Alcatel OT Easy HF Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the Alcatel OT Easy HF

The Alcatel OT Easy HF was a notable device during its time. Released in 1998, it was part of the early wave of mobile phones that focused on providing essential telecommunication functionality. Unlike today's smartphones, which are packed with features like internet connectivity and advanced cameras, the OT Easy HF was straightforward in its approach, designed to cater to basic mobile communication needs.

Network and Connectivity

The Alcatel OT Easy HF operated on GSM technology, which was the standard for mobile networks during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Specifically, it supported the GSM 900 band. However, it did not offer GPRS or EDGE services, which means it lacked any form of mobile internet capability, a common characteristic of feature phones from that era.

Launch and Availability

First announced in 1998, the Alcatel OT Easy HF quickly became available in various markets. Despite its initial popularity, it is now discontinued. During its time, it was considered reliable and offered good performance for basic telephonic functions.

Physical Design

The device had dimensions of 133 x 54 x 25 mm, translating to a volume of 160 cc. It weighed 160 grams, a comfortable weight that allowed users to carry it easily. The SIM card slot used was the Mini-SIM format, which was standard at the time. The design of the phone was utilitarian, focusing more on functionality than aesthetics.

Display Features

The Alcatel OT Easy HF featured an alphanumeric display, which was typical of mobile phones before color and touch screens became standard. The display could show 2 lines, each with up to 12 characters, providing enough space for basic text information such as phone numbers and caller information.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the device had limited options. There was no storage card slot for memory expansion, and the phonebook was limited to SIM storage only. Call records were restricted to the last 5 dialed, received, and missed calls, indicating the phone’s primary focus on essential calling functionality.

Audio and Alerts

For sound, the device included a loudspeaker and supported monophonic ringtones, which were standard for that time. There was no 3.5mm audio jack for headphones, meaning users relied on the built-in speaker for audio output.

Communication and Connectivity Features

The device did not feature modern-day communication technologies such as Bluetooth, WLAN, USB connectivity, or positioning systems. This further underscores its positioning as a simple, no-frills phone. However, it supported SMS messaging, which was gaining popularity as a communication method at the time.

Additional Features

Other features included a built-in clock and alarm functionality. However, the phone didn't support games or Java applications—both features that would later become ubiquitous in mobile phones.

Battery Specifications

Two types of batteries were compatible with the Alcatel OT Easy HF. The first was a removable 580 mAh NiMH battery, which offered up to 70 hours of standby time and up to 3 hours of talk time. An extended 1200 mAh NiMH battery was also available, doubling the standby and talk time, making it more practical for users with high usage demands.

Miscellaneous

The phone was available in a variety of colors, providing some degree of personalization for users. The wide range of colors was one of the few aesthetic choices available for consumers at the time, adding a personal touch to mobile communications.

Conclusion

In summary, the Alcatel OT Easy HF represents a fascinating chapter in the history of mobile devices. It embodies the transition from basic telephones to more advanced mobile communication devices, serving as a precursor to more feature-rich models that followed. While it lacked the advanced technology seen in modern smartphones, it was perfectly adequate for the basic communication needs of its time.