Alcatel OT 331 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Alcatel OT 331

The Alcatel OT 331 was a feature phone introduced in the early 2000s, a period marked by rapid advancements in mobile technology. Released in the second quarter of 2003, this device was aimed at budget-conscious consumers looking for essential mobile communication capabilities. Despite its basic functionality by modern standards, the OT 331 was a popular choice back then due to its robust design and reliable performance.

Network Capabilities

The Alcatel OT 331 operated on GSM 900/1800 networks, which were widely used in the early 2000s. It did not support GPRS or EDGE, reflecting its position as a basic feature phone designed primarily for voice calls and simple text messaging. This limitation was typical for phones of that era, which primarily focused on providing reliable voice communication.

Body and Build

Measuring 98 x 42 x 20 mm and weighing just 77 grams, the Alcatel OT 331 was compact and lightweight. Its small size made it highly portable, easily fitting into pockets or small bags. The phone featured a simple design with a Mini-SIM slot, emphasizing functionality over aesthetic appeal. Its durable construction ensured that it could withstand the rigors of daily use.

Display

The phone's display was a monochrome graphic screen with a resolution of 96 x 65 pixels, accommodating up to 6 x 20 characters. Though the screen size isn't specified, it provided sufficient space for basic text display and menu navigation. The lack of color was common in feature phones of its time, focusing more on durability and battery life than high-definition displays.

Memory and Storage

The Alcatel OT 331 came with no expandable memory card slot, reflecting a time when phones did not store music, videos, or large files. The built-in phonebook could store up to 250 entries, each capable of holding three numbers. Call records were limited to the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls, which was adequate for users mainly relying on the device for communication.

Sound

This device featured downloadable polyphonic ringtones and a vibration alert to notify users of incoming calls and messages. However, it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack and a loudspeaker, which meant users had to rely on built-in sound options for alerts and notifications instead of external audio devices.

Communication Features

The OT 331 was equipped with basic communication tools. Although it lacked advanced connectivity features like WLAN, Bluetooth, and GPS, it supported SMS and EMS messaging. The built-in WAP 1.2.1 browser allowed users to access basic internet services, although web browsing capabilities were quite limited, typical of the era.

Additional Features

Alcatel OT 331 users could enjoy three built-in games: Killer Expo, Eyes&Star, and Run-Run-Run, providing casual entertainment during downtime. The device also came with standard features like a clock and alarm. However, it did not support Java applications, which were gaining popularity for more interactive and feature-rich mobile applications at the time.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 600 mAh battery, offering a standby time of up to 280 hours and a talk time of up to 6 hours. This battery life was considered quite robust for the era, given the limited power demands of the device’s features, and ensured users could go extended periods without recharging.

Aesthetic Options

Consumers could choose from three color options: Lagoon blue, White, and Grey. This limited palette was typical for simpler phones of the time, which prioritized practical and durable designs over aesthetic variety. The color choices, although limited, provided a small level of customization for users.

Market Position and Reception

Upon its release, the Alcatel OT 331 solidified its position as a cost-effective solution for consumers needing a straightforward, reliable phone for communication. Its simplicity, small size, and extended battery life appealed to many users, particularly those who did not require advanced media capabilities or Internet access from their devices.

Legacy and Conclusion

In conclusion, the Alcatel OT 331 serves as a reminder of the early days of mobile telecommunication technology. It illustrates the transition period before smartphones became the norm and shows how far mobile technology has come. While it is discontinued and no longer in use today, it remains a significant part of the history of mobile phones, representing a time when simplicity and functionality were paramount for users.