Alcatel OTS850 Comprehensive Specs Pricing and Review

Design and Build

The Alcatel OT-S850 is a feature phone that was announced in the second quarter of 2005. Though it was ultimately canceled, it offers insight into the design trends and technological capabilities of its time. The phone measures a compact 87 x 42 x 19.6 mm and weighs 108 grams, making it lightweight and easy to carry. Its small size and Mini-SIM compatibility reflect the era's design priorities for portability and convenience.

Display

The display on the Alcatel OT-S850 features a TFT screen capable of showing 256K colors. This was quite advanced for its time when many phones offered limited color displays. The screen resolution is 128 x 160 pixels, which provides adequate clarity for viewing basic images and navigating through the phone’s interface. Although the screen size is not specified, it fits the compact nature of the device, favoring portability over expansive viewing area.

Network Capabilities

Network technology for the Alcatel OT-S850 relies on GSM, supporting 900 and 1800 frequency bands. This limited dual-band support means the phone was primarily aimed at European markets, where these frequencies are prevalent. While it features GPRS capability for basic data needs, the absence of EDGE limits its functionality for faster data transmission, underlining its role as a device focused more on calls and messaging than on internet use.

Camera

Equipped with a single 1.3 MP camera, the Alcatel OT-S850 offers basic photography. While this resolution doesn't compare to modern standards, it was a decent feature for capturing simple shots in 2005. However, the phone lacks video recording capability, which restricts its multimedia functionality.

Storage and Memory

The phone's storage options include 3MB of internal memory, with no card slot for expandable memory. While this may seem minuscule by today's standards, it was adequate for its primary functions: storing phone numbers (with photo call support), a log of recent calls, and limited amounts of media or app data.

Sound and Alerts

Without a built-in loudspeaker, the Alcatel OT-S850 relies on vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones for alerting the user to calls and messages. The phone also lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, which means that users would need to use specialized adapters or devices for audio functionality, focusing more on its essential communication purposes.

Battery Life

The removable Li-Ion battery, with a capacity of 500 mAh, provides limited stand-by time of up to 60 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours. For a feature phone, this battery life might have been considered modest, emphasizing the device's focus on maintaining basic communication rather than continuous use.

Communication and Connectivity

Connectivity options on the Alcatel OT-S850 are minimal, with no WLAN, Bluetooth, or positioning capabilities, and it lacks a built-in radio. This underscores its fundamental role as a mobile phone used mainly for calls and SMS/MMS messaging. Any data connectivity would be rudimentary, accomplished over GPRS and primarily useful for basic web browsing via the WAP 1.2.1 browser.

Additional Features and Software

The Alcatel OT-S850 runs on a feature phone operating system, ensuring straightforward and uncomplicated operation. Support for SMS, EMS, and MMS messaging provides the essential communication features of the time. The presence of Java MIDP 1.0 support is a valuable addition, allowing for the installation of basic Java applications and games, broadening the user experience beyond simple communication.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OT-S850, though ultimately canceled, reveals much about the trajectory of mobile phone technology in the mid-2000s. Its design, though simplistic by today's standards, was well-suited to a time when portability and basic functionality took precedence. While lacking in advanced multimedia or connectivity features, it encapsulates the essentials of mobile communication for its era. The phone provides a window into past technological capabilities and consumer needs prior to the smartphone revolution.