Alcatel Fire C 2G Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Overview of Alcatel Fire C 2G

The Alcatel Fire C is an entry-level smartphone that was announced and released in October 2014. It was part of the Alcatel Fire series, which aimed to provide users with affordable devices that ran on the Firefox OS. This particular model, the Fire C 2G, is an affordable option tailored to those seeking basic smartphone functionality with a reasonable price point.

Design and Build

The Alcatel Fire C 2G boasts a compact and lightweight design, with dimensions of 112.2 x 62 x 12 mm, making it easy to handle and carry in pockets or small bags. Weighing only 93 grams, it's incredibly portable, fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand. The phone was available in two color variants — Bluish Black and Dark Chocolate, giving users a slight choice in aesthetics.

Display

Equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT display, the Alcatel Fire C 2G offers a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 165 pixels per inch (ppi), which, while not high by today's standards, provided adequate clarity for the basic tasks it was designed for. The screen's color depth of 256K enhances its capacity to display a spectrum of colors, albeit not as vibrant as more modern displays.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the Alcatel Fire C 2G is powered by a 1.0 GHz CPU and a Spreadtrum 6821 chipset, which is designed to manage basic tasks efficiently. While it might not handle intensive applications well, it's sufficient for browsing, messaging, and other light activities. The phone operates on Firefox OS 1.3, an open-source operating system developed by Mozilla, which emphasizes simplicity and web-based technologies.

Memory and Storage

This device comes with 128MB of RAM, which is quite minimal and can restrict multitasking capabilities. Users have 256MB of internal storage at their disposal, but with a dedicated microSDHC slot, the storage can be expanded, allowing users to keep more photos, apps, and media files.

Camera Features

The Alcatel Fire C 2G is equipped with a primary camera of 1.3 MP that can capture basic pictures and record videos at 320p resolution. This camera is more suited for casual snaps and is not designed for high-quality photography. There's also an optional VGA selfie camera, which depends on the operator, ideal for video calls and basic selfies.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Alcatel Fire C offers some essential features. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, allowing users to connect to wireless networks easily. Additionally, it comes with Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, enabling wireless communication with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The inclusion of a microUSB 2.0 port ensures compatibility with older devices and accessories.

Network and Communication

Designed as a dual SIM device, the Alcatel Fire C can fit two GSM SIM cards (900/1800), enabling users to switch between two networks, which is particularly useful for travelers or those wishing to separate work and personal calls. For network data, it supports GPRS and EDGE, facilitating basic internet access and communication services.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a removable 1000 mAh Li-Ion battery, which supports up to 160 hours on standby and up to 7 hours of talk time. While it may not offer long endurance like newer phones, it is adequate for users with moderate usage throughout the day. The removable nature of the battery also means replacements are straightforward.

Audio and Extras

For audio, the Alcatel Fire C 2G includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing users to listen to music, podcasts, and calls. The device also includes an FM radio, which is a nice addition for entertainment. It also comes with an accelerometer sensor, facilitating basic motion-based interactions.

Price and Availability

Affordable pricing was a key feature of this device, as it was marketed at around 30 EUR. While the Fire C 2G has been discontinued, it performed well in its market by offering basic smartphone features at a highly accessible price, meeting the needs of a segment that sought functionality over frills.

Conclusion

The Alcatel Fire C 2G, with its compact design, simple OS, and essential features, presented a viable option for users seeking an entry-level smartphone. Its affordability, augmented by Firefox OS's web-based flexibility, offered a unique alternative to more traditional operating systems. Although technology has surpassed the capabilities of this device, it remains an important product in the history of accessible mobile technology.