Price and specifications of alcatel OT-916 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of the Alcatel OT-916

The Alcatel OT-916 is a smartphone that was announced and released in April 2012. Featuring a combination of modest specifications and user-friendly features, it catered primarily to budget-conscious consumers seeking a touch of functionality in their mobile device. Although it has been discontinued and succeeded by more advanced models, the Alcatel OT-916 remains notable for its QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen capabilities.

Design and Build Quality

The Alcatel OT-916 is pragmatically designed with dimensions measuring 117 x 64.8 x 11.6 mm and weighing in at 126 grams. It sports a compact form factor that easily fits into a pocket, lending itself to portability and ease of use. The phone features a tactile QWERTY keyboard that appeals to users who prefer physical typing over touchscreen input. The plastic construction may lack the premium feel of more expensive smartphones, but it adequately serves its purpose of durability and cost-effectiveness.

Display

The device is equipped with a 2.6-inch TFT display, which supports 256K colors and offers a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. While the screen size and resolution are considered limited by today’s standards, it was reasonable during the phone’s release period. The display provides a satisfactory viewing experience for basic tasks such as texting, browsing, and basic app use, though it is not geared for high-definition media consumption.

Hardware Performance

Under the hood, the Alcatel OT-916 is powered by a Mediatek MT6573 chipset paired with a 650 MHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a PowerVR SGX531 GPU. These specifications denote basic performance capabilities, with the phone being suitable for lightweight and essential tasks. The internal storage is limited to 150MB, though it can be expanded via a microSDHC card slot, providing additional capacity for storing apps and media files.

Software and User Interface

The Alcatel OT-916 runs Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), an operating system that was popular at the time of its release. The OS is known for its straightforward user interface and compatibility with a wide range of apps available on the Android Market. Users could personalize their home screens, manage app shortcuts, and access Google services seamlessly. However, being an older version, it lacks some of the advanced features and security updates present in more recent Android iterations.

Camera Capabilities

The phone is equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera that includes an LED flash and supports video recording. It provides basic photography features, capable of capturing moments in adequate lighting conditions. While it does not support a front-facing camera, the main camera suffices for novice photography and quick snapshots, though it might not satisfy enthusiasts expecting high-resolution images.

Connectivity and Network

The Alcatel OT-916 supports GSM/HSPA network technology with 2G and 3G band compatibility across GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and HSDPA 900/2100 bands. It provides HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps connectivity speeds, ensuring reliable voice calls and acceptable mobile internet performance. The phone includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS support, FM radio with RDS, and a microUSB 2.0 port for versatile connectivity options.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. It offers up to 650 hours of standby time and approximately 8 hours of talk time. This battery performance is adequate for moderate usage, allowing users to have a full day of operation without needing a recharge, depending on usage patterns.

Additional Features

Equipped with sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, the Alcatel OT-916 provides enhanced functionality for a variety of mobile applications. The phone also features a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio connectivity, making it compatible with most headphones and external speakers. The presence of a loudspeaker offers hands-free call and media playback solutions.

Color Options and Pricing

The Alcatel OT-916 was available in black and white color options, appealing to users preferring a classic aesthetic. At launch, the phone was priced at approximately 120 EUR, aligning well with its target market segment as an affordable and functional entry-level smartphone.

Conclusion

While the Alcatel OT-916 may no longer hold competitive relevance in today's fast-paced tech world, it offers a snapshot of the advent of smartphones designed for day-to-day usability, complete with a blend of simplicity and core functionalities. Its design caters to those valuing tactile feedback with a QWERTY keyboard while the integration of Android OS provides a gateway to the expansive Android ecosystem prevalent during its time. As such, it holds a place in the history of smartphone development during the early 2010s.