Alcatel OT 526 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the Alcatel OT 526

The Alcatel OT 526 was a notable release in the early 2000s, marking a pivotal moment in feature phone technology. Announced in the first quarter of 2003, this device gained attention for its compact size and functionality. Although discontinued, it remains a significant reference in the evolution of mobile phones.

Design and Build

Weighing just 75 grams and measuring 98 x 42 x 21 mm, the Alcatel OT 526 was designed for portability and ease of use. Its lightweight build made it a convenient choice for users who prioritized mobility. The phone featured a monochrome graphic display with a resolution of 96 x 65 pixels, displaying up to 20 characters across eight lines. This simple but effective screen was typical of feature phones at the time, focusing on delivering essential information clearly and efficiently.

Network and Connectivity

The device supported GSM technology on 900/1800 bands, providing decent coverage for its time. GPRS Class 4 allowed basic mobile data usage, but advanced connectivity options like EDGE, Bluetooth, WLAN, and GPS were absent, aligning with the minimalistic purpose of feature phones. The Alcatel OT 526's Mini-SIM support was standard, ensuring compatibility with the major network providers of its era.

Memory and Storage

Storage on the OT 526 was designed for simplicity, with no card slot available for expansion. Instead, it offered an internal phonebook capable of storing 250 contacts, each with up to three numbers. Call records were limited to 10 for dialed, received, and missed calls respectively, reflecting the limitations of feature phone storage capacities.

Audio and Sound

The phone included a loudspeaker for hands-free operation, along with support for vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, a popular feature at the time. It did not, however, include a 3.5mm audio jack, which limited audio output to the phone’s internal speaker and downloaded ringtones.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 600 mAh battery, the Alcatel OT 526 offered substantial power for a feature phone. Standby time was up to 280 hours, and talk time could reach up to 6 hours, which catered well to users needing reliability away from constant charging.

Features and Functions

This phone supported SMS and EMS 4.0 messaging, enabling basic communication. A WAP 1.2.1 browser allowed rudimentary internet access. The device also came with clock and alarm functions and included simple games powered by the ExEn system, emphasizing its utility beyond just communication. However, Java support was not part of its features, limiting its expandability with third-party applications.

User Accessibility and Interface

User accessibility was straightforward, in alignment with the feature phone's purpose. Navigation was handled through a tactile keypad, with intuitively placed buttons for easy call management and menu navigation. The lack of a camera was commonplace in such devices, ensuring the focus remained on basic communication.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT 526 encapsulated the essence of early 2000s feature phones by providing essential functions in a compact, efficient package. It served as a functional tool for communication and basic mobile activities during its time. While its technology would quickly be surpassed by smartphones, the OT 526 remains a testament to the era's mobile device innovation and consumer priorities.