Alcatel OT308 Comprehensive Review Features & Pricing

Design and Build

The Alcatel OT-308, launched in 2012, carries a classic candy bar design—a popular choice of the era—combining simplicity and functionality. The dimensions are compact, measuring 109 x 46 x 14 mm, and it's lightweight at 69 grams, making it extremely portable. The phone fits comfortably in the hand and can easily slip into pockets, making it perfect for users who value simplicity over bulkiness.

Display

The device sports a 1.5-inch TFT display that can show 65K colors, making it suitable for basic phone tasks. The screen resolution stands at 128 x 128 pixels with a density of approximately 121 ppi. Despite its small size, the display offers adequate quality for its primary functions such as texting and making calls.

Camera

In terms of photography, the Alcatel OT-308 is equipped with a VGA rear camera. While the 0.3MP camera is not designed for high-quality photography, it serves well for basic image capturing. This specification reflects the era's typical feature phone design, where cameras were considered an additional feature rather than a core functionality.

Performance and Operating System

At the heart of the Alcatel OT-308 is a basic 52 MHz CPU, which is adequate for handling its feature phone operating system. While modern smartphones boast significant computing power, such specifications are acceptable for devices primarily used for communication rather than multitasking or high-performance tasks. The device operates on a feature phone platform, focusing on simplicity and essential functions such as calling and messaging.

Memory and Storage

The Alcatel OT-308 holds 1MB of internal storage, which mainly supports contacts, messages, and essential phone functionalities. Despite the minimal internal storage, the phone includes a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand storage and manage files efficiently, though it's not designed for heavy multimedia storage.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Alcatel OT-308 is its battery life. The phone is powered by a removable 500 mAh Li-Ion battery, providing impressive longevity. The standby time is up to 340 hours, and talk time can reach up to 4 hours and 30 minutes, which is excellent for users who prefer a phone with long-lasting battery life.

Connectivity

The phone supports GSM technology, specifically on 850/1900 bands, which was common for devices before 3G and 4G networks became mainstream. For connectivity, the phone is quite basic, lacking modern features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. However, it includes an FM radio with RDS, providing entertainment on the go.

Sound and Audio

The Alcatel OT-308 features a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering standard audio functionalities for making calls or listening to the radio. These features, although rudimentary, serve the basic audio needs of its users effectively.

Additional Features

This phone supports SMS and MMS messaging, allowing users to communicate using text and multimedia. It lacks modern sensors and internet browsing capabilities, fitting its role as a straightforward device. Users can enjoy pre-installed games, providing simple entertainment options.

Market Position and Pricing

The Alcatel OT-308 was marketed as an affordable and reliable feature phone, with a launch price of approximately 30 EUR. It appealed to users who needed a secondary phone or those who sought an uncomplicated mobile experience focused on basic communication. Available in colors such as White, Deep Red, and Black, the device provided some customization options to its customers.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT-308 reflects a bygone era of mobile phones where simplicity and functionality were paramount. Its modest specifications serve as a reminder of the evolutionary journey of mobile technology. For users valuing straightforward communication and extended battery life without the complexities of a smartphone, the Alcatel OT-308 serves as a perfect companion.