Price and specifications of alcatel OT-988 Shockwave advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview

The Alcatel OT-988 Shockwave was a smartphone that marked a significant point in mid-range mobile technology when it was released in October 2012. Designed to meet the needs of everyday users who required durability and basic smart functionalities, the Shockwave reflected Alcatel's focus on affordability without compromising essential features. Sporting an Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread) operating system, it brought together rugged design, decent processing power, and connectivity options that met the standards of its time.

Design and Build

The Shockwave was built to withstand everyday challenges with its robust form factor. Measuring 119.9 x 66 x 13.7 mm and weighing 155 grams, it was slightly bulky compared to contemporary smartphones, but this was a trade-off for its durable design. Its mini-SIM design made it compatible with prevalent mobile networks of the time. The phone's physical form factor was highlighted by a black color aesthetic, appealing to users looking for simplicity and elegance.

Display

Alcatel equipped the OT-988 Shockwave with a 3.5-inch TFT display, capable of showcasing 256K colors. While the display size may seem modest today, it was standard for devices at that time, offering a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 46.1%. The display resolution stood at 320 x 480 pixels with a 3:2 aspect ratio, translating to a density of around 165 ppi. This was sufficient for basic media consumption and general smartphone use.

Camera

The Shockwave came with a single rear camera of 3.15 MP, able to capture photos and videos at a fundamental level suitable for sharing on social media and capturing everyday moments. Unlike modern smartphones, it did not include a front selfie camera, which reflects the technological expectations and limitations of the time.

Performance

Under the hood, the Shockwave ran on an 800 MHz Cortex-A5 processor. The phone was not a powerhouse but was capable enough for basic tasks such as browsing, social media, and running simple applications. Its performance was anchored by 512MB of RAM, a common configuration for smartphones in 2012. The internal storage was limited to 1GB but could be expanded via a microSDHC card slot, accommodating users' need for additional space with a 2GB card included.

Operating System and Software

Pre-installed with Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread, the OT-988 gave users access to the Android ecosystem, providing a range of applications from the Google Play Store. The operating system, although outdated by today's standards, offered a user-friendly interface and supported essential functionalities without consuming excessive resources.

Battery Life

Battery life in the Shockwave was managed by a removable 1400 mAh Li-Ion battery. While modest by modern standards, it offered standby times of up to 396 hours and talk time of up to 5 hours, making it a reliable companion for a day’s use. The removable battery feature was a practical choice, allowing users to replace the battery when necessary, extending the device's longevity.

Network and Connectivity

The Shockwave was a CDMA/EVDO device, supporting 2G and 3G bands, including CDMA 800/1900 and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO. It provided data speeds on EV-DO Rev.A up to 3.1 Mbps, which was adequate for standard browsing and communication needs. Connectivity features included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capability, Bluetooth, microUSB 2.0, GPS for navigation, and FM radio for entertainment. Its absence of NFC is notable considering its mid-range target market.

Sound and Audio

The audio capabilities of the Alcatel OT-988 Shockwave included a standard loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack. This enabled users to enjoy their music, calls, and FM radio through popular headphone models available at the time.

Sensors and Features

Equipped with basic sensors like an accelerometer and proximity sensor, the Shockwave catered to fundamental user interaction and screen orientation adaptation. While modern sensors like gyroscopes and fingerprint scanners were absent, the included sensors were sufficient for its primary functionality.

Market Position and Price

Upon release, the Shockwave was priced around 380 EUR, positioning it as an affordable choice within the smartphone market. Despite its limitations compared to higher-end models, its durability, essential mobile technology features, and reasonable pricing appealed to users looking for reliability and functionality in their mobile devices.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT-988 Shockwave reflected an era of smartphones that prioritized basic functionality and rugged design over cutting-edge technology. While it lacked the advanced features found in modern devices, it fulfilled the essential needs of users at a time when the smartphone market was rapidly evolving. Its affordable price, combined with reliable performance for day-to-day use, positioned it as a practical choice for consumers on a budget. Today, it stands as a reminder of the legacy and development of mobile technology through the years.