Alcatel OT 320 Full Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Alcatel OT 320

The Alcatel OT 320, announced in the first quarter of 2003, stands as a relic of its time, capturing the essence of early 2000s mobile technology. With its simple design and basic features, this phone was aimed at users who desired reliability and user-friendliness over cutting-edge technology. Though discontinued now, it remains a point of interest for mobile phone enthusiasts and collectors.

Design and Build

Weighing in at a mere 80 grams and measuring 106 x 45 x 20 mm, the Alcatel OT 320 was designed to be compact and portable. Its body is robust, featuring a straightforward design that reflected the minimalist aesthetic of early mobile devices. The phone was available in two colors, Blue and Light Grey, offering a modest choice to its users.

Display

The phone sported a monochrome graphic display, a common feature in phones from this era. With a resolution of 112 x 64 pixels and a 16:9 ratio, the screen was limited to displaying essential information over four lines, sufficient for basic operations like reading text messages and navigating the phone's menu.

Network and Connectivity

Equipped with GSM technology supporting 2G bands (GSM 900/1800), the Alcatel OT 320 was designed with connectivity solutions that addressed the needs of the time. However, it did not support GPRS or EDGE, restricting it to voice calls and SMS messaging only, which was typical for entry-level phones during its release period.

Memory and Storage

Alcatel OT 320 offered modest memory capabilities. It could store up to 100 contacts in its phonebook and hold records of 20 received, 20 dialed, and 20 missed calls. The absence of a card slot meant the memory wasn't expandable, aligning with the basic usage expectations of typical users at the time.

Sound and Alerts

The OT 320 featured a loudspeaker and supported vibration alerts alongside polyphonic ringtones, which could handle up to eight-note tones. The phone focused on essential alert functions, appealing to users who valued simplicity and efficiency in a mobile device.

Messaging and Games

For messaging, the phone supported SMS and EMS services, allowing users to send and receive short text messages. Additionally, the device came with three pre-installed games, providing users with minimal entertainment options suited to the device’s capability.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 700 mAh battery, the Alcatel OT 320 offered up to 120 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours of talk time. This impressive battery performance was a notable feature and a necessity, given the phone's usage demands and lack of power-intensive applications.

Miscellaneous Features

The phone was equipped with basic utilities like a clock and an alarm, enhancing its functionality as an entry-level device. While it lacked features such as Bluetooth, WLAN, positioning, radio, and USB connectivity, its efficiency in serving primary communication needs made it valuable for users with straightforward mobile requirements.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT 320 stands as an example of the straightforward, durable, and tightly focused mobile technology of the early 2000s. While it may not offer the functionalities expected in today's smartphones, its reliability, simplicity, and efficiency highlight its success in serving essential communication needs during its time.