The Alcatel OT-C552, announced in the third quarter of 2005, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile technology. Despite its limited features by today’s standards, this model stood out at its time for its compact design and robust functionality aimed at meeting fundamental communication needs. This article delves into the various aspects that characterized the OT-C552, including its design, technical capabilities, and user experience.
The Alcatel OT-C552 weighs 88 grams and measures 100 x 47.5 x 18.2 millimeters, making it both compact and lightweight. The device is available in three colors: grey, black, and green. Featuring a classic candy bar design, the phone was crafted to be both stylish and practical for everyday use. Despite its simplicity, the physical form factor of the OT-C552 allowed for easy handling and operation, especially in an era where mobile device ergonomics was not as refined as today.
The device boasts a CSTN screen capable of displaying 65K colors, with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. While the display size does not compare to modern smartphones, it was adequate for viewing basic content and text messages. The simple user interface was designed in a way that made it easy for users to navigate and access essential functions without any hassle.
The Alcatel OT-C552 operated on GSM technology supporting 2G bands GSM 900 and 1800, providing satisfactory coverage for making calls and sending messages. However, it lacked modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth and WLAN, relying instead on an infrared port for device-to-device connection. The phone also did not feature options like GPS or USB connectivity, which limits its integration with other digital devices of today.
A standout feature at the time, the OT-C552 was equipped with a VGA camera capable of capturing basic photos and videos. With a 0.3 MP sensor, it allowed users to take simple snapshots, a feature that was starting to become popular in mobile devices during this era. While it does not include selfie camera capabilities, the single camera sufficed for its target audience.
The device offers 3MB of internal storage. This was adequate for storing contacts and a small number of media files. Its phonebook could hold up to 500 entries, including photo call capability, which was significant for the time. However, the absence of a card slot for memory expansion limited the phone’s potential for storing larger multimedia files.
The OT-C552 came with a built-in loudspeaker and supported various alert types such as vibration and downloadable polyphonic, WAV, AAC ringtones. However, the absence of a 3.5mm audio jack meant that users couldn't easily listen to music through personal headphones, which reflects the limited multimedia functionalities during its time.
Powered by a removable Li-Ion 650 mAh battery, the OT-C552 had a standby time of up to 245 hours and provided up to 6 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. This was considered respectable battery life for devices of its kind and allowed users to depend on it throughout the day without frequent recharging, emphasizing practicality and efficiency.
For messaging, the phone supported SMS, MMS, and email, with a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet browsing. It had gaming capabilities and supported Java MIDP 2.0, which allowed users to download and run applications and games tailored for Java-enabled devices, thus enhancing the user experience through additional functionalities.
The Alcatel OT-C552 captures a snapshot of mobile technology during the mid-2000s when the emphasis on robust design and basic connectivity features took precedence over advanced technology and high-speed internet access. While it may seem limited by today’s standards, the OT-C552 reflects a pivotal era where mobile phones gradually began to encompass more multimedia and connectivity features. It serves as a testament to how far mobile technology has come and highlights the evolution of user demands and technological capabilities over the years.
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