Alcatel OT 735i Specs Prices Pros & Cons Uncovered

Introduction to Alcatel OT 735i

The Alcatel OT 735i is a classic feature phone that was part of the early 2000s mobile revolution. With its compact design and essential functionalities, it catered to a generation transitioning from landlines and pagers to mobile telephony.

Network and Launch Details

Released in the first quarter of 2004, the Alcatel OT 735i supported GSM technology and operated on the GSM 900/1800 frequency bands. Although 3G technology was emerging at the time, this device focused on providing a reliable 2G experience with GPRS Class 10 support for basic data connectivity. EDGE support was not available on this model, which was common for devices during that period.

Design and Build

The dimensions of the Alcatel OT 735i were 106 x 47 x 20 mm, making it a lightweight device at just 89 grams. The compact build was designed for ergonomics and portability, easily fitting into pockets with its miniature SIM card slot design. The design reflected the early 2000s aesthetic, featuring physical buttons and a candy-bar form factor.

Display Characteristics

It featured a CSTN display capable of showing 4096 colors, which was quite typical for feature phones of that era. The screen resolution was 128 x 128 pixels, displaying text over 11 lines. The square aspect ratio was functional, providing users with enough space to read messages and navigate the interface.

Memory and Storage

Onboard storage was limited, as expected for a phone from that era, with no slot for memory card expansion. The device's phonebook could store up to 800 contacts, each contact supporting 10 fields to store details. Call records could retain information about the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls, aiding in call management without extensive digital footprints.

Camera Specifications

The primary camera was a CIF unit, offering a modest 0.1MP resolution. While the camera capabilities were basic with no video recording feature, it provided users with the excitement of capturing everyday moments in digital form, a novel feature back then.

Audio and Sound

While lacking a loudspeaker, the Alcatel OT 735i supported downloadable polyphonic ringtones and a vibration alert mode. The absence of a 3.5mm jack was typical, as headsets were proprietary, a common practice then before standardization spread across the industry.

Communication Features

Connectivity features were simple yet effective for the time, including Infrared support for short-range communication. There were no WLAN, Bluetooth, or positioning technologies, and data transfer primarily occurred via proprietary USB connections. Users relied on this limited but useful set of tools for basic communication tasks.

Built-in Features and Functionality

The Alcatel OT 735i came with various messaging formats like SMS, EMS, and MMS, offering basic multimedia messaging capabilities. For internet access, it included a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser suited for simple browsing. The device also featured two pre-installed games from Gameloft, with the potential for downloading additional Java-based games.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion battery, the standby time could extend up to 300 hours, and talk time could reach up to 6 hours. These battery specifications made the Alcatel OT 735i a reliable device for daily usage, minimizing the frequency of recharges even with active use.

Concluding Thoughts

The Alcatel OT 735i was a representation of early mobile phone ingenuity, balancing essential communication tasks with performance within the constraints of early 2000s technology. Although discontinued, it remains a nod to a transformative era in mobile history, showcasing the evolution from simplicity to the complex, feature-rich smartphones of today.