Unveiling Alcatel Fierce XL Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview and Introduction

The Alcatel Fierce XL, released in November 2015, was an attempt by Alcatel to provide users with a practical, budget-friendly smartphone that didn’t compromise on essential features. It was aimed at those who wanted a large screen experience without paying the high prices of flagship devices. With a robust set of features for its time, including a 5.5-inch display, 4G LTE support, and an efficient Snapdragon processor, this device targeted value-conscious consumers.

Design and Build Quality

The Alcatel Fierce XL features a relatively minimalist design that aligns with its budget-friendly orientation. With dimensions of 151.9 x 77.8 x 9.5 mm and a weight of 173 grams, it feels substantial in hand without being unwieldy. The device is constructed with a blend of polycarbonate materials, which, while not as premium as metal or glass, helps keep the weight down and the durability up. The white color option gives it a clean and straightforward appearance. The form factor allows for comfortable handling and usage.

Display

The device sports a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, which offers decent color reproduction and viewing angles, crucial for media consumption and daily tasks. The resolution stands at 720 x 1280 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio, delivering around 267 pixels per inch. While not the sharpest display on the market, it offers satisfactory clarity for everyday use. Additionally, the display is protected by Asahi Dragontrail Glass, providing some resistance against scratches and minor drops.

Performance

Under the hood, the Alcatel Fierce XL is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 chipset, built on a 28nm process. It features a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU clocked at 1.1 GHz, complemented by an Adreno 304 GPU. While not designed for intensive tasks or high-end gaming, this configuration is more than capable of handling basic applications, web browsing, and light multitasking. The 2GB RAM aids in maintaining smooth operation without significant lag, especially for its class.

Memory and Storage

The smartphone comes equipped with 16GB of internal storage. While this might seem restrictive, especially when compared to modern standards, it does include a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to expand the storage further. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who store a large number of photos, videos, or applications on their devices.

Camera

The photography capabilities on the Alcatel Fierce XL include an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of recording videos at 720p@30fps. While modest, this camera performs adequately for casual photography, producing clear and vivid images in good lighting conditions. The 2 MP front-facing camera caters to selfies and video calls, doing a competent job under bright conditions though it isn't exceptional in low light.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial consideration, and the Alcatel Fierce XL is equipped with a Li-Ion 2500 mAh non-removable battery. Despite not being the largest capacity available, it provides decent longevity, offering up to 12 hours of talk time on 3G networks and up to 360 hours of standby time. This battery life enables users to get through a typical day without requiring frequent recharging under moderate usage conditions.

Network and Connectivity

On the connectivity front, the Alcatel Fierce XL supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, aligning with standard network requirements. It covers a comprehensive range of bands for both 3G and 4G networks, ensuring wide compatibility with service providers. In terms of wireless connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.1, and GPS support including GLONASS. The absence of NFC might be a downside for some, but the device's FM radio offers an alternative entertainment option.

Sound and Audio

The device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, facilitating traditional audio connectivity. The sound quality, both for speaker and headphone output, is quite standard, providing adequate volume levels without much distortion when maximizing sound. This makes it suitable for music playback and voice calls.

Operating System and User Interface

Running on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, the Alcatel Fierce XL provides users with a simple yet effective user interface. While Android Lollipop may seem outdated compared to more recent versions, it covers the essentials and supports most mainstream applications without significant issues. The operating system is almost stock, with minimal bloatware, providing a cleaner experience.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Fierce XL comes equipped with standard sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance functionality and user experience, aiding in everything from device orientation to step tracking in fitness applications. However, the device lacks more advanced sensors such as fingerprint scanners or gyroscopes, which are more common in higher-end models.

Price and Value Proposition

Originally priced at about 130 EUR, the Alcatel Fierce XL offers a commendable value proposition for those needing a basic smartphone without excessive frills. While it might not cater to power users or those seeking the latest technologies, it fulfills the needs of consumers prioritizing affordability, simplicity, and functionality.

Conclusion

In summary, the Alcatel Fierce XL strikes a balance between cost and function. It delivers on essential fronts such as display, connectivity, and battery life, making it a suitable choice for entry-level users. The device's limitations, such as its dated software version and modest camera performance, are offset by its competitive pricing and reliable operation for day-to-day tasks. Discontinued now, it stands as a testament to Alcatel's efforts to democratize smartphone accessibility to broader audiences.