Alcatel OT 500 Unveiling Specs Pricing & Insights

Overview of the Alcatel OT 500

The Alcatel OT 500, launched in the year 2000, was a prominent feature phone in an era dominated by simple voice and messaging capabilities. At the beginning of the 21st century, mobile phones were primarily used for basic communication, and the Alcatel OT 500 was no exception. It is important to understand the key attributes and features that made this device suitable for consumers at the time.

Design and Build Quality

The Alcatel OT 500 was designed with practicality and ease of use in mind. It had compact dimensions of 103 x 42 x 23 mm, making it convenient to carry in pockets or small bags. Weighing 103 grams, it was robust yet lightweight. Its exterior, designed to handle everyday wear and tear, catered to users seeking a durable mobile solution. The phone used a Mini-SIM, reflecting the standard of that era.

Display Characteristics

One of the noteworthy features of the Alcatel OT 500 was its monochrome graphic display. While it did not boast the vibrant colors or high resolutions of modern screens, its 96 x 64 pixels resolution was adequate for displaying essential features like text messages and settings. The screen was capable of displaying up to 8 x 20 characters, allowing for a simplistic yet functional user interface.

Network and Connectivity

The Alcatel OT 500 was a GSM phone, supporting GSM 900/1800 bands. This ensured that the phone could connect to networks worldwide, particularly in areas using these frequencies, offering adequate coverage for voice calls. GPRS and EDGE data services were not available on this device, highlighting its focus on fundamental communication rather than data-intensive services.

Memory and Storage

Unlike current devices with expandable memory options, the Alcatel OT 500 did not support external memory cards. The phonebook could store up to 1000 contacts, a significant number at the time. It also kept a log of 30 received, dialed, and missed calls, providing users with basic call record functionality.

Battery Life

For users who needed long-lasting battery life, the Alcatel OT 500 was equipped with a removable Li-Ion battery. It could last up to 320 hours on standby and provide approximately 5 hours of talk time. This was particularly advantageous in an era where frequent charging was less feasible, ensuring the phone remained functional throughout the day.

Sound Features

The sound capabilities of the Alcatel OT 500 consisted of a loudspeaker and monophonic ringtones. It did not include a 3.5mm headphone jack, which limited its multimedia capabilities. However, it supported vibration alerts, a useful feature for discreet notifications.

Communication and Additional Features

The communication features of the Alcatel OT 500 were tailored to basic needs. Messaging was limited to SMS, without support for MMS or email. For users who accessed the internet, there was a basic WAP browser available only on the OT 501 model. The phone also featured a clock and an alarm but did not support additional functionalities like games or Java applications.

Sensors and Miscellaneous Features

The Alcatel OT 500 lacked advanced sensor technologies that are standard today, such as GPS or accelerometers. However, it was designed with five different color options, allowing users some degree of personalization to match their style preferences.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT 500 stands as a testament to the evolution of mobile phones. It was a simple yet functional device that met the needs of its time, focusing on solid communication capabilities and battery life. While it lacked modern features like cameras or connectivity options such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, it served its purpose for users seeking straightforward, reliable phones.