Alcatel OTC507 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Alcatel OT-C507

The Alcatel OT-C507 was a feature phone announced in February 2007, although it was eventually cancelled before it reached market release. Designed during an era when mobile phones prioritized basic communication features over the sophisticated functionalities of modern smartphones, the OT-C507 represents an interesting piece of mobile history. This article delves into the detailed specifications and features of this device, offering insights into its intended capabilities and consumer appeal.

Design and Build

Physically, the Alcatel OT-C507 was compact and lightweight, with dimensions of 100 x 45 x 14.5 mm and a weight of only 75 grams, making it easily portable and comfortable to hold. The phone supported a Mini-SIM and boasted a design that was both practical and straightforward for everyday use. Its exterior was available in a classic Black & Silver finish, complemented by customizable keypads, offering a degree of personalization that was uncommon at the time.

Display

The device featured a modest 1.5-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 121 ppi. While not designed for multimedia consumption, the screen was sufficient for the phone's basic operations, displaying up to 65K colors which provided a reasonable visual experience for menus, icons, and basic games.

Network and Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the OT-C507 was equipped with GSM technology operating on 900/1800 bands, with GPRS Class 10 for data transfer, and lacked EDGE capabilities. The phone was not equipped with WLAN nor positioning features, but it did include Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, which was quite advanced for a feature phone at the time, allowing users to connect wirelessly to compatible audio devices. A USB 1.1 port facilitated data transfer and charging.

Camera

The camera specifications included a VGA main camera with no capabilities for video recording. With a resolution of 0.3 megapixels, the camera was basic, offering simple photography functions suitable for casual snapshots. There was no front-facing camera, reflecting its primary role as a communication device rather than a multimedia tool.

Battery Performance

The Alcatel OT-C507 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery, which delivered ample power for its limited feature set. The battery life was competitive for its class, offering up to 300 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time, catering to users who prioritized voice communication above all else. The removal feature of the battery provided users the option to carry an extra battery for prolonged use.

Memory and Storage

Internal memory for the device was limited to 1MB, which was standard for feature phones during its time. However, it supported microSD cards in a dedicated slot, expanding the memory capacity for additional storage needs. The phonebook could store up to 800 entries, while call records kept track of 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls, maintaining a sufficient record for daily use.

Audio and Sound Features

The sound features of the Alcatel OT-C507 included a loudspeaker and supported a variety of ringtone options like vibration, polyphonic (64), MP3, M4a, AAC, and AAC+ ringtones, which could be customized. However, there was no 3.5mm headphone jack, meaning users had to rely on the loudspeaker or Bluetooth audio devices for listening to music or taking calls.

Software and Features

The OT-C507 operated on a basic feature phone platform, supporting SMS, MMS, and Instant Messaging for communication. A WAP 2.0 browser provided basic internet access, while built-in games and Java support (MIDP 2.0) offered limited entertainment options. The absence of advanced sensors was typical of the phones from that era, which focused more on durability and essential functionalities.

Market Context and Cancellation

Although the Alcatel OT-C507 was never released to the market, possibly due to market shifts and the rapid evolution toward more capable devices, its design and features reveal the transitional nature of mobile technology during the mid-2000s. The phone was intended to satisfy a niche market focusing on simplicity, reliability, and core mobile communication features at a time when mobile phone technology was on the cusp of transitioning to the smartphone era.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT-C507 presents a fascinating case study in mobile phone evolution, highlighting both the advancements and limitations of the technology of its time. Its basic feature set, combined with practical design choices, positioned it as a functional device for users primarily interested in communication rather than the broader multimedia and connectivity features that dominate the mobile landscape today.