Alcatel OT706 Unveiling Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Alcatel OT-706

The Alcatel OT-706 is a feature phone that was released in 2010. Known for its affordability and basic functionality, it was tailored to meet the needs of users who preferred a straightforward mobile experience without the complexities of a smartphone. In this article, we'll explore every aspect of this device, from its design to its technical specifications.

Design and Build

The Alcatel OT-706 sports a compact form factor with dimensions of 96.2 x 53 x 14.1 mm and weighs just 80 grams. Constructed from durable materials, the device managed to offer a robust build in a lightweight package, making it easy to carry around. Its design was quite simplistic, which was a common trend for feature phones at that time, with a traditional appearance that was both functional and aesthetically modest.

Display

With a 2.4-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, the Alcatel OT-706 provided a display resolution of 240 by 320 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 167 ppi. Although the screen quality was adequate for basic tasks such as texting and calling, the resistive touchscreen was not as responsive as the capacitive screens found in more advanced devices, which could affect speed and ease of use.[/p>

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Alcatel OT-706 was powered by a modest 104 MHz processor. Designed as a basic feature phone, it was equipped with 1MB of internal storage, which was only suitable for storing a minimal amount of data. Fortunately, the phone featured a microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand storage capacity to meet their needs.

Network and Connectivity

The device supported GSM technology, operating on 2G bands GSM 850 / 1900. This offered sufficient network connectivity for calls and text messaging, even though it lacked support for more modern 3G and 4G networks. For local connectivity, the device included Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for connecting to compatible devices and a microUSB 1.1 port for data transfer.

Camera

Equipped with a single 1.3 MP rear camera, the Alcatel OT-706 allowed for basic photography. While the camera could capture images, the resolution and quality were quite limited, making it unsuitable for high-quality photography. However, it was adequate for capturing simple, everyday photos which was sufficient for the intended audience of the phone.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable 650 mAh Li-Ion battery, the OT-706 promised a standby time of up to 450 hours and a talk time of up to 6 hours. Additionally, the device supported up to 18 hours of music playback, which was a perk for users who enjoyed listening to music on the go. The removable battery feature was advantageous, as it allowed users to replace the battery if needed.

Operating System and User Interface

Running on a proprietary operating system common to feature phones of that era, the Alcatel OT-706 offered a straightforward user interface. The interface included common applications like SMS, MMS, a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet browsing, and a few pre-installed games. While it didn't support Java applications, the simplicity of the interface was a plus for users who preferred an uncomplicated mobile experience.

Multimedia and Entertainment

The phone included basic multimedia functions such as a Stereo FM radio with RDS, allowing users to enjoy their favorite radio stations. With a 3.5mm headphone jack, users could easily connect their headphones for a personal listening experience. The lack of advanced media capabilities was balanced by its functionality for music playback, making it an acceptable choice for users who didn't require more advanced features.

Color Variants

The device was made available in two color options—Silver and Cherry Red. These choices allowed users a degree of personalization based on their style preferences. The colors added a subtle aesthetic touch to a phone that was otherwise focused on utility rather than fashion.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT-706, with its feature-rich profile for the time, targeted users seeking a basic, reliable phone primarily for communication purposes. Despite its minimal internal storage and modest camera, its practicality, ease of use, and long battery life made it a popular choice for those uninterested in the complexity of smartphones. Even as it has been discontinued, it remains a symbol of an era when simplicity was key in mobile technology.