Price and specifications of alcatel OT-995 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build

The Alcatel OT-995 presents a sleek and modern design that was quite appealing when it was released in 2012. The dimensions of the phone are 128 x 68 x 9.8 mm, making it relatively slim and easy to hold, with a weight of 124 grams. It features a mini-SIM slot and is available in a variety of colors, such as Black, Spicy Red, Fuchsia, Pure White, and Black White. The device's body feels sturdy and comfortable in the hand, providing a solid grip.

Display

The Alcatel OT-995 is equipped with a 4.3-inch TFT display, which was considered a decent size at the time. It boasts a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 217 ppi. Although not the sharpest screen by today's standards, it offered good brightness and color reproduction, which were satisfactory for basic multimedia consumption and daily tasks.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the OT-995 runs on the Qualcomm MSM8255T Snapdragon S2 chipset. It features a 1.4 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 205 GPU. This combination provided a reliable performance for its time, enabling smooth operation for regular tasks such as browsing, social media, and moderate app usage. However, demanding applications and heavy multitasking could occasionally lead to noticeable slowdowns due to its 512MB of RAM and limited internal storage of 2GB. Thankfully, the device supports microSDHC cards, allowing users to expand storage as needed.

Operating System

The device initially shipped with Android 2.3 Gingerbread but was upgradable to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. This upgrade allowed users to enjoy some of the new features and increased efficiency brought along with Ice Cream Sandwich. Although the OS is dated by today's standards, during its time, it offered a user-friendly interface and access to a plethora of applications through the Google Play Store.

Camera

The Alcatel OT-995 features a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash. It was capable of capturing decent quality images for its class, particularly in well-lit conditions. The camera was also able to record 720p video at 30fps, which was fairly standard for smartphones in its category. On the front, there is a VGA camera designed for selfie-capturing and video calls, although image quality from the front-facing camera was quite basic.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. In terms of battery performance, it offered a standby time of up to 360 hours on 2G and up to 288 hours on 3G networks. For talk time, users could expect up to 14 hours on a 2G network and up to 7 hours on a 3G network. This battery life was sufficient for moderate usage throughout a day with careful management.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Alcatel OT-995 is equipped with essential features. It supports GSM and HSPA network technologies and offers a maximum speed of HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot functionality, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS, and stereo FM radio with RDS. Additionally, the device features a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Sound and Multimedia

The Alcatel OT-995 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and loudspeaker, allowing users to enjoy audio through both headphones and the device's built-in speaker. While sound quality is adequate, it does not particularly stand out compared to higher-end devices. However, for everyday use, it delivers an acceptable auditory experience.

Sensors and Extras

The device incorporates essential sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which contribute to a more interactive user experience. These sensors support various functions and applications that enhance the overall usability of the smartphone.

Market Position and Pricing

When launched, the Alcatel OT-995 was positioned as an affordable option in the smartphone market, priced at approximately €220. Its competitive pricing, combined with reasonable specifications and features, made it a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable device for everyday use.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT-995, during its prime, offered an attractive blend of design, performance, and functionality at a budget-friendly price point. While its hardware specifications may seem modest by current standards, it fulfilled the needs of users during its era effectively. For those reflecting on early-generation smartphones or interested in the evolution of Android devices over time, the OT-995 represents a noteworthy step in the transition towards the smartphones we see today.