The Alcatel OT 700 is a classic mobile handset from the early days of feature phones. Released in the year 2000, this device represents a time when mobile technology was transitioning from the basic analog systems of the 1990s to more sophisticated digital GSM networks. Although it is a discontinued product, its specifications and features provide a fascinating glimpse into the technological landscape of its era.
The Alcatel OT 700 features a compact design, with dimensions of 103 x 42 x 20 mm, and it weighs approximately 88 grams. Its size and weight make it incredibly portable and convenient for users who appreciated smaller devices at the time. The phone supports a Mini-SIM card and is constructed to cater to the basic needs of communication, focusing on essential features rather than aesthetics. It was designed to be functional, with a textured surface that provided a good grip.
The display on the Alcatel OT 700 is a monochrome graphic screen, offering a resolution of 96 x 64 pixels. This was standard for the time, as color displays and high-resolution screens were not yet commonplace in mobile phones. The screen is capable of displaying 8 lines of characters, with a 3:2 aspect ratio, which was sufficient for the phone’s simple user interface that focused on displaying text and basic graphics.
The device is powered by a removable Li-Po 780 mAh battery. This provided a stand-by time of up to 320 hours and a talk time of about 5 hours. For its time, this was considered impressive, as efficient power management was crucial for extending battery life in feature phones, especially when continuous access to charging wasn’t as ubiquitous as it is today.
The Alcatel OT 700 operates on the GSM network and supports Bands GSM 900 / 1800. However, the device does not feature GPRS or EDGE, which are technologies that would later become standard for mobile data communication. The absence of these features indicates the phone's limited capability for data transmission and highlights its primary use for voice calls and basic SMS services.
This phone comes with a phonebook capacity that allows storage of up to 1000 contacts, which was quite generous for its time. It can also store records of 30 received, dialed, and missed calls. However, the lack of a card slot indicates there is no expandability for storage which was typical of phones from this era, reflecting the primary focus on call and text functionalities rather than multimedia or data storage.
The phone does not support a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, which means that audio output is limited. The alert types available are monophonic ringtones, as polyphonic and real sound ringtones were yet to become a phone feature. Communication is limited to SMS messaging and a WAP browser capability, which provides minimal internet access compared to today’s standards. There is no Bluetooth or WLAN capability, emphasizing its role as a fundamental communication tool rather than a multi-function device.
Additional features of the Alcatel OT 700 include a built-in clock and alarm, which were standard even in the most basic phones of the era. However, there are no integrated games or Java support, indicating its use strictly for practical applications rather than entertainment. Lacking modern-day sensors and applications, this phone was a straightforward device for users needing essential communication features.
The Alcatel OT 700 is a hallmark of early mobile technology. It represents an era dominated by efforts to make communication more portable and accessible, even if that meant sacrificing the modern conveniences and entertainment features we’ve come to expect today. Although it is discontinued now, its simplicity showcases how far mobile technology has come, highlighting the strides made in user interface design, connectivity options, and multi-functionality of contemporary smartphones. The Alcatel OT 700 remains a fascinating study of early mobile phone design and functionality.
All Rights Reserved +13619 Phones © Mobilawy 2025