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Unveiling the Alcatel OTS521A Specs Pricing and More

Release Date
2008
Camera
0.3MP
Battery
750mAh
Screen
1.8"
Storage
2MB
Operating System
Feature phone

Introduction to the Alcatel OT-S521A

The Alcatel OT-S521A was a mobile phone launched in 2008, during a period when feature phones were widely popular. This device reflects the trends and technological standards of its time, providing basic functionalities for communication primarily through calls and text messaging.

Design and Build

The Alcatel OT-S521A is crafted to be lightweight and compact, with dimensions of 103.5 x 44.9 x 10.9 mm and a weight of 83 grams. This made it highly portable, fitting comfortably in pockets and hand bags. The device is built with a sleek design, offered in colors such as Dark grey and Cherry red, which provided a touch of personalization for users. The phone utilizes a Mini-SIM, aligning with the standard of the time.

Display

In terms of display, the Alcatel OT-S521A is equipped with a 1.8-inch STN screen. The resolution stands at 128 x 160 pixels, translating to approximately 114 pixels per inch. Though modest by today's smartphone standards, it was adequate for viewing text messages and basic menu navigation back in 2008.

Performance and Storage

The internal storage of the device is limited to 2MB, with no option for memory expansion via card slots, which restricted the storage of multimedia and applications. The phone focuses on essential tasks such as contacting and messaging. Its feature phone operating system is designed for efficiency rather than performance-intensive applications.

Camera

The Alcatel OT-S521A features a single VGA camera with 0.3 MP capability. While it does not support video recording, this basic camera serves to capture simple images under sufficient lighting conditions, albeit without advanced features such as auto-focus or flash.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery. This allows for an impressive standby time of up to 400 hours and a talk time of up to 10 hours, indicating efficient battery management aimed at maximizing longevity between charges. This was vital for users expecting reliability without frequent recharges.

Network and Connectivity

Regarding network capabilities, the Alcatel OT-S521A supports GSM technology with 2G bands covering GSM 850/1900 frequencies. The device enabled GPRS Class 10 but had no support for EDGE technology. Connectivity features are minimal, with no WLAN, Bluetooth, or radio, yet it includes a miniUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging.

Sound and Audio

The phone includes an integrated loudspeaker, permitting functionality for calls and notification alerts. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, implying negligible focus on audio output or multimedia consumption. This aligns with its primary function as a communication tool.

Additional Features

On the software front, the Alcatel OT-S521A supports SMS and MMS messaging, incorporating a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic internet access. Included also are two preloaded games, providing minimal entertainment options. The absence of Java support limits the availability of third-party applications or games.

Conclusion

In summary, the Alcatel OT-S521A was designed as a practical, reliable feature phone during a period where lengthy battery life and basic communication capabilities were highly valued. While it lacks the sophisticated features found in modern smartphones, its utility remains an example of the straightforward design philosophy prevalent at the time.

Key Features of Alcatel OT-S521A

  • Compact design with dimensions of 103.5 x 44.9 x 10.9 mm and lightweight at 83 g.
  • GSM technology supporting 2G bands (GSM 850 / 1900).
  • STN display with a size of 1.8 inches and a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels.
  • VGA main camera for basic photography needs.
  • Large phonebook capacity of up to 800 entries.
  • Reliable call management with records of 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls.
  • Supports SMS and MMS messaging.
  • WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for basic web surfing.
  • Removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery with up to 400 hours of standby and up to 10 hours of talk time.

Disadvantages of Alcatel OT-S521A

  • No EDGE support, limiting Internet speed on 2G networks.
  • Discontinued model, with possible limited support and updates.
  • STN display type, which generally provides lower quality visuals compared to TFT or modern displays.
  • No memory card slot for expandable storage; limited internal memory of 2MB.
  • VGA main camera with no video recording capabilities.
  • Lack of advanced connectivity options: No WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS, or Radio.
  • Only miniUSB 2.0, may lack compatibility with modern charging and data transfer methods.
  • Does not support Java applications.
  • No front (selfie) camera available.
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack, which can limit audio accessory options.
Network
Technology GSM
2G bands GSM 850 / 1900
GPRS Class 10
EDGE No
Launch
Announced 2008. Released 2008
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 103.5 x 44.9 x 10.9 mm (4.07 x 1.77 x 0.43 in)
Weight 83 g (2.93 oz)
SIM Mini-SIM
Display
Type STN
Size 1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~21.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density)
Memory
Card slot No
Phonebook 800 entries
Call records 20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Internal 2MB
Main Camera
Single VGA
Video No
Selfie camera
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack No
Comms
WLAN No
Bluetooth No
Positioning No
Radio No
USB miniUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors
Messaging SMS, MMS
Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games 2
Java No
Battery
Type Removable Li-Ion 750 mAh battery
Stand-by Up to 400 h
Talk time Up to 10 h
Misc
Colors Dark grey, Cherry red
SAR 1.15 W/kg (head)     1.17 W/kg (body)

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