Alcatel OT838 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Alcatel OT-838

The Alcatel OT-838 is a feature phone released in 2012 by Alcatel. Known for its QWERTY keyboard, the phone targeted users who preferred tactile feedback over virtual keyboards. Despite its simple design and limited features compared to modern smartphones, the device served well for basic communication needs.

Network and Connectivity

The Alcatel OT-838 operates on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900. This allowed the device to connect to networks worldwide, though it lacks 3G or LTE capabilities. It offers GPRS and EDGE technologies for data transfer, marking it as a basic device for web connectivity at lower speeds.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 115 x 61 x 12.5 mm and a weight of 101 grams, the Alcatel OT-838 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry. The design features a QWERTY keyboard for messaging convenience. The device sports a plastic body available in colors like Black, Ocean Blue, Red, and Lavender, catering to different style preferences.

Display

Equipped with a 2.4-inch TFT display, the device displays 256K colors. With a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, the screen is modest, featuring a 4:3 aspect ratio and approximately 167 ppi density. This display suffices for basic menu navigation and reading messages but isn't ideal for media-rich content.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by a 208 MHz processor, the Alcatel OT-838 handles basic tasks such as messaging, calling, and light applications effectively. While the internal storage is minimal at 2MB, it supports microSDHC cards for additional storage. This capability allows users to store essential files and multimedia.

Camera Functionality

Featuring a single 2 MP rear camera, the Alcatel OT-838 can capture basic photos and record video. Camera quality is rudimentary, suitable for casual shots. However, the device lacks a front-facing camera, which is typical for its category and release period.

Audio Features

The phone includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, facilitating the use of headphones for music and calls. The audio quality matches its feature phone status, providing an adequate experience for listening to radio and media playback via the onboard stereo FM radio with RDS support.

Communications and Features

In terms of communication, the OT-838 includes Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP support, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for wireless connectivity, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. The absence of GPS positioning aligns with its basic nature.

The device supports various messaging formats including SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, and Instant Messaging (IM), making it versatile for communication despite its limitations on connectivity and speed.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, the Alcatel OT-838 boasts up to 530 hours of standby time and up to 7 hours of talk time. This long battery life is one of its strengths, especially when compared to modern smartphones that require frequent charging.

Price and Market Position

Upon release, the Alcatel OT-838 was priced at approximately 60 EUR, positioning it as a budget-friendly option for consumers. Although it has been discontinued, the device served a niche market seeking basic, reliable mobile communication with physical keyboard functionality.

Conclusion

In summary, the Alcatel OT-838 is a straightforward yet functional feature phone catering to users who prefer simplicity and tactile feedback from a QWERTY keyboard. It delivers essential communication features with a long battery life, making it suitable for users requiring a reliable secondary phone option or those who are less inclined towards the complexities of modern smartphones.