Price and specifications of alcatel 5 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview

The Alcatel 5 is a smartphone that aimed to merge affordability with style when it first hit the markets in February 2018. Designed by the Alcatel brand, which is known for catering to budget-conscious consumers, the Alcatel 5 offers features that at the time of its release were sought after by users looking for capable performance without the need to invest heavily in high-end devices. This article explores every aspect of the Alcatel 5, from its design and display to its performance, camera capabilities, and connectivity options.

Design and Build

The body of the Alcatel 5 measures 152.3 x 71.1 x 8.4 mm and weighs approximately 144 grams, making it a lightweight yet relatively tall device, primarily due to its 5.7-inch screen. The build quality of the phone reflects its cost-effective nature, yet it does not compromise on offering a comfortable handling experience. Featuring a metallic finish available in colors like Metallic Gold and Metallic Black, the Alcatel 5 embodies a premium aesthetic in a budget package. The phone allows for single or dual SIM configurations, catering to different user needs.

Display

The Alcatel 5 comes with a 5.7-inch IPS LCD screen. This display technology is known for offering decent color reproduction and viewing angles, which work well for general media consumption and gaming. The resolution stands at 720 x 1440 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 18:9, resulting in an approximate pixel density of 282 ppi. This resolution might not compete with higher-end devices, but it provides crisp enough visuals for the price range, achieving about 77.4% screen-to-body ratio.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Alcatel 5 is powered by the Mediatek MT6750 chipset. This 28 nm octa-core processor features a combination of four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.5 GHz for performance-intensive tasks and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.0 GHz for power efficiency. The GPU included is the Mali-T860MP2, which supports basic gaming and moderate graphical tasks. For memory, the device accommodates either 16GB of internal storage with 2GB of RAM or 32GB with 3GB of RAM. It's also equipped with a microSDXC slot for expandable storage, providing users with additional space as required.

Camera Capabilities

The Alcatel 5's camera setup is designed to cater to everyday photography needs. The primary rear camera is a 12 MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and phase detection autofocus (PDAF), complemented by dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama features. It can record 1080p video at 30fps, suitable for casual video capturing. On the front, it offers a dual-camera configuration with a 13 MP main sensor and a secondary 5 MP depth sensor for enhanced depth perception in selfies. The front cameras support 1080p video recording, making it a practical choice for video calls and social media content.

Battery Life

The Alcatel 5 is powered by a 3000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, which is standard for budget smartphones. It's designed to efficiently manage power with the help of the device's power-efficient processor to last a full day of typical usage. Given the device's specifications and hardware, the battery life should suffice for regular activities like browsing, emailing, and some light gaming.

Software and User Interface

Operating on Android 7.1 (Nougat) out of the box, the Alcatel 5 offers an experience typical of devices with a near-stock Android interface. It provides access to usual Google services and applications, along with the freedom to customize the user experience through available themes and widgets. Although it launched with Nougat, subsequent updates may vary based on regional support and the availability of updates from Alcatel.

Network and Communication

The Alcatel 5 supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, catering to a wide range of mobile connectivity needs. It's compatible with various frequency bands, making it usable in different geographical areas. Data speeds offered are up to HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, which cover essential mobile data uses. Regarding wireless communications, it includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth 4.2, ensuring compatibility with most wireless accessories and networks.

Additional Features

Additional features of the Alcatel 5 include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which adds to the security and ease of unlocking the device. It also has sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass to support various applications and functionalities. For audio needs, the device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a loudspeaker. Furthermore, select models of the Alcatel 5 (5086Y) come with NFC capability, expanding its usability for contactless payments and data exchange.

Price and Availability

Upon its release, the Alcatel 5 was priced at around 230 EUR, making it a competitive option for those seeking an affordable smartphone with satisfactory specifications. It was made available in various markets, appealing to budget-conscious customers looking for a mix of performance and style. With its combination of features, the Alcatel 5 remains a relevant choice for users interested in a cost-effective smartphone experience.