In a world dominated by smartphones, the feature phone persists, offering essential communication without the complexity. We pit the Alcatel OT-355, with its known 52MHz processor, against the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition, a popular choice in the basic connectivity space, to determine which best serves the needs of users prioritizing simplicity and affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing a reliable, no-frills phone for calls and texts, the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition is the likely winner. While the Alcatel OT-355's 52MHz processor is specified, the Nokia's brand reputation for durability and potentially better software optimization in this segment gives it an edge, despite the lack of detailed specs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | GSM 900 / 1800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, February. Released 2011, March | 2024, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2024, December |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 103 x 58 x 12.1 mm (4.06 x 2.28 x 0.48 in) | 121.5 x 50 x 14.4 mm (4.78 x 1.97 x 0.57 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 80 g (2.82 oz) | 93 g (3.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 160 x 128 pixels (~114 ppi density) | 120 x 160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~111 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~17.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 1.8 inches, 10.0 cm2 (~16.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | IPS LCD |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 0.7MB | 48MB 128MB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes, Photocall | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | - |
| Video | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | No | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | miniUSB (charging only) | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML | - |
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Java | No | No |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email | SMS |
| | MP3 player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 17 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 450 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | - |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 650 mAh battery | Li-Ion 1450 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Siver, Cherry red, Cyber blue | Charcoal |
| Price | - | About 50 EUR |
alcatel OT-355
- Known processor speed (52MHz) provides a quantifiable metric.
- Potentially lower cost due to being an older model.
- Simple and straightforward functionality.
- Limited features and functionality.
- Potentially outdated software.
- Lack of brand recognition compared to Nokia.
Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition
- 4G connectivity for clearer calls and wider coverage.
- Strong brand reputation for durability and reliability.
- Potentially optimized software for basic functions.
- Lack of detailed specifications makes a precise comparison difficult.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Alcatel OT-355.
- Limited features beyond core communication.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-resolution or color-accurate display. Given the market segment, both likely utilize basic LCD panels. Without specific details on the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition's display, it's difficult to compare resolution or brightness. However, Nokia typically focuses on readability, suggesting a potentially optimized display for text, a key function for these phones.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are unlikely to feature cameras of significant quality. Feature phones typically include low-resolution cameras primarily for basic image capture. Without specifications for the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition, a direct comparison is impossible. However, the focus for both devices remains on core communication, not photography.
Performance
The Alcatel OT-355's 52MHz CPU is the only performance metric available. This indicates a very basic level of processing power, sufficient for calls, texts, and potentially simple applications. The Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition's processor is unspecified, but given its positioning, it's likely in a similar performance bracket. The real-world difference will likely be minimal, with software optimization playing a larger role than raw processing speed.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for feature phones. While specific mAh ratings are unavailable for either device, both are expected to offer several days of standby time and extended talk time due to their low-power components and basic functionality. The Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition's 4G connectivity *could* slightly impact battery life compared to a 2G-only device, but optimized power management should mitigate this.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel OT-355 if you specifically need a device with a documented processor speed of 52MHz and are comfortable with potentially limited software support. Buy the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition if you prioritize brand reliability, a potentially more refined user experience for basic functions, and access to 4G connectivity for clearer calls and wider coverage, even without detailed specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition support VoLTE calling?
Given its 4G connectivity, the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition *likely* supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE) calling, which provides higher quality voice calls and faster connection times. However, this depends on carrier compatibility, and it's best to confirm with your mobile provider.
❓ Is the 52MHz processor in the Alcatel OT-355 sufficient for running WhatsApp?
While the 52MHz processor can handle basic tasks like calls and texts, running WhatsApp is questionable. WhatsApp requires more processing power and memory than a typical feature phone provides. Performance would likely be very slow and unreliable, if it runs at all.
❓ How much storage does the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition have for contacts?
Nokia feature phones typically offer storage for hundreds of contacts. While the exact number isn't specified, the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition is expected to comfortably store a substantial contact list, sufficient for most users.
