Alcatel has launched three new candybar handsets within its "Essence" category for 2008, the OT-S120, OT-S210 and OT-S211.

The absolute epitome of budget, low-end offerings, for "pure simplicity" the OT-S120 provides a 1.3-inch 96 x 64 pixel, black and white display screen, whilst the OT-S210 and OT-S211 models offer a 1.5-inch 128 x 128 pixel colour display screen.

Features-wise there's an FM Radio ... er, polyphonic ringtones ... and um, predictive text. We're not sure those last two really merit a mention as "features" in today's modern mobile marketplace but there's not a lot else to chose to highlight.

Dimensions are 12.6mm thick, weight is 69 grams and the handsets offer 400 hours of battery life, and 5 hours' talk time.

UK price and stockist info to be announced, but expect dirt cheap and pay as you go sales plans.