Alcatel OT223 Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing & Performance

Overview and Introduction

The Alcatel OT-223 was a feature phone released in 2010. Positioned at the lower end of the mobile phone market, it targeted consumers looking for a basic communication device without the frills and complexities of a smartphone. Although it has been discontinued, the OT-223 is remembered for its compact design and straightforward functionality.

Design and Build Quality

The phone's body measures 90 x 44.5 x 19.1 mm and weighs just 70 grams, making it both lightweight and compact. This Mini-SIM device fits easily into a pocket, reflecting the design ethos of its time where portability was prioritized. The OT-223 was available in several vibrant colors, including Cashmere gray, Orange, and Turquoise, appealing to a broad audience. Its clamshell design added to its durable nature, protecting the screen from scratches and accidental damage.

Display Characteristics

The Alcatel OT-223 features a small 1.45-inch TFT display capable of showing 65K colors. With a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, the display offered enough clarity for its intended features, such as reading text messages and viewing contacts. Given its small size and basic graphical capabilities, the display was optimized for clarity rather than detail.

Connectivity and Communication

The phone supports GSM 850 and 1900 bands, suitable for basic voice communication. However, it lacks modern data services, with no GPRS or EDGE capabilities, reflecting its focus purely on voice and text communication. Wireless features such as WLAN, Bluetooth, and positioning services are also absent, emphasizing the phone's primary function as a simple communication tool.

Audio and Sound

The Alcatel OT-223 comes with a built-in loudspeaker, providing sufficient sound quality for voice calls and FM radio playback. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which in today’s context is a notable limitation. Instead, users relied on the loudspeaker or proprietary solutions for audio.

Battery Life and Performance

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 500 mAh battery, which was quite adequate given the phone’s limited range of features and power demands. Users could expect up to 400 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time, enabling extended use without frequent charging—a significant convenience for its target demographic.

User Interface and Software

Being a feature phone, the Alcatel OT-223 runs on a basic custom OS optimized for essential tasks. It supports basic functionality like SMS messaging and rudimentary games. The phone includes a phonebook and call records which are useful for users needing nothing more than essential communication features. Notably missing are advanced features such as a web browser and Java support.

Memory and Storage

Storage capabilities are minimal, with no card slot for expandable memory. This aligns with the basic nature of the phone, which does not support applications or multimedia files that would require significant storage space. Instead, it offers sufficient built-in memory for saving contacts and call records.

Multimedia and Entertainment

Multimedia capabilities are quite limited. The phone does not feature a camera or support for multimedia messaging. However, it includes an FM radio, a simple yet engaging feature that allowed users to access music and information on the go. Built-in games offered some level of entertainment, although restricted by the hardware’s capabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Alcatel OT-223 served its purpose as a low-cost, reliable basic phone. Its lack of modern features such as internet connectivity and a camera make it obsolete in today's smartphone-dominated market, yet it remains an interesting artifact from a time when phones were primarily for calling and texting. Its robust design and extended battery life ensured it was fit for purpose, making it a suitable option for users desiring simplicity and reliability.