Alcatel OT710 Complete Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Alcatel OT-710

The Alcatel OT-710, first announced in February 2010 and released in August of the same year, was a compelling feature phone that catered to users looking for basic functionality combined with some modern conveniences. Known for its simplistic design and affordability, this device represented a time when smartphones were gradually making their entrance, but feature phones still held a significant place in the market.

Design and Build

Weighing in at just 85 grams and measuring 103 x 58.6 x 12.9 mm, the Alcatel OT-710 was designed with portability in mind. Its compact dimensions and lightweight construction made it easy to carry and handle, fitting comfortably into pockets and small bags. The phone accommodated a mini-SIM card and came in various colors including Black, White, Cherry Red, and Metallic Blue, catering to a range of user preferences.

Display

The device featured a 2.83-inch TFT resistive touchscreen capable of displaying up to 256K colors. With a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, the screen offered a modest visual experience typical of feature phones at the time. The touch interface, although not as sensitive as modern capacitive touchscreens, provided basic functionality adequate for navigating menus and applications.

Camera Capabilities

The Alcatel OT-710 came equipped with a 2-megapixel rear camera, offering basic photography capabilities. While it did not offer the high resolution or advanced features found in contemporary smartphones, it was sufficient for taking simple snapshots. Video recording was also supported, allowing users to capture moments on the go, albeit with modest quality.

Performance and Storage

Designed as a feature phone, the OT-710 did not boast a powerful processor or abundant RAM but delivered reliable performance for everyday tasks such as making calls, sending messages, and using basic applications. The internal storage was limited to 3.5MB, which necessitated the use of a microSDHC card for expanding storage capacity. This allowed users to store more contacts, messages, and multimedia files.

Network and Connectivity

Operating on GSM networks, the Alcatel OT-710 supported a variety of 2G bands, making it suitable for use across different regions. It featured GPRS and EDGE data technologies, providing basic internet connectivity for light browsing and email operations. For local connectivity, it offered Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wirelessly connecting to peripherals like headsets.

Battery Life

One of the standout aspects of the Alcatel OT-710 was its battery life. With a removable Li-Ion 850 mAh battery, the device offered impressive standby time of up to 831 hours and talk time of up to 16 hours. Music lovers also appreciated the device's capability to support music playback for up to 30 hours, making it a practical choice for long journeys without frequent access to charging facilities.

Entertainment and Applications

The phone supported Java applications (MIDP 2.0) and came with several pre-installed games, offering light entertainment for users. It featured a stereo FM radio with RDS and an FM transmitter, allowing users to enjoy radio broadcasts and share them with others via external speakers. Although the OT-710 did not support Wi-Fi connectivity, its ability to handle SMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging offered multiple communication avenues.

Browser and Internet Experience

Internet browsing on the Alcatel OT-710 was facilitated by a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, with Opera Mini 5 providing enhanced website compatibility and a more user-friendly browsing experience. While not designed for heavy internet use, this capability allowed users to access their favorite web services and social media platforms with ease.

Market Position and Pricing

At its release, the Alcatel OT-710 was priced around 50 EUR, making it an affordable option for consumers seeking a reliable communication device without the high costs associated with smartphones. Its combination of essential features, durable build, and vibrant color options made it an attractive purchase for budget-conscious buyers.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT-710 served as a practical device for users who valued simplicity, reliability, and extended battery performance. It exemplified the transitional era in mobile technology where feature phones offered a bridge between the basic mobile devices of the past and the sophisticated smartphones of the future. Despite being discontinued, it remains a memorable part of Alcatel's mobile phone legacy, appreciated for its cost-effectiveness and user-friendly design.