Price and specifications of alcatel OT-799 Play advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Alcatel OT-799 Play

The Alcatel OT-799 Play, released in 2011, was a part of the lineup of feature phones offered by Alcatel during a time when the market was transitioning to smartphones. It was designed to cater to users who preferred a device with essential functionalities fused with basic multimedia features, encapsulated in a robust and affordable package.

Design and Build

The Alcatel OT-799 Play featured a compact and user-friendly design characterized by dimensions of 111 x 58.2 x 14 mm, and weighed just 100.6 grams, making it a portable and lightweight device. It was equipped with a QWERTY keyboard that facilitated ease of typing for messaging and emails, appealing to users who prioritized communication. The device's aesthetics were accentuated by its color options of Black/Red and Cherry/Red, adding a touch of vibrancy to the user’s style.

Display

The device sported a 2.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, offering 65K colors. Although this display might seem modest by today's standards, it provided an adequate viewing experience for the basics of phone usage such as reading texts, viewing images, and navigating menus. The screen’s approximately 167 ppi density delivered satisfactory clarity for a feature phone.

Camera Capabilities

For capturing moments, the Alcatel OT-799 Play was equipped with a 2 MP main camera. While it didn’t compete with the high-resolution cameras seen today, it provided basic photography and video recording capabilities that sufficed for the target audience at the time. This camera was suitable for casual users who needed to take quick snapshots without intricate detailing.

Performance and Software

Powered by a 208 MHz CPU, the Alcatel OT-799 was adequate for running its feature phone OS smoothly. While it couldn't handle intensive applications or multitasking scenarios typical of smartphones, it efficiently managed the essentials like making calls, sending messages, and operating simple applications like the WAP 2.0/xHTML browser. The internal memory of 70MB, coupled with a microSDHC slot, made it possible to expand storage and manage more data.

Connectivity Options

The device supported GSM technology, specifically on 850/1900 2G bands, ensuring connectivity for calls and text messages. It supported GPRS and EDGE for basic internet services. Although lacking advanced connectivity features such as Wi-Fi and GPS, it included Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio connections. Additionally, the presence of stereo FM radio with RDS was a boon for radio listeners, catering to entertainment needs on the go.

Battery Life

One of the notable aspects of the Alcatel OT-799 Play was its battery life, powered by a removable 850 mAh Li-Ion battery. The device promised up to 600 hours of standby time and up to 10 hours of talk time, illustrating its efficiency as a communication device. Additionally, music playback could extend up to 16 hours, ensuring prolonged entertainment for music lovers.

Communications and Additional Features

The phone accommodated traditional communication methods with support for SMS, MMS, Email, and IM. This made it an excellent choice for users focused on direct and straightforward communication. Other features included support for Java MIDP 2.1, allowing basic applications and games, enhancing the entertainment quotient for its users. Its design ensured adequate sound capabilities with a loudspeaker, although it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Market Position and Legacy

When released, the Alcatel OT-799 Play positioned itself as a reliable feature phone within a market rapidly embracing the new smartphone era. Despite the competition, its affordability, durability, and essential feature set helped it carve out a niche among budget-conscious users who favored the familiarity of feature phones. Although eventually discontinued, the OT-799 Play remains a testament to the era of feature phones, highlighting simplicity and functionality.