Alcatel ELLE GlamPhone Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Alcatel ELLE GlamPhone

The Alcatel ELLE GlamPhone stands as a unique specimen in the vast history of mobile phones. Released in the third quarter of 2009, this feature phone captures the essence of its era's design aesthetics while delivering baseline functionality, made for a segment of users seeking style and simplicity. Over the years, the importance of such devices is often overlooked, yet their role in the evolution of mobile technology is undeniable.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the Alcatel ELLE GlamPhone flaunts a compact and chic structure. With dimensions of 91.7 x 45 x 20.8 mm and weighing merely 85 grams, it comfortably fits into any pocket or purse, making it highly portable. The use of a Mini-SIM card aligns with the standards of the late 2000s, favoring simplicity and utility. Available in elegant Purple and White, the phone adds a touch of class to everyday communication.

Display Features

The phone showcases a TFT display spanning 1.8 inches, adorned with 65K colors that ensure essential visual clarity despite its small size. The resolution of 128 x 160 pixels with a pixel density of approximately 114 ppi provides a readable and adequately vibrant display for the basic tasks it was designed to handle. This screen size is typical of feature phones of its time, focusing on straightforward readability over the multimedia experience.

Performance and Processing

While specific details about the processor are not provided, it's clear that the Alcatel ELLE GlamPhone primarily serves its purpose as a communication device. The operating system is that of a typical feature phone, optimized for basic functionalities. Equipped with an internal storage of 10MB, the phone might seem limited by today’s standards, yet it efficiently supports essential applications and contact storage, with room for expansion via a microSD card slot, a significant advantage for media and contact storage.

Camera Capabilities

Fitted with a single 1.3 MP rear camera, the device reflects the transitional phase of phone cameras. While not designed for high-resolution photography, it ensures users can capture spontaneous moments. The inclusion of video recording adds another dimension to its utility, offering basic media capture functionalities.

Connectivity and Communication

Connectivity is limited but effective, utilizing GSM 900/1800 bands, with GPRS Class 10 ensuring a level of data communication suitable for its time. While lacking EDGE, it provides Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless connectivity to accessories, an essential feature at the time for audio devices. The absence of WLAN, radio, and advanced positioning systems like GPS highlights its focus on core phone functionalities rather than advanced capabilities.

Messaging and Browser Features

Communication is straightforward, allowing both SMS and MMS capabilities. The inclusion of a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, although basic, provides users with limited internet access, serving as an introduction to mobile browsing for many users during the period.

Entertainment and Extras

The Alcatel ELLE GlamPhone incorporates basic entertainment with two pre-installed games and Java support via MIDP 2.0, opening doors for more personalized gaming experiences. While the multimedia experience is limited, it suits the needs of users looking for light entertainment.

Battery Life

One of the phone's more notable strengths is its efficient battery usage. The removable Li-Ion 720mAh battery offers up to 350 hours of standby time and up to 7 hours of talk time, with music playback extending up to 10 hours. This longevity ensures users remain connected throughout the day without constant recharging, catering to those requiring reliability in battery performance.

Overall Impression

Despite being discontinued, the Alcatel ELLE GlamPhone remains a testament to a time when mobile phones were evolving in both function and form. Its blend of style, functionality, and essential features make it a noteworthy model in mobile phone history. It represents a phase where design was as important as communicative capabilities, setting a foundation for the more advanced mobile technologies that succeeded it.