Price and specifications of alcatel OT-208 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Alcatel OT-208

The Alcatel OT-208 is a quintessential feature phone released in the year 2010. Despite being discontinued, it remains a great example of basic mobile communication technology, designed for users more concerned with simplicity, durability, and cost than with the latest smartphone bells and whistles.

Design and Build

The Alcatel OT-208 features a compact and lightweight design, measuring 108 x 46 x 15.3 mm and weighing just 65 g. This ensures the phone is easy to carry and handle, fitting comfortably in one’s hand or pocket. It utilizes a Mini-SIM, which was standard for feature phones from that era.

Display

Equipped with a CSTN display, the Alcatel OT-208 offers 65K colors on its 1.45 inches screen. The resolution is 128 x 128 pixels, providing a pixel density of approximately 125 ppi. While not advanced by today’s standards, the display is sufficient for the phone’s basic operations such as accessing contacts and sending messages.

Network and Connectivity

This device works on GSM technology and supports 2G bands (GSM 900/1800). However, it does not support GPRS or EDGE, and lacks modern connectivity options like WLAN, Bluetooth, and Positioning. It features an FM radio with RDS to provide entertainment through local radio stations, making it suitable for users who appreciate radio broadcasts.

Battery Life

The Alcatel OT-208 houses a removable Li-Ion 500 mAh battery, which offers considerable standby time of up to 333 hours and talk time of up to 4 hours and 30 minutes. This type of battery life was quite commendable for feature phones at the time, owing to the phone’s limited functions and low energy consumption.

Storage and Memory

On the storage front, the Alcatel OT-208 does not support external memory cards and is limited to an internal phonebook with a capacity of 250 entries, alongside call records that can store up to 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls. The absence of a card slot limits expansion but is in line with its role as a straightforward communication device.

Audio and Multimedia

Though quite basic, the sound setup includes a loudspeaker for audio output. However, it doesn’t come with a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Users can enjoy FM radio through its built-in capabilities, providing some degree of multimedia experience.

User Interface and Features

This feature phone embraces simplicity with its user interface, primarily supporting SMS for messaging. It does not offer internet browsing capabilities, making it focused purely on communication. Additionally, the phone contains two pre-installed games for occasional entertainment. The lack of Java support means apps or games can't be downloaded.

Color Options

The Alcatel OT-208 was available in two color variants: Dark Grey and Deep Red. Such basic color options made it accessible to a wide audience seeking functionality over aesthetics.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT-208 stands as a testament to the era of simple, functional mobile communication. It may be discontinued, but it serves as a reminder of the times when phones were primarily used for calls, messages, and some light entertainment through FM radio. Its compact size, ease of use, and substantial battery life made it a go-to choice for users needing a reliable and straightforward device.