prices do not include the $SG 100 SingTel NSCK disconnection fee and apply to non-contract binding phones).
Nevertheless, Sony CMD-Z5 offers spectacular
features, and is definitely
the phone to get for those who can afford it. For the rest of us, I would recommend the
Siemens S35i.