Alcatel Idol 5 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Alcatel Idol 5

The Alcatel Idol 5, released in September 2017, represents a mid-range smartphone offering from Alcatel. It is designed to cater to users seeking a balance between cost and functionality. The device is available in Metal Silver and Metal Black, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic. With a price of approximately 120 EUR, the Idol 5 offers various features and specifications aimed at providing a seamless user experience.

Design and Build

The Idol 5's design is characterized by its compact dimensions of 148 x 73 x 7.5 mm and a weight of 155 grams. This provides ease of handling and portability. The phone houses a Nano-SIM slot and is protected by Asahi Dragontrail Glass, which ensures durability against everyday scratches and drops. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 69.3%, the device manages to balance screen size with practical ergonomics.

Display

Alcatel Idol 5 sports a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 423 ppi. This ensures sharp and vibrant visuals, improving the user's overall viewing experience. The display is protected with an oleophobic coating that reduces fingerprints and smudges.

Performance and Platform

The device runs on Android 7.1 (Nougat), delivering a smooth performance for most applications commonly used by consumers. Under the hood, it is powered by the Mediatek MT6753 chipset with a Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a Mali-T720MP3 GPU. This configuration provides sufficient processing power for everyday tasks and moderate gaming applications.

Memory and Storage

Alcatel Idol 5 comes with 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC card slot. It features 3GB of RAM, making multitasking relatively efficient on the device. However, power users may need to rely on external storage solutions given the modest internal memory.

Camera Capabilities

The phone is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera with an aperture of f/2.0. It includes features such as phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and Dual-LED dual-tone flash, enabling decent photography capabilities in various lighting conditions. The camera can shoot videos at 1080p@30fps. On the front, there's a 5 MP camera with an f/2.4 aperture, capable of recording 720p videos, which is suitable for selfies and video calls.

Sound and Audio

The Idol 5 includes a loudspeaker and retains the 3.5mm audio jack, supporting various headphones and external speakers. The audio quality from the speakers is satisfactory for most users, with the additional benefit of having FM radio capability for entertainment on the go.

Connectivity and Communication

The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth 4.2, facilitating a range of connectivity options. It includes GPS and GLONASS for location-based services. However, NFC support is not present on this model. Users can take advantage of microUSB 2.0 for data transfer and charging, with the added utility of USB OTG function.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Alcatel Idol 5 is equipped with several sensors including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance the user interaction with the phone, providing added security and functionality.

Battery Life

Fueled by a non-removable Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery, the Idol 5 offers moderate battery life. It supports a full day of usage with typical tasks, although power users might find the need for more frequent charging.

Network Capabilities

The device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, ensuring versatile network connectivity. It operates on multiple frequency bands: for 2G (GSM 850/900/1800/1900), 3G (HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100), and 4G LTE bands 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28. This makes the device compatible with several international network carriers.

Conclusion

The Alcatel Idol 5, with its balanced design and features, offers decent performance for its price point. While not positioned as a high-end device, its specifications cater well to users looking for cost-effective functionality. With its robust build, dependable camera, and adequate performance, the Idol 5 remains a feasible choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable smartphone experience.