Alcatel OT 355 Unveiling Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Alcatel OT 355

The Alcatel OT 355 is a classic example of early mobile phone design, capturing the era when basic functionality took precedence over the sophisticated features we find in modern smartphones. Released in Q1 of 2004, it represents Alcatel’s initiative to provide affordable mobile communication solutions. Despite its now-retired status, the OT 355 still holds a place in the history of mobile technology as an early representation of feature phones.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 98 x 45 x 20 mm and weighing a mere 80 grams, the Alcatel OT 355 was designed to be compact and easily portable. Its lightweight nature made it a popular choice among users who needed a no-fuss device for voice communication and simple messaging. The device supported a Mini-SIM card and was constructed with a focus on durability and simplicity, appealing to users who valued practicality over the sleek designs of high-end models.

Display

The display of the OT 355 was a CSTN screen capable of showing 64K colors, albeit with a modest resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. The square aspect ratio was typical of the time, providing just enough space for navigating through basic menus and reading short messages. While the display technology may seem dated now, during its time, it offered vibrant colors for its category, enhancing user experience within the limits of its capabilities.

Network and Connectivity

As a GSM device, the Alcatel OT 355 supported GSM 900/1800 bands, offering reliable voice communication and modest data capabilities through GPRS Class 10. However, it did not provide support for EDGE technology, limiting its data transfer speeds. The lack of Bluetooth, WLAN, and USB connectivity meant that the device was primarily used for basic telecommunication tasks such as calls and text messages.

Battery Life

One of the notable features of the Alcatel OT 355 was its battery life. Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 720 mAh battery, the device offered up to 320 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours of talk time. This extended battery performance was particularly appealing to users who wanted a reliable phone that did not need frequent charging, a common requirement for travel or extended use.

Memory and Storage

The phone did not offer expandable storage options through a card slot, but users could store essential information such as contacts in its internal phonebook. The call history was limited, maintaining records for the ten most recent dialed, received, and missed calls. This limitation reflected the priorities of the time, focusing more on telephony rather than data storage.

Sound and Alerts

The OT 355 was devoid of a loudspeaker and did not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was not uncommon for devices of its time. The phone supported vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, adding a layer of personalization for incoming calls and notifications. These features, though basic by today’s standards, contributed to user satisfaction by offering some level of customization.

Software Features

On the software front, the OT 355 offered SMS, EMS, and MMS messaging capabilities, allowing for text and multimedia communication. The WAP 1.2.1 browser provided limited internet browsing functionality, suitable primarily for text-based content. The phone supported simple games such as Snake, Brick, and Block Maniac, alongside the option to download additional ones, serving as basic entertainment tools.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Alcatel OT 355 was a reflection of its era—a time when mobile phones were primarily used for communication rather than multimedia consumption. Despite its basic functionality by modern standards, it catered well to the fundamental communication needs of its users, offering reliable performance, simplicity, and excellent battery life. As feature phones continue to be replaced by increasingly advanced smartphones, devices like the OT 355 remind us of the essential roles they played in pioneering mobile communication technology.