The early 2000s saw a rapid evolution in mobile technology. The Alcatel OT-602 and BlackBerry Curve 8520 represent distinct points on that trajectory – one a very basic feature phone attempting smartphone functionality, the other a more refined, though still entry-level, smartphone focused on communication and usability. This comparison dissects their core differences and reveals which device holds up better considering their original market positioning.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, reliable device from this era, the BlackBerry Curve 8520 is the clear winner. Its significantly faster 512 MHz processor allows for a smoother user experience, and its focus on messaging and usability outweighs the Alcatel OT-602’s minimal processing power.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| EDGE | No | Class 10 |
| GPRS | Class 12 | Class 10 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, July. Released 2011, July | 2009, July. Released 2009, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 101.5 x 52.5 x 12.8 mm (4.00 x 2.07 x 0.50 in) | 109 x 60 x 13.9 mm (4.29 x 2.36 x 0.55 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | - | 106 g (3.74 oz) |
| | - | Optical trackpad |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 320 x 240 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~163 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~33.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.46 inches, 18.7 cm2 (~28.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors | TFT, 65K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 104 MHz | 512 MHz |
| OS | - | BlackBerry OS 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 3MB | 256MB |
| Phonebook | Yes, Photocall | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | 320p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | Dedicated music keys |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11b/g |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML | HTML |
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM | - |
| | - | MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV player
MP4/H.264/WMV player
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 560 h | Up to 408 h |
| Talk time | Up to 7 h | Up to 4 h 30 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 850 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1150 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium gray, Fuchsia, Cyber blue, Orange, Aubergine, Black | Black |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.22 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -87.2dB / Crosstalk -86.6dB |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 69dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 76dB |
alcatel OT-602
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Potentially longer battery life
- Very slow performance
- Limited functionality
- Poor user experience
BlackBerry Curve 8520
- Faster processor for smoother operation
- Physical QWERTY keyboard for efficient typing
- BlackBerry’s secure messaging platform
- Higher price point (at launch)
- Shorter battery life compared to OT-602
- Limited app ecosystem
Display Comparison
Details regarding the displays of both devices are unavailable. However, given the Alcatel OT-602’s positioning as a budget device, it likely featured a lower-resolution, less color-accurate display compared to the BlackBerry Curve 8520. The Curve 8520’s display, while small by modern standards, would have benefited from BlackBerry’s focus on readability and information density, likely offering a sharper image and better viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications for both devices are limited. It’s safe to assume both featured basic cameras suitable for low-resolution snapshots. The BlackBerry Curve 8520 likely had a slight advantage due to BlackBerry’s software optimization, potentially offering better image quality and more features, even with a similar sensor. The Alcatel OT-602’s camera would have been primarily focused on basic functionality, with limited image processing capabilities.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference between these two devices. The Alcatel OT-602’s 104 MHz CPU is severely underpowered compared to the BlackBerry Curve 8520’s 512 MHz processor. This translates to a sluggish user experience on the Alcatel, with noticeable delays in menu navigation and application loading. The Curve 8520, while not a powerhouse, could handle basic tasks like email, messaging, and web browsing with relative ease. The higher clock speed allows for more complex software and a more responsive interface, making it a far more practical device for everyday use.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for both devices. However, given the Alcatel OT-602’s lower processing power, it likely offered comparable or even slightly better battery life than the BlackBerry Curve 8520. The Curve 8520’s more powerful processor and active features would have consumed more energy, requiring more frequent charging. However, the benefit of a more responsive and usable device likely outweighed the slight reduction in battery life for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel OT-602 if you need an extremely basic, no-frills mobile phone for essential calls and texts, and prioritize affordability above all else. Buy the BlackBerry Curve 8520 if you prefer a more capable device with a focus on secure messaging, a physical keyboard for efficient typing, and a more responsive user interface, even if it’s still limited by today’s standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BlackBerry Curve 8520 still useful for basic communication today?
While limited by modern standards, the BlackBerry Curve 8520 can still function as a basic phone for calls and texts, especially if a SIM card with 2G or 3G support is available. However, its lack of modern app support and slow internet speeds make it unsuitable for most contemporary tasks.
❓ Can I use the Alcatel OT-602 with a modern SIM card?
Compatibility with modern SIM cards depends on the specific network and SIM card type. The Alcatel OT-602 likely supports older SIM card sizes and network technologies (2G). Modern networks are phasing out 2G support, so compatibility is becoming increasingly limited.
❓ What was the primary appeal of the BlackBerry Curve 8520 at the time of its release?
The BlackBerry Curve 8520 appealed to users who prioritized secure communication, efficient typing with its physical QWERTY keyboard, and a relatively user-friendly smartphone experience at a more affordable price point than higher-end BlackBerry models.
