Alcatel OT906 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Alcatel OT-906

The Alcatel OT-906, launched in July 2011, is a discontinued smartphone that represented a budget-friendly option in the early Android market. It features essential functionalities suited for basic smartphone users at the time. Despite its limitations, it offered several useful features and stood out due to its affordability and user-centric design.

Network and Connectivity

The Alcatel OT-906 supports GSM and HSPA technology, providing 2G and 3G connectivity. Users could use it across multiple bands: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for 2G and HSDPA 900/2100 for 3G. The device offered moderate internet speeds suitable for the browsing standards of its time through HSPA.

Design and Build

The device measures 109.3 x 57 x 14 mm and weighs 103 grams, making it compact and easy to handle. It featured a Mini-SIM slot and was available in three colors: Black, White, and Pink, appealing to a broad range of users through its color variety.

Display Characteristics

The OT-906 is equipped with a 2.8-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, capable of displaying 256K colors. The screen resolution is 240 x 320 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 143 ppi. Although the screen-to-body ratio is about 39.0%, which is low by today's standards, it was relatively standard for entry-level smartphones at the time.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 2.2 (Froyo), the device was capable of supporting several early Android applications. However, it is important to note that this operating system version does not support many modern apps due to compatibility issues.

Memory and Storage

The internal storage of the Alcatel OT-906 is 200 MB, but it includes a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to expand storage for additional apps, music, and pictures. This was a notable inclusion for users requiring more storage than the base capacity offers.

Camera

The primary camera is a 2 MP shooter that can also record videos. While it lacks the advanced features and high megapixel count of modern cameras, it provided basic photographic capabilities adequate for simple usage, making it suitable for casual photo-taking.

Audio and Sound

The audio experience included a loudspeaker for hands-free calls and media playback, along with a standard 3.5mm jack, allowing users to connect their favorite headphones easily. This enhance user flexibility regarding audio outputs.

Communication Features

The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for wireless internet access and can be used as a hotspot. It includes Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless file transfers and peripheral connections. GPS and A-GPS functionality enable location services and navigation applications.

Radio and USB Connectivity

An FM radio with stereo capabilities and RDS support is included, catering to users who prefer radio entertainment. The phone utilizes a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging, streamlining connectivity needs.

Sensors and Additional Features

Equipped with an accelerometer and compass, the Alcatel OT-906 could support simple motion-based applications and navigation corrections, highlighting its practical usage without additional complexities.

Battery Life

The device comes with a removable Li-Ion 1150 mAh battery. It provides up to 240 hours of standby time, up to 5 hours of talk time, and up to 20 hours of music playback, which was reasonable for devices of its class during that period.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT-906 served as a valuable entry-level smartphone when it was released. Despite being discontinued, it offered core features that introduced users to the then-burgeoning Android ecosystem. Its low cost, basic functionalities, and expandability appealed to budget-conscious users seeking a no-frills smartphone experience.