Alcatel OT 525 Unveiling Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview

The Alcatel OT 525 is a feature phone that was launched in the fourth quarter of 2002. As part of the classic mobile phones era, it offered basic functionalities that were typical of handsets during that period. Distinguished by its compact size and essential features, the OT 525 was designed to offer reliable communication means before the smartphone revolution took hold.

Design and Build

The Alcatel OT 525 showcases a practical design with dimensions of 98 x 42 x 21 mm, making it easy to slip into pockets or handheld comfortably. It weighs approximately 75 grams, keeping it lightweight and convenient for users on the go. The body of the device is crafted in a straightforward manner, housing a monochrome graphic display with a resolution of 96 x 65 pixels. The display size, while not expansive by today’s standards, was quite functional for text messaging and displaying basic information.

Display

The device features a monochrome graphic display. Its pixel resolution stands at 96 x 65, capable of displaying 8x20 characters. The 3:2 aspect ratio provided enough space for users to navigate through the device’s menu and available functions. The screen, limited to showcasing black and white graphics, contributed to the longer battery life, a hallmark of early mobile phones.

Network and Connectivity

The Alcatel OT 525 operates on GSM technology, specifically supporting GSM 900 and 1800 bands. It was equipped with GPRS class 4, providing basic data capabilities for simple internet connectivity. However, the device lacked EDGE and more advanced connectivity options such as WLAN, Bluetooth, and positioning services. The absence of such modern features is reflective of its era’s limitations and technological standards.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the OT 525 offered a phonebook capability that allowed users to store up to 250 contacts. For call records, it tracked the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. However, the device did not support external memory card slots since the demand for extensive storage capacity was minimal at the time of its release.

Communication Features

The Alcatel OT 525’s communication was facilitated through SMS capabilities and a basic WAP 1.2.1 browser for internet browsing, which was a standard expectation from feature phones of that time. Although limited, these features made it possible to stay connected with others while on the move.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 600 mAh battery. This provided a standby time of up to 280 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours. The efficient battery performance was a direct benefit of the device’s limited functionalities and monochrome display, which demanded less power compared to today’s smartphones.

Sound and Alerts

The handset comes with vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, an advancement over monophonic tones of previous years. However, it lacks a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, meaning that audio privacy was mainly dependent on the use of the phone's receiver during calls.

Additional Features

Additional utilities included basic timekeeping features such as a clock and alarm. Users also enjoyed built-in games, a common pastime during the period when mobile entertainment options were limited. Nonetheless, the phone did not support Java applications, which means it was not capable of running third-party software or games.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT 525 is a representation of early 2000s mobile technology, delivering essential communication functionalities within a compact and efficient design. While lacking the advanced features seen in modern smartphones, it fulfilled the basic needs of mobile communication during its time. Despite being discontinued now, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of the mobile communication evolution, showcasing a time when simple connections sufficed our needs.