The Alcatel OT-103: A Feature Phone That Made Waves in 2009
In 2009, the world of mobile technology was a very different place. The iPhone had been around for only two years, and smartphones were still considered a luxury item. But in the midst of this rapidly evolving landscape, Alcatel introduced the OT-103 – a feature phone that captured the hearts of many with its simplicity and affordable price tag.
The Basics: What You Need to Know
The Alcatel OT-103 was released in June 2009 and quickly gained popularity for its compact design and lightweight build. Weighing only 63g and measuring just 14.5mm in thickness, it was a convenient and comfortable device to carry around.
Unlike smartphones, which were gaining popularity at a rapid pace during that time, the OT-103 was a feature phone. This means that it had limited capabilities, mainly focused on calling and texting.
The Technicalities: Inside the OT-103
In terms of its technical specifications, the Alcatel OT-103 was equipped with a GSM network and supported 2G bands – GSM 900 / 1800 and GSM 850 / 1900. It did not have GPRS or EDGE capabilities, so internet access was not possible on this device.
The phone had a small 1.3 inch STN display with monochrome graphics, providing basic information such as time, date, and notifications. Its resolution was 96 x 64 pixels with a pixel density of 89 ppi, making it suitable for its limited functions.
The OT-103 had no internal memory or external card slot, meaning users had to rely on the phone's 255-entry phonebook and 20-dialed, 20-received, and 20-missed call records. As for other features, the phone had no camera or Bluetooth, but it did have a loudspeaker for hands-free calling.
The Battery and Other Essential Details
The Alcatel OT-103 had a 650 mAh removable Li-Ion battery, which was capable of up to 350 hours of standby time and 7 hours of talk time. It also had predictive text input, a calculator, and two games pre-installed.
The phone came in four color options – grey, orange, red, and green. Its SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) values were 1.31 W/kg (head) and 0.97 W/kg (body). In Europe, the SAR value for this model was 1.25 W/kg (head).
For those on a tight budget, the Alcatel OT-103 was a steal at a price of approximately 20 EUR. Its affordability and convenient features made it a popular choice among users looking for a reliable mobile device.
The OT-103: A Discontinued but Memorable Device
The Alcatel OT-103 may have been discontinued, but its impact on the world of feature phones can still be felt. It was a simple yet functional device that served its purpose well and left a mark in the mobile industry.
