Alcatel A7 XL Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Alcatel A7 XL

The Alcatel A7 XL is a mid-range smartphone that was announced in September 2017 and released in November of the same year. This device is known for its large display, dual-camera setup, and a robust battery life. Let's dive into the details of this device to understand its specifications, features, and performance.

Network and Connectivity

The Alcatel A7 XL supports various network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. This ensures that the device can handle multiple connectivity standards, providing users with reliable internet and call services. It supports various bands for 2G, 3G, and 4G, allowing for good coverage in different regions. The speeds supported are HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, which are suitable for everyday usage like browsing and streaming.

Design and Build

The device boasts dimensions of 159.6 x 81.5 x 8.7 mm, making it a relatively large phone, which is reflected in its 6.0-inch display. Weighing 175 grams, the Alcatel A7 XL is not the lightest phone on the market but offers a good balance when considering its large battery and screen size. The phone is available in multiple colors, including Metal Black, Metal Blue, Metal Gold, and Rose Gold, providing some variety in style choices for consumers. The phone comes with either single SIM or dual SIM options, allowing for flexibility in usage.

Display Features

The Alcatel A7 XL features a 6.0 inches IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals with a pixel density of approximately 367 ppi. This makes the display suitable for watching videos or playing games. Additionally, the device features Asahi Dragontrail Glass protection, offering some level of defense against scratches and minor drops.

Platform and Performance

Equipped with the Mediatek MT6750S chipset built on the 28 nm process, the Alcatel A7 XL offers a performance that handles everyday tasks comfortably. It features an octa-core CPU configuration with 4 x 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4 x 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Mali-T860MP2 GPU helps with graphical tasks, making it capable of handling casual gaming and multimedia consumption. The device runs on Android 7.1 (Nougat), providing a slightly older but functional operating system with access to the Play Store and standard Android features.

Memory and Storage

The Alcatel A7 XL comes with 32GB of internal storage and 3GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and adequate storage for apps and media. It also supports microSDHC cards, allowing users to expand the storage further, which is beneficial for those who need extra space for photos, videos, or applications.

Camera Capabilities

The phone features a dual-camera system on the back, comprising a 12 MP primary sensor with PDAF and a 2 MP depth sensor. This setup allows users to capture detailed photos with a bokeh effect, which blurs the background to highlight the subject. The camera supports features like dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama mode, which enhance the photography experience. For video recording, it captures footage at 1080p@30fps. On the front, there's a 5 MP selfie camera, equipped with an LED flash to assist in low-light conditions, also capable of recording 1080p video.

Sound and Multimedia

The Alcatel A7 XL includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, remaining versatile for audio playback whether you prefer speakers or headphones. This is particularly useful for media consumption and hands-free activities.

Communication Features

For wireless communication, the device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing easy connection to wireless networks and other devices. Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP and LE is onboard, offering efficient wireless data transfers and connectivity to peripherals like wireless headphones and speakers. It also features GPS for navigation needs, FM radio for on-the-go entertainment, and it charges via a microUSB 2.0 port, which is standard for devices from this era.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Alcatel A7 XL is equipped with several sensors, including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for security, an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors contribute to a range of functionalities, from securing the device to enhancing app functionalities.

Battery Life

Battery performance is one of the stronger aspects of the Alcatel A7 XL, featuring a non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery. It supports 15W wired charging, which provides efficient power replenishment. According to manufacturer specifications, the device can achieve a standby time of up to 800 hours on 2G networks and 750 hours on 3G networks. Talk time is up to 18 hours on 2G and 17 hours on 3G, making it reliable for users needing prolonged battery life throughout the day.

Price and Availability

Lastly, the Alcatel A7 XL was priced around 260 EUR at launch, which positioned it as a mid-range device accessible to a wide range of consumers. Its feature set, considering the market of 2017, made it an appealing choice for those looking for a large display and decent photography capabilities at a reasonable price.

Conclusion

In summary, the Alcatel A7 XL offers a respectable blend of features for a mid-range smartphone. It caters well to users desiring a large display, reliable performance, and enhanced battery life. While the Android 7.1 OS is outdated by today's standards, during its release, it provided users with sufficient functionality. Its dual-camera setup provided adequate photography opportunities, especially for its price range. Overall, the Alcatel A7 XL is a device balanced between functionality and cost, making it a competitor in the mid-range smartphone market of its time.