Alcatel OT306 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Alcatel OT-306 Overview

The Alcatel OT-306 is a classic feature phone that was announced in February 2011 and released in the third quarter of the same year. It has since been discontinued, but it remains a point of interest for those looking to understand the early days of mobile telephony. With its compact design and fundamental features, the OT-306 serves as a simple communication tool, perfect for those who prioritize phone calls and basic messaging over modern smartphone functionalities.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports GSM technology with 2G bands of GSM 850 and 1900, providing fundamental cellular connectivity. It has GPRS capabilities, class 10, but it does not support EDGE, which limits data transmission speeds. This basic connectivity is suitable for sending SMS/MMS and making calls, reflecting the era's typical mobile usage before data-driven smartphones took over.

Design and Build

The Alcatel OT-306 has dimensions of 107 x 46 x 14 mm, making it an easily portable device. Weighing only 80 grams, it is extremely light and convenient for on-the-go use. It utilizes a Mini-SIM card and is available in three colors: Black, Cherry Red, and Pure White, giving users some options for personalization.

Display

The phone features a 1.45-inch TFT display, capable of showcasing 65K colors. With a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels and a modest pixel density of 125 ppi, the display is designed more for functionality than for the high-resolution graphics we have grown accustomed to today. The screen-to-body ratio is about 13.8%, which is quite low by modern standards but adequate for its intended uses.

Performance and Memory

Powered by a single-core CPU with a clock speed of 52 MHz, the OT-306 is built for simple tasks. It comes with 2 MB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSD slot. This storage capacity suffices for storing contacts, call records, and a handful of basic applications. The phone allows for photocalled phonebook entries, bringing a touch of personalization to the otherwise straightforward interface.

Camera

The device is equipped with a VGA rear camera, which is a 0.3MP sensor without video capabilities. No front-facing camera is available, which is consistent with feature phones of its time. While not designed for photography enthusiasts, it provides a functional solution for capturing quick snapshots when needed.

Sound and Radio

The Alcatel OT-306 includes a loudspeaker but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, a challenge for those who prefer wired audio connections. However, it supports FM radio with RDS, providing a valuable entertainment source and making up for the lack of Bluetooth and wireless streaming capabilities.

Communication and Messaging

The phone doesn’t have WLAN or Bluetooth support, and it lacks positioning technology, which limits its wireless communication potential. Despite this, it has a miniUSB port for charging. It supports SMS and MMS messaging. The WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, while rudimentary by today's standards, allows users to engage in basic internet browsing.

Battery Life

Fitted with a removable Li-Ion 500 mAh battery, the Alcatel OT-306 offers extended standby time of up to 400 hours and talk time of up to 4 hours. Remarkably, users can enjoy music playback for up to 11 hours, making it suitable for extended periods without frequent charging.

Other Features

The phone includes pre-installed games, enhancing its utility as a source of entertainment. However, it does not support Java applications, which limits the extensibility and customization possibilities commonly found in more advanced mobile operating systems.

Conclusion

Overall, the Alcatel OT-306 exemplifies the quintessential feature phone with its straightforward design and fundamental capabilities. It serves as a reminder of an era where mobile phones were mainly communication devices rather than smart computing tools. Ideal for those requiring only the essentials of a phone, it has a nostalgic charm for technology enthusiasts and collectors of mobile history.