In a world dominated by smartphones, the basic feature phone continues to serve a vital role for those prioritizing simplicity, affordability, and long battery life. We pit the Alcatel OT-602, with its known 104 MHz processor, against the Nokia 2730 Classic, a representative of Nokia’s enduring legacy in the feature phone space, to determine which best suits users needing reliable, no-frills communication.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing a slightly more capable, albeit still basic, experience, the Alcatel OT-602 edges out the Nokia 2730 Classic. The 104 MHz processor, while modest, provides a marginal performance advantage for navigating menus and accessing basic features, making it a better choice for those who occasionally use simple applications.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | UMTS 900 / 2100 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Class 12 | - |
| Speed | - | Yes, 384 kbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / UMTS |
| | - | UMTS 850 / 1900 - American version |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, July. Released 2011, July | 2009, May. Released 2009, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 101.5 x 52.5 x 12.8 mm (4.00 x 2.07 x 0.50 in) | 109.6 x 46.9 x 14.4 mm, 65 cc (4.31 x 1.85 x 0.57 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | - | 87.7 g (3.07 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~33.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~24.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | - | 5-way navigation key |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | 20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSD (dedicated slot), 1 GB included |
| Internal | 3MB | 30MB |
| Phonebook | Yes, Photocall | 1000 entries, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | 176x144@10fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML | WAP 2.0/xHTML, Adobe Flash Lite |
| Games | Yes | 4 + Downloadable |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.1 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM | SMS, EMS, MMS, Email |
| | - | MP4/H.263 player
MP3/WAV/WMV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 12 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 560 h | Up to 300 h (2G) / Up to 300 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 7 h | Up to 3 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 2 h 45 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 850 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1020 mAh battery (BL-5C) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium gray, Fuchsia, Cyber blue, Orange, Aubergine, Black | Black or Dark Magenta |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 40 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.25 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 69dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 71dB |
alcatel OT-602
- Slightly faster processor (104 MHz) for smoother navigation.
- Potentially more responsive user interface.
- Affordable price point.
- Basic display quality.
- Limited features compared to smartphones.
Nokia 2730 classic
- Strong brand reputation for durability (Nokia).
- Simple and intuitive user interface.
- Excellent battery life.
- Likely slower processor than the Alcatel OT-602.
- Limited feature set.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a sophisticated display. Given the lack of specific display specs for the Nokia 2730 Classic, we can assume it features a standard color LCD typical of feature phones from its era. The Alcatel OT-602’s display, while also a basic LCD, benefits from the processing power to potentially offer slightly faster menu transitions. Both will prioritize legibility over color accuracy or resolution, catering to users who value function over form.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is intended for photography. It’s highly probable both feature a very low-resolution camera (likely VGA or below) suitable only for basic image capture in optimal lighting conditions. Image quality will be poor by any modern standard, and these cameras should be considered a secondary, almost novelty, feature. Focusing on camera capabilities would be a misdirection for these devices.
Performance
The Alcatel OT-602’s 104 MHz CPU represents its sole quantifiable performance metric. While not powerful by modern standards, it allows for basic operations like contact management and simple text editing. The Nokia 2730 Classic, lacking published CPU specifications, likely operates with a similar, or potentially even slower, processor. This suggests the Alcatel OT-602 will offer a marginally smoother user experience, particularly when navigating menus or accessing limited built-in applications. Thermal management is not a concern for either device given the low power consumption.
Battery Life
Both phones excel in battery life due to their low-power components and lack of power-hungry features like large displays or data connectivity. The Nokia 2730 Classic, benefiting from Nokia’s optimization expertise, may offer slightly longer standby times. However, the Alcatel OT-602’s processor, while faster, is still efficient enough to deliver several days of use on a single charge. Actual battery performance will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both are designed for extended periods between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel OT-602 if you need a phone with a slight performance edge for basic tasks like managing contacts or using a simple calculator. Buy the Nokia 2730 Classic if you prioritize brand reliability, a potentially more robust build quality (consistent with Nokia’s reputation), and a minimalist user experience focused solely on calls and texts. Both are excellent choices for emergency backup phones or users avoiding smartphone complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Alcatel OT-602 suitable as an emergency backup phone?
Yes, the Alcatel OT-602 is an excellent choice for an emergency backup phone. Its long battery life and basic functionality ensure it will be ready when needed, even without regular charging. The 104 MHz processor allows for basic contact access in an emergency.
❓ Does the Nokia 2730 Classic support modern Bluetooth headsets?
The Nokia 2730 Classic likely supports older Bluetooth profiles. Compatibility with modern Bluetooth headsets is not guaranteed and may be limited to basic call functionality. Check the headset's specifications for compatibility with older Bluetooth versions.
❓ Can I use the Alcatel OT-602 to send and receive MMS messages?
While the Alcatel OT-602 supports basic SMS messaging, MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) support is dependent on carrier compatibility and may be limited or unavailable in some regions. It's best to check with your mobile carrier for MMS support.
