14 DAY TRIAL // Alcatel has just announced the availability of the affordable Blaze Duo OT-918N Android smartphone, along with its twin brother, the OT-918D. Although the smartphone have similar features, they have different 3G bands, depending on the regions that will be released.
While the Alcatel Blaze Duo OT-918N features 850MHz and 2100MHz support, the OT-918D is compatible with 900MHz and 2100MHz network bands.
As the name suggests, both smartphones feature dual-SIM support. Weirdly, users will be forced to put both SIMs in the same slot, one facing upwards and the other facing downwards.
It appears that one version of the device, the Alcatel Blaze Duo OT-918N is now available for purchase in Philippines for only $140 (105 EUR) outright, whereas the OT-918D can be purchased in Australia for $180 (1367 EUR) off-contract.
Aside dual-SIM capability and the fact that they are priced cheaply, the smartphone don’t really stand out. Both run Google’s Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system, which will probably be the only platform available for this model.
It is also worth mentioning that Alcatel also offers a desktop synching software called Alcatel Android Manager, which allows users to manage their phonebook, SMSs, logo, ringtones, as well as other files stored on the phones. According to Alcatel, the software will receive regular updates that will add more features and functions.
Specs-wise, the Alcatel Blaze Duo comes with a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen display with support for 262k colors and 320 x 480 pixels resolution.
The phone sports a 3.2-megapixel rear camera with video recording capabilities and built-in GPS with A-GPS support. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options are included as well, along with GSM quad-band support.
Both variants of the Alcatel Blaze Duo are powered by a low-performance 650 MHz processor and pack 256MB of RAM, as well as microSD card slot for memory expansion (up to 32GB).
