Alcatel OT 156 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Uncovered

Overview

The Alcatel OT 156, a feature phone announced in the first quarter of 2004, offers a glimpse into mobile technology of the early 2000s. Designed for basic mobile communication, the device is simplistic yet effective in its purpose. Though discontinued, it holds a place in the evolution of mobile phones.

Network and Connectivity

The Alcatel OT 156 operates on GSM 900/1800 bands, which was typical for phones of that era. However, it does not support GPRS or EDGE, indicating its primary functionality was for voice calls and text messages. There is no Bluetooth, WLAN, or positioning capabilities, firmly placing it in the category of non-smart devices.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 101 x 46 x 20 mm, the Alcatel OT 156 is compact and portable, fitting comfortably in the user's hand. It weighs only 80 grams, making it easy to carry around. It's designed to accommodate a Mini-SIM card, which was standard during the time it was released. The phone lacks a camera, which highlights its focus on essential communication features.

Display

The phone's display is an LCD with 4096 colors and a resolution of 101 x 80 pixels. Although the screen size isn't specified, the resolution suggests a modest display size, suitable for viewing text messages and simple graphics. The color screen, albeit basic, was an attractive feature for users at the time.

Memory and Storage

Storage options were minimal, as is typical for feature phones. The Alcatel OT 156 does not support expandable memory card slots. It can store up to 100 phonebook entries and maintains a log of the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. These constraints reflect the primary focus on call and text functionality.

Sound and Alerts

The device lacks a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack. Instead, users can rely on vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones for alerts. These features confirm its design for basic use, without multimedia capabilities.

Communication Features

Messaging is limited to SMS, without support for MMS or email functionalities. The built-in WAP 1.2.1 browser allows basic internet connectivity, adequate for essential browsing with significant limitations. The phone includes a few basic games such as Snake, Bricks, and Brain Activity, which were popular at the time for entertainment.

Battery Life

The removable Li-Ion battery of 720 mAh capacity provides a standby time of up to 320 hours and a talk time of up to 6 hours. This longevity is suitable for a feature phone since the basic functions require minimal energy compared to modern smartphones.

User Experience and Features

The Alcatel OT 156 caters to users seeking a simple, reliable means of communication. Its lack of advanced features such as Java, sensors, and additional connectivity options keeps it straightforward. The simplistic user interface allows ease of use for making calls and sending text messages.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT 156 reflects a bygone era of mobile phones where simplicity and functionality were paramount. It serves as a reminder of how far mobile technology has come and highlights the rapid evolution from basic feature phones to multifunctional smartphones. For collectors and technology enthusiasts, the Alcatel OT 156 remains a piece of history showcasing early 2000s mobile design and capabilities.