Alcatel OTE230 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build

The Alcatel OT-E230 was a compact device measuring 84.6 x 45 x 23.4 mm and weighing only 83 grams. It featured a simplistic design, typical of early feature phones, with a monochrome plastic exterior that came in various striking colors such as White, Brown, and Fuchsia. This choice of colors added a touch of personality to the device, appealing to a wide range of users who were looking for a simple yet vibrant mobile experience. The device sported a Mini-SIM slot and was known for its ergonomic design, making it comfortable to hold and easy to use, with well-spaced keys that facilitated ease of typing.

Display

The Alcatel OT-E230 featured a modest 1.3-inch CSTN display. The screen was capable of displaying 4096 colors, a standard feature for feature phones of that era, delivering basic visual clarity for an entry-level device. With a resolution of 102 x 80 pixels, the screen offered all necessary functionalities to view contacts, messages, and operating menus, even though it was nowhere near the vibrant displays seen on contemporary smartphones. Its ~13.9% screen-to-body ratio highlighted the large bezels typical of its time.

Network and Connectivity

This device was designed to operate on GSM technology supporting 2G bands at GSM 900/1800 frequencies. It did not support advanced data services such as GPRS or EDGE, reflecting its focus on voice and basic SMS services rather than internet connectivity. The absence of features like WLAN, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity were common omissions for basic handsets of its class, adhering to its purpose as a straightforward phone communication tool without the distractions of modern data features.

Memory

The Alcatel OT-E230 came with a modest memory capacity. It could store up to 250 phonebook entries, which was adequate for users who utilized their phones primarily for making calls and sending texts. The call logs retained details of the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. There was no card slot available for memory expansion, which was a typical characteristic of feature phones where additional storage capabilities were often not prioritized.

Audio and Alerts

As a simple communication device, the phone lacked a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm audio jack, aligning with its status as a basic phone model. Users had the option to choose from polyphonic ringtones and could make use of the vibration alert feature to ensure they didn't miss incoming calls in noisy environments.

Battery Life

The Alcatel OT-E230 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 650 mAh battery. Despite its small capacity by today's standards, the battery was sufficient for the phone's low-power operations. It provided up to 250 hours of stand-by time and up to 10 hours of talk time, which was impressive for its category, contributing to the device's reputation for long-lasting battery life between charges.

User Interface and Features

Operating as a feature phone, the Alcatel OT-E230 didn't offer complex smartphone functionalities but focused on core mobile telephony features. It supported SMS messaging, a crucial feature for communicating short text messages. The absence of an internet browser or advanced software capabilities like Java meant it relied on simplicity. Users could enjoy some basic embedded games, a common form of entertainment during short breaks.

Launch and Availability

The Alcatel OT-E230 was announced in February 2007. However, it was eventually cancelled, and it did not see a full market release. The reasons for its cancellation might include strategic shifts by Alcatel or challenges in the competitive mobile phone market during that time which saw a rapid shift towards more advanced phones.

Conclusion

Despite its ultimate cancellation, the Alcatel OT-E230 represented a segment of mobile devices that prioritized basic functionality, reliability, and straightforwardness. Its appeal lay in its simplicity and effectiveness as a communication device, catering to users who did not require, or were not interested in, advanced mobile functionalities. The device remained a representation of an era where the focus was heavily placed on voice calls and SMS, providing an intriguing look at the evolutionary path of mobile phones.