Alcatel OT997 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Alcatel OT-997

The Alcatel OT-997 is a smartphone that was announced in August 2012 and released in September 2012. This device, although discontinued now, was part of Alcatel's lineup aimed at providing affordable and functional smartphones in the early 2010s. The phone runs on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and is powered by a Mediatek MT6577 chipset with a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, providing a reasonable performance for its time.

Design and Build

The device boasts a classic design with dimensions of 129.8 x 68 x 11 mm and a weight of 143 g. It features a Mini-SIM slot and offers a solid build with a plastic body that was typical of smartphones from that era. Despite its compact design, the phone felt sturdy in hand, providing an ergonomic grip. The oleophobic coating on the screen helps resist smudges and fingerprints.

Display

Alcatel OT-997 comes with a 4.3-inch TFT display which, at the time, catered well to users looking for a medium-sized screen. The display has a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and a 5:3 aspect ratio, with a pixel density of approximately 217 ppi. While it may not compete with the high-resolution displays available today, it was more than adequate for browsing the web, watching videos, and playing games back in 2012.

Performance

The performance of the Alcatel OT-997 is driven by its Mediatek MT6577 chipset, combined with a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor and PowerVR SGX531u GPU. The device includes 1GB of RAM, aiding in multitasking and performance of day-to-day applications. Although modern applications may require more robust hardware, this setup was sufficient for users interested primarily in calls, texts, and basic app usage.

Storage

The device offers 4GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSDHC card slot. This feature was essential back in its release period since it allowed users to store additional media and applications without worrying too much about the internal space limitations.

Camera

The Alcatel OT-997 is equipped with an 8 MP autofocus main camera featuring an LED flash, suitable for casual photography and capturing everyday moments. It offers video recording capabilities at 720p resolution at 30fps. Although it lacks the sophistication found in contemporary smartphone cameras, it was popular among budget-conscious users seeking basic photography tools. The VGA front camera offers basic video calling capabilities but lacks the resolution and features of modern front-facing cameras.

Battery

This smartphone is powered by a removable 1800 mAh Li-Ion battery, providing ample battery life for moderate use. The device offers up to 400 hours of standby time on 2G networks and 350 hours on 3G, with talk time up to 16 hours on 2G and 8 hours and 30 minutes on 3G. The removable battery was a valued feature, allowing users to replace batteries easily if needed.

Communications and Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Alcatel OT-997 supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, with 2G and 3G bands available. It provides wireless internet access through Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities. The device includes Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless communication and file transfer and GPS for navigation purposes. It also features a stereo FM radio with RDS and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer. Notably, it lacks NFC capabilities, limiting some modern wireless interaction methods.

Sound and Sensors

The device offers sound functionalities through its loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, which was standard at the time and appreciated by users valuing wired audio connections. The sensor package includes an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, providing basic functionalities for various applications.

Colors and Variants

Alcatel offered the OT-997 in several color variants, appealing to users' preferences for personalization. Available colors included Ardesia, White, Dark Red, and Orange. The variety allowed users to choose a device that best matched their style or personality.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT-997 represents a bygone era in smartphone technology, offering features that were well-suited to the needs of its time. While it may not compare with the advanced features of today's smartphones, it remains a testament to the progression and evolution of mobile technology. With its balanced set of specifications, it served as a reliable communication device while offering basic multimedia capabilities. The OT-997 will be remembered as a practical solution for budget-conscious users during the early 2010s.