Alcatel OTE259 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Alcatel OT-E259

The Alcatel OT-E259 is an iconic handset that was released in the first quarter of 2005. Known for its simplistic design and basic functionality, it represents a period when mobile phones were primarily used for calls and text messages, preceding the smartphone era. This article explores the various features, specifications, and the historical significance of the Alcatel OT-E259 in the world of mobile technology.

Design and Build

The Alcatel OT-E259 reflects the design ethos of its time with its compact and lightweight construction. With dimensions measuring 83 x 43 x 22 mm and a weight of just 75 grams, it fits comfortably in the hand and pocket. The phone features a straightforward, utilitarian design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics, a common trend among cell phones in the mid-2000s. The device utilizes a Mini-SIM format, which was standard during the era.

Display

Equipped with a CSTN display capable of showing 4096 colors, the Alcatel OT-E259’s screen was modest even for its time. The resolution of 102 x 80 pixels may seem insufficient by today’s standards, but it was adequate for the primary function of the device, which was text-based communication. The display size is compact, complementing the phone’s small form factor.

Network and Connectivity

The OT-E259 operates on the GSM technology standard, supporting 2G bands at GSM 900 and 1800 frequencies. It lacks modern connectivity options such as GPRS, EDGE, WLAN, Bluetooth, and USB, emphasizing its role as a basic communication tool. The absence of these features also underscores the device’s simplicity and energy efficiency.

Battery Life

Powering the Alcatel OT-E259 is a removable Li-Ion 650 mAh battery. Despite its modest capacity, the phone offers impressive battery performance with up to 270 hours of standby time and up to 10 hours of talk time, attributing to the lower power demands of a feature phone. This extended battery life was a significant advantage in an era when people relied heavily on their phones for making calls and sending SMS.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with a phonebook capacity of 250 entries, which was quite substantial for users managing contacts in a pre-smartphone world. The call records functionality allows for storing up to 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. Notably, the phone does not support external memory card expansion, a reflection of the minimalist approach of feature phones of its time.

Audio and Sound

The Alcatel OT-E259 is equipped with polyphonic ringtones limited to 16 tones. It lacks a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, aligning with its minimalist design. This was sufficient for users whose primary use was communication rather than multimedia consumption.

Messaging and Games

SMS messaging is the primary communication method available on the Alcatel OT-E259. While lacking an internet browser, the phone provides two embedded games for entertainment, reflecting the limited, straightforward use cases of mobile phones at the time. The absence of Java support indicates its focus on basic functionalities rather than advanced applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Alcatel OT-E259 is a quintessential feature phone from the mid-2000s, characterized by its straightforward design and essential functionalities. It catered to a user base that prioritized basic communication needs over multimedia features. This phone stands as a reminder of the evolution of mobile technology and the shift from simple communication to the multifaceted functionalities of modern smartphones.