Alcatel Idol 2 Mini Complete Specs Pros and Cons Revealed

Overview

The Alcatel Idol 2 Mini is a smartphone that was introduced in February 2014 and released in the second quarter of the same year. It has since been discontinued but remains a notable model from Alcatel, especially for users who prefer compact devices. The Alcatel Idol 2 Mini combined decent performance with affordability, making it attractive for budget-conscious consumers at the time.

Network and Connectivity

The Alcatel Idol 2 Mini supports GSM/HSPA technology. It features 2G bands covering GSM 850/900/1800/1900, and 3G bands on HSDPA 900/2100. The device offers HSPA speeds of up to 42.2/5.76 Mbps, enabling fast mobile internet for its time. However, it does not support newer LTE networks, which may limit its use in areas that have transitioned away from 2G and 3G services.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 129 x 63.5 x 7.9 mm and a weight of 110 grams, the Alcatel Idol 2 Mini is light and compact. It fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to carry. The phone comes with either a Single SIM or a Dual SIM option (both Micro-SIM). The design emphasizes portability without compromising on style. It offers four color options: Cloudy, White, Hot Pink, and Slate.

Display

The device features a 4.5-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, maintaining a 16:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of approximately 245 ppi. The screen size and quality are suitable for basic smartphone activities such as browsing, messaging, and video playback. It also includes Asahi Dragontrail Glass for protection and an oleophobic coating to resist fingerprints.

Performance and Platform

Powering the Alcatel Idol 2 Mini is a quad-core 1.2 GHz processor with Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to Android 4.4 (KitKat). The device manages general tasks with relative ease, though it may struggle with more demanding applications due to hardware constraints. It includes 1GB of RAM, which was typical for mid-range smartphones during its release.

Storage

The Alcatel Idol 2 Mini comes in two storage variants: 4GB with 1GB RAM for single SIM models and 8GB with 1GB RAM for dual SIM models. These configurations may seem limiting by current standards but were adequate for moderate use. Additionally, the phone features a microSDHC slot for expandable storage, offering flexibility for users needing more space for apps and media.

Camera

The main camera is an 8 MP sensor with autofocus, equipped with features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR, allowing for basic photography in various conditions. It can also record video at 720p@30fps. The front-facing camera is a VGA sensor, which, while not suitable for high-quality selfies, is usable for video calls.

Sound and Multimedia

The phone includes a loudspeaker for audio playback and has a 3.5mm headphone jack, accommodating users who prefer wired audio solutions. It supports standard media playback, making it a viable option for consuming audio and video content.

Connectivity

For wireless connectivity, the Alcatel Idol 2 Mini supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP ensures wireless communication with compatible devices. GPS is available for navigation. However, the lack of NFC limits its use in contactless payment systems. The device also includes a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Sensors and Additional Features

The phone is equipped with basic sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors facilitate essential functions like screen rotation and basic gaming features, enhancing user experience. The absence of advanced sensors like a gyro may limit its use for certain applications.

Battery Life

With a non-removable Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, the Alcatel Idol 2 Mini achieves moderate battery life. It offers up to 450 hours of standby on 2G and up to 400 hours on 3G, with talk time reaching up to 12 hours on 2G and up to 5 hours on 3G. These figures indicate reasonable endurance for light to moderate use but may fall short for heavy users.

Price and Market Position

At its release, the Alcatel Idol 2 Mini was priced at approximately 160 EUR, positioning it as an affordable option for budget-conscious consumers seeking a balance between cost and functionality. The device has been discontinued, but it served as a reliable choice during its market life for those requiring essential smartphone capabilities without premium features.

Conclusion

The Alcatel Idol 2 Mini, with its compact design, adequate performance, and affordable price, catered to users prioritizing value and portability. Despite its limitations in processing power and storage, the device was suitable for everyday tasks at its time of release. Though no longer available in the market, it remains a testament to Alcatel's efforts in delivering accessible smartphone technology.