Unveiling the Alcatel Hero 8 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network

The Alcatel Hero 8 supports a wide range of network technologies. It is equipped with GSM, HSPA, and LTE capabilities, which at the time of its release allowed for flexibility in connectivity. This device supports 2G bands with frequencies GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, 3G bands with frequencies HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100, and 4G LTE bands such as 1, 3, 7, 8, and 20. This ensures users can enjoy not only voice calls but also robust data services across many regions globally. The HSPA network provides speeds of up to 42.2/11.5 Mbps, and LTE Cat4 offers up to 150/50 Mbps, which was quite competitive at the time of its release.

Launch

The Alcatel Hero 8 was announced in September 2014 and subsequently released in December 2014. Although the tablet is now discontinued, when it was introduced, it targeted an audience seeking a balance between portability and functionality with competitive features for its time.

Body

The design of the Alcatel Hero 8 is sleek and portable, with dimensions of 209 x 122 x 7.3 mm, making it a practical option for users who need to carry their tablet on the go. Weighing 310 grams, it offers a balance between a lightweight feel and solid durability. The device accepts a Micro-SIM, facilitating not just data use but also voice call capabilities, a feature not common to all tablets.

Display

The Hero 8 is equipped with an 8.0-inch IPS LCD display, which provides vibrant color and wide viewing angles. With a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels at a 16:10 ratio, it offers sharp visuals at approximately 283 pixels per inch (ppi). The screen-to-body ratio stands at about 72.8%, offering an immersive viewing space for media consumption. The display is fortified with Asahi Dragontrail Glass accompanied by an oleophobic coating, providing resistance against scratches and smudges.

Platform

Operating on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the Hero 8 avails users a direct and intuitive interface. It runs on the Mediatek MT8392 chipset, built using a 28 nm process, which balances performance with power efficiency. The octa-core processor clocks at 2.0 GHz Cortex-A7, providing adequate power for most everyday tasks and applications. The GPU is a Mali-450MP4, which supports multimedia and gaming experiences with acceptable graphics performance.

Memory

The tablet offers multiple storage options: 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB, paired consistently with 2GB of RAM irrespective of the chosen storage size. This ensures a baseline of multitasking capability across all models. Additionally, the Hero 8 features a dedicated slot for microSDHC cards, allowing users to expand their storage further, making it suitable for users with extensive media collections or app needs.

Main Camera

The Alcatel Hero 8 sports a single rear camera configuration. The 5 MP autofocus camera, supplemented by an LED flash, is capable of capturing moments effectively at a basic level. It records video at 1080p at 30 frames per second, which at the time provided satisfactory quality for personal and occasional professional use.

Selfie Camera

On the front, the Hero 8 features a 2 MP camera supporting video recording at 1080p@30fps. While modest by today’s standards, it was adequate for video calls and straightforward selfies during its time, catering to the growing trend of social media sharing and communication.

Sound

The device incorporates a loudspeaker for audio playback and alerts as well as a 3.5mm audio jack which allows for private listening through standard headphones. This feature supports a wide variety of audio peripherals, offering flexibility for users in different environments, from public transport to private listening sessions.

Comms

The Hero 8 offers comprehensive communication features, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot functionality, making it versatile for various wireless networking scenarios. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP ensures easy and effective wireless pairing with peripherals. The inclusion of GPS and GLONASS enhances navigation capabilities. Additionally, NFC and an infrared port expand connectivity and control options, such as contactless payment and remote control functionalities. A stereo FM radio equipped with RDS enriches the media experience, while microUSB 2.0 ports provide connectivity for data transfer and charging.

Features

The device is equipped with an array of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro sensor, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors collectively improve usability in various applications such as gaming, augmented reality, and smart power management.

Battery

The Alcatel Hero 8 is powered by a 4060 mAh Li-Ion battery, which is non-removable. This capacity was quite competitive, allowing for extended use suitable for work and leisure, ensuring that users can rely on the device throughout their day without constant charging needs.

Misc

The tablet was made available in a Dark Gray color scheme, presenting a professional and sleek aesthetic. Initially priced at about 280 EUR, the device offered a cost-effective option for users seeking a reliable Android-based tablet with a balanced feature set.