Alcatel OTE160 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the Alcatel OT-E160

The Alcatel OT-E160, launched in the third quarter of 2005, is a basic feature phone that catered to users who needed a device primarily for voice communication and basic messaging. With its compact design, simplicity, and sturdy build, it was a reliable choice for everyday use at an affordable price. The device is now discontinued, but it remains a memorable part of the early mobile phone era.

Design and Build

The Alcatel OT-E160 boasts a compact and lightweight design, measuring just 83 x 43 x 22 mm and weighing 77 grams. This made it incredibly portable and easy to carry around. The phone features a monochrome graphical STN display with a resolution of 102 x 80 pixels, which, although basic by today's standards, was sufficient for its intended functions. Its dark chrome color added a touch of elegance to its simple design. The phone uses a Mini-SIM card and lacks the bells and whistles of modern smartphones, but its robustness was one of its key selling points.

Display Characteristics

The Alcatel OT-E160 features a monochrome display, which, despite its simplicity, provided clear visibility for basic operations. While it doesn't support multimedia features, the monochrome screen was energy-efficient, contributing to the phone's remarkable battery life. This kind of display was typical for feature phones of its time, and though it might not cater to multimedia needs, it fit well with its primary function of calling and messaging.

Battery Life

The battery life of the OT-E160 is one of its most impressive features, thanks to its 650 mAh removable Li-Ion battery. This battery can provide up to 275 hours of standby time and up to 10 hours of talk time. The long battery life made it an ideal choice for users who require a reliable phone throughout the day without needing frequent recharges. The removable aspect of the battery also meant that users could easily replace it if needed.

Network and Connectivity

The OT-E160 operates on the GSM 900/1800 bands, which were standard for feature phones during its release. However, it does not support GPRS, EDGE, or any modern connectivity options such as Bluetooth or WLAN. As a basic phone, it does not have features for internet browsing, which helps maintain its primary function as a communication device. The absence of these advanced communications ensures that the phone's power consumption remains low, further enhancing battery longevity.

Memory and Storage

The phone offers a phonebook capacity of up to 250 entries, making it suitable for users who need to store a decent number of contacts. However, it lacks expandable memory options, meaning users must manage storage carefully within the built-in system. The call records feature allows users to keep track of the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls, which is a practical feature for users focused on communication.

Sound and Alerts

For audio, the Alcatel OT-E160 supports polyphonic ringtones with a range of 16 different tones. While it does not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack, it does include vibration alerts—providing an effective way for users to be notified of calls and messages in noisy environments or when they prefer discreet notifications.

Additional Features

The phone supports basic SMS messaging, which was the standard messaging format at the time. Although there is no support for MMS or email, the focus of the phone was clear on simple and effective communication. The preinstalled games – Bricks and Russia – offered users a way to pass the time casually. The absence of a Java platform meant no additional applications or games could be installed, maintaining the phone's simplicity.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT-E160 is a representation of a time when mobile phones were primarily used for calling and texting, before the advent of smartphones transformed the industry. Its simplicity, reliability, and battery efficiency are hallmarks of feature phones from that era. While it lacks the sophisticated features expected in today's devices, it served its purpose well for users who needed a straightforward, durable communication device.