Alcatel Idol 2 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build

The Alcatel Idol 2 boasts a sleek and modern design, reflective of its era. Measuring at 136 x 70 x 7.3 mm and weighing 128 g, it's a lightweight device that fits comfortably in the hand. The slimness of 7.3 mm is particularly impressive, providing an elegant, streamlined look. The device was available in a variety of color options including Slate, Chocolate, White, and Hot Pink, allowing users to express their personal style.

Display

The 5.0-inch IPS LCD display offers a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, making it suitable for watching videos and browsing the web albeit at a lower density of around 220 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 72.4% ensures that the device feels modern, with minimal bezels offering a more immersive viewing experience, while the multi-touch capability enhances user interaction.

Performance

Under the hood, the Idol 2 is powered by a quad-core 1.3 GHz CPU, providing satisfactory performance for basic tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming. Coupled with 1GB RAM, it handles multitasking with ease although it might struggle with more demanding applications. The internal storage options of 8GB and 16GB are expandable via a microSDHC slot, allowing users to store more media and apps.

Camera

The Alcatel Idol 2 features an 8MP rear camera with autofocus, LED flash, panorama, and HDR capabilities. This setup is capable of capturing fairly detailed images and videos for casual photography. The 2MP front-facing camera is suitable for selfies and video calls, though the quality is quite basic by today's standards.

Battery Life

The device is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. Stand-by time reaches up to 550 hours on 2G and 600 hours on 3G, while talk time goes up to 15 hours on 2G and 10 hours on 3G. This makes it reliable for a full day of moderate use but may require more frequent charging with intensive use.

Software

The Idol 2 runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean out of the box and can be upgraded to Android 4.4 KitKat. This operating system version offers a range of features that were cutting-edge at the time, such as improved interface, enhanced multi-tasking, and better notifications management. However, due to its older version, it lacks some features available in the newer Android iterations.

Connectivity and Network

The Alcatel Idol 2 supports GSM and HSPA technologies, providing good connectivity options for its time. It includes 2G and 3G bands with a maximum speed of HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, suitable for browsing and lightweight online activities. It also features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC, ensuring versatile connection options.

Additional Features

The phone is packed with essential sensors like the accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass which contribute to its navigational and orientational features. The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a benefit, allowing users to connect to a wide range of audio peripherals.

Market and Pricing

Upon its release in Q2 of 2014, the Alcatel Idol 2 was priced around 200 EUR. This positioned it in the mid-range market, targeting consumers seeking a balance between affordability and capability. Its price and features made it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable smartphone experience.

Conclusion

The Alcatel Idol 2, with its elegant design, adequate performance, and decent camera capabilities, served as a compelling choice in the mid-range smartphone category during its time. While it may not compete with modern smartphones' high-end features, it delivered satisfactory performance and versatility at a competitive price point, making it a notable entry in Alcatel's smartphone lineup.