Price and specifications of alcatel Fire S advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview

The Alcatel Fire S represents an intriguing proposition in the world of smartphones, primarily for being one of the few devices running on the Firefox OS. Launched initially at the Mobile World Congress in 2014, the Fire S was later cancelled, yet it showcased a distinct attempt to diversify the mobile operating system landscape, which was otherwise dominated by Android and iOS.

Design and Build

The design of the Alcatel Fire S adheres to the contemporary aesthetics of its time, featuring dimensions of 129.5 x 63.5 x 8.5 mm and a weight of 126 grams. It showcases a sleek silhouette with gentle curves, making it comfortable to hold. The use of a Micro-SIM slot indicates its positioning in the semi-budget range during its planned release. A notable design aspect is the 4.5-inch IPS LCD display, which constitutes approximately 67.9% of the device's front, offering vibrant colors and decent viewing angles for media consumption.

Display

The 4.5-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels and a pixel density of around 245 ppi provides a satisfactory visual experience. The oleophobic coating on the display helps reduce smudges and fingerprints, which is a nice touch for a device aimed at the entry-level market. While not groundbreaking, the display is adequate for daily use, providing clear text and reasonably sharp images.

Platform and Performance

Running on Firefox OS, beginning with version 2.0 and upgradable to 2.1, the Alcatel Fire S offers an alternative approach with a focus on open-source technologies. The operating system is designed to optimize web-based applications, which operate more like HTML5-based apps rather than traditional static apps, pushing for a unique user experience.

Under the hood, the device is powered by a Quad-core 1.2 GHz processor. Coupled with 1 GB of RAM, the performance is somewhat modest by today's standards but was designed to offer smooth navigation through the Firefox operating system and its app ecosystem.

Memory and Storage

The internal storage capacity is limited to 4 GB, a restrictive allowance for media-heavy users but sufficient for basic applications and storage. However, the presence of a dedicated microSDHC card slot allows users to expand storage, providing the flexibility to store photos, music, and other media.

Camera Capabilities

The Alcatel Fire S is equipped with a 5 MP main camera, featuring autofocus and LED flash, enabling it to capture adequate photos in decent lighting conditions. Additional features such as HDR support boost the quality of photos by balancing the exposure in varied lighting scenarios. Video recording is supported at 1080p@30fps, which is impressive for a device in its class.

Although the 2 MP selfie camera is modest, it serves its purpose for video calls and basic portrait shots.

Network and Connectivity

The Fire S supports a wide range of connectivity options, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE bands. LTE Cat4 provides download speeds of up to 150/50 Mbps, catering to fast data needs. The device also supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct and hotspot capabilities, offering solid wireless connectivity options. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS for navigation, NFC (in model 6038Y), and FM radio with RDS further enhance its communication features. The microUSB 2.0 port is the primary interface for charging and data transfer.

Additional Features

Alcatel Fire S comes with essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass which contribute to the device's functional utility in various apps including navigation and gaming.

Battery Life

A removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery powers the Fire S, offering a reasonable amount of power to sustain daily operations under normal usage scenarios. While not particularly large, the battery complements the device's hardware and software efficiency, given the modest processing needs.

Conclusion

Although the Alcatel Fire S did not reach the market, it stands out as a noteworthy example of the diversification attempts in the smartphone industry. With a focus on open-source platforms via Firefox OS, the device was targeted at users eager for an alternative to the conventional operating systems. Key highlights such as LTE support, the expandable storage option, and the unique use of Firefox OS made the Fire S a captivating prospect during its announcement. While its journey was cut short, the Alcatel Fire S remains a significant entry in the chronicles of mobile technology advancement.