Price and specifications of alcatel OT-S520 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Alcatel OT-S520

The Alcatel OT-S520 is a feature phone that was announced in February 2008 and released to the market in June 2009. Despite being discontinued, it remains a point of interest for those who appreciate classic mobile technology and the simplicity of feature phones.

Physical Design and Build Quality

One of the most notable aspects of the Alcatel OT-S520 is its compact and lightweight design. With dimensions of 103 x 44.9 x 10.9 mm and a weight of just 69 grams, it’s an easy device to carry. The phone utilizes a Mini-SIM format and is available in two color variants: Black/Silver and Black/Red.

Display Characteristics

The phone features a 1.8-inch STN display, supporting 65K colors. The resolution of 128 x 160 pixels results in a pixel density of about 114 ppi. Although not high-definition by today's standards, during its time, it was sufficient for basic phone functions and simple applications.

Network and Connectivity

The Alcatel OT-S520 supports GSM technology and operates on 2G bands GSM 900 and 1800. While it includes GPRS Class 10 for data connectivity, it lacks more advanced network technologies such as EDGE, 3G, or 4G. The absence of Bluetooth, WLAN, and Radio further emphasizes its position as a basic communication device. A proprietary USB port caters to its charging and data transfer needs.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a single VGA camera, the Alcatel OT-S520 provides basic photography capabilities. However, it does not support video recording or possess a front-facing camera for selfies. The camera's functionality is limited, reflecting the primary focus on voice communication over multimedia capabilities.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 2MB of internal storage and lacks a card slot, which limits its ability to handle large amounts of data. Its phonebook can accommodate up to 800 entries, and it keeps a log of 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls, which is fairly standard for a device of its era.

Sound and Alert Features

In terms of sound, the Alcatel OT-S520 includes a loudspeaker and supports vibration, polyphonic (64), and MP3 ringtones. However, it does not have a 3.5mm audio jack, aligning with its minimalistic design and function.

Messaging and Browser

For communication, this device supports both SMS and MMS, allowing users to send multimedia messages. It carries a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet browsing, though limited by the device’s 2G connectivity and small display.

Battery Performance

Powering the device is a removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery. This battery offers a standby time of up to 400 hours and a talk time of up to 10 hours, which was quite impressive for feature phones at that time. The removable aspect of the battery provided users the convenience of carrying a spare battery if needed.

Games and Entertainment

The phone comes pre-installed with two basic games, offering some amount of entertainment for users when required. The absence of Java support meant that adding new games or applications was not possible, which may have limited its appeal for those looking for more versatile entertainment options.

Miscellaneous Features

The Alcatel OT-S520 includes several miscellaneous features that enhance its utility. Although sensors are not a part of its design, its SAR values stand at 1.15 W/kg (head) and 1.17 W/kg (body), with an SAR EU rating of 1.00 W/kg (head), maintaining acceptable levels for human exposure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Alcatel OT-S520 is a reflection of an era when feature phones were prevalent, offering simplicity and reliability. With basic functions designed for communication, it suits those interested in nostalgia or those in need of a straightforward phone for calls and texts. Despite its discontinuation, the OT-S520 remains a testament to the functionality-driven design of its time.