The Alcatel OT-S319: A Budget-Friendly Feature Phone Released in 2008
The year was 2008, and the world of mobile phones was booming with new advancements and features. It was during this time that Alcatel, a well-known brand in the telecommunications industry, released its budget-friendly feature phone, the OT-S319. This device may not have been the most technologically advanced, but it still managed to capture the hearts of many with its simplicity and reliability.
Design and Specifications:
Weighing only 90g and measuring 18mm in thickness, the Alcatel OT-S319 was a lightweight and compact device. It had a mini-SIM slot and came in a simple candybar design. The device's body had a glossy finish, and it was available in various colors such as black and silver, red, green, and dark grey.
The phone featured a 1.8-inch STN display with a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels and 65K colors. Although the screen may seem small by today's standards, it was enough for basic functions such as calling and messaging. The device also had a 2MB internal storage, which may not have been much, but it was sufficient for a feature phone at the time. However, there was no option for external storage, meaning users had to manage their files within the limited 2MB space.
Functionality and Features:
The Alcatel OT-S319's main purpose was to serve as a communication device. It supported GSM technology and allowed users to connect to both 2G bands (GSM 900/1800 and GSM 850/1900 OT-S321A). It also had basic features like SMS and MMS messaging, a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, and the ability to store up to 800 phonebook entries and call records. Additionally, the device had a voice memo feature and predictive text input for easy typing.
One of the most notable features of the Alcatel OT-S319 was its ability to play MP3 and AAC+ audio files and MP4 and H.264 videos. It also had an organizer function, allowing users to stay on top of their tasks and schedule. With its Java MIDP 2.0 technology, users could also download additional games and applications to customize their phone.
Battery Life:
The OT-S319 came with a removable 750 mAh Li-Ion battery that offered up to 400 hours of standby time and up to 7 hours of talk time. While this may not seem like much compared to today's smartphones, it was more than enough for a feature phone back in 2008.
Price and Availability:
The Alcatel OT-S319 was announced in February 2008 and released in July of the same year. It was initially priced at an affordable rate, making it accessible to many who were looking for a basic but reliable mobile phone. However, it was discontinued after some time, and currently, it is no longer available for purchase brand new.
Final Thoughts:
Although the Alcatel OT-S319 may not have been the most advanced or feature-packed phone, it served its purpose well. With its simple design, basic features, and budget-friendly price, it was an ideal choice for those on a tight budget or those looking for a backup phone. Today, it may not be as popular as it once was, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of those who used and appreciated its simplicity.
