In the early 2000s, feature phones were all the rage. These devices were a step up from basic cell phones and offered additional features like built-in cameras, internet connectivity, and downloadable apps. One such device was the Alcatel OT-C551, released in 2005 by the French mobile phone company Alcatel.
Dimensions and Storage
Weighing in at just 80g and with a thickness of 19mm, the Alcatel OT-C551 was an ultra-light and compact device. It was designed to be easily portable and fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. However, this small size meant sacrificing storage capabilities. With only 3MB of internal storage and no card slot for expandable memory, users had limited space for their files and media.
Network and Operating System
The Alcatel OT-C551 was a 2G device, meaning it operated on the GSM network. It could support both the 900 and 1800 bands, making it a versatile device for use in various regions. However, it did not have GPRS or EDGE technology, limiting its internet connectivity potential.
As a feature phone, the Alcatel OT-C551 did not run on a smartphone operating system like Android or iOS. Instead, it had a basic operating system that allowed users to make calls, send texts, and access simple features like games and a built-in organizer.
Display and Camera
The Alcatel OT-C551 featured a CSTN display with 65K colors. This type of display was commonly used in feature phones and offered decent visuals for its time. The screen measured 128 x 160 pixels, enough to display basic images and text.
As for its camera, the Alcatel OT-C551 had a single VGA camera on the back. While this may seem inadequate by today's standards, at the time it was considered a great feature for a device of this caliber. Users could take pictures and record videos with this camera.
Connectivity and Other Features
The Alcatel OT-C551 did not come with advanced connectivity options like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. However, it did have an infrared port for wireless data transfer. It also had basic features like SMS, EMS, and MMS for messaging and a WAP browser for internet access.
Other notable features of the Alcatel OT-C551 include its ability to support Java-based apps, predictive text input for faster typing, and a removable 650 mAh battery for easy replacement.
Discontinued but Not Forgotten
The Alcatel OT-C551 may not have been a groundbreaking device, but it served a purpose for users in 2005 who were looking for something more than a basic cell phone. It may have been discontinued, but it will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who owned it as their first "smart" phone.
Although the Alcatel OT-C551 is no longer in production, its legacy lives on in the many advancements made in the mobile phone industry. Today, we can look back on devices like the Alcatel OT-C551 and appreciate how far technology has come since then.
So, here's to the Alcatel OT-C551 – a simple yet innovative feature phone from 2005 that paved the way for the smartphones we know and love today.
