Alcatel Idol Alpha Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Alcatel Idol Alpha stands out for its innovative design and premium build quality. Crafted with precision, the phone features a sleek profile with dimensions of 138 x 66.6 x 7.5 mm, making it comfortable to hold and use. Weighing just 117.4 grams, the device is remarkably light, yet it exudes a sense of robustness thanks to its high-quality materials. The glass front is protected by Asahi Dragontrail Glass, which not only ensures durability but also adds a touch of elegance to the device. The oleophobic coating further enhances the user experience by reducing fingerprints and smudges on the screen.

Display

The Alcatel Idol Alpha comes equipped with a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display, which offers vibrant color reproduction and wide viewing angles. With a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 312 ppi, the display provides sharp and detailed images, making it suitable for media consumption and daily use. The screen-to-body ratio of around 66.3% ensures that the device remains compact while providing ample screen real estate for users to enjoy their content. The Dragontrail Glass protection also adds a layer of security against accidental drops and scratches.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Alcatel Idol Alpha is powered by a Mediatek MT6589 chipset, quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, and a PowerVR SGX544 GPU. Although it is not the most powerful combination on the market, it provides adequate performance for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, social media, and casual gaming. The device comes with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which is a bit limiting as there is no option for expandable storage. However, the provided space is typically sufficient for users who don’t require extensive app and media storage.

Operating System and User Interface

The Idol Alpha operates on Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), a reliable version of the Android OS with a user-friendly interface. Although it is an older version of Android, it still provides essential features and a smooth user experience. The user interface is intuitive and straightforward, allowing users to navigate easily through their apps and settings. Alcatel has included several customization options to enable users to tailor the device's appearance to their liking.

Camera Capabilities

The Alcatel Idol Alpha features a 13 MP rear camera with autofocus, complemented by an LED flash. The camera supports features such as panorama and HDR, allowing users to capture stunning photos with impressive detail and vibrant colors. The phone also records video at 1080p@30fps, providing smooth and high-quality video capture capabilities. On the front, there is a 1.3 MP selfie camera, which is adequate for video calls and casual self-portraits. While not the most advanced camera system on the market, the Idol Alpha's cameras offer reliable performance for capturing everyday moments.

Battery Life

The device is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. While it may seem modest by today's standards, it is sufficient for the hardware and software combination it supports. The battery can last up to 720 hours on standby in 2G mode and 360 hours on 3G, ensuring that users can get through the day on a single charge under moderate usage. Additionally, the phone provides up to 20 hours of talk time on 2G and up to 10 hours on 3G, which is decent for extended conversations. The music playback time of up to 24 hours is commendable for users who appreciate long listening sessions.

Connectivity and Network

The Alcatel Idol Alpha supports GSM and HSPA technologies, with connectivity options that cover 2G and 3G bands such as GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and HSDPA 900/2100. The maximum speed for HSPA is 42.2/11.5 Mbps, offering reasonably fast mobile internet access for browsing and streaming. Furthermore, the device includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities, allowing users to connect to wireless networks seamlessly. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP support, GPS, FM radio with RDS, and a microUSB 2.0 port round out the device's connectivity options.

Audio and Multimedia

For audio enthusiasts, the Alcatel Idol Alpha includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of headphones and earbuds. The device also integrates a loudspeaker, providing clear and audible sound for media playback and calls. The inclusion of FM radio is a notable feature for users who enjoy listening to live broadcasts while on the go.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device is equipped with an array of sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance the device's functionality, allowing for improved responsiveness and interactivity in various applications. Although it lacks NFC capabilities, the Idol Alpha remains a well-rounded smartphone with practical features that cater to everyday needs.

Aesthetics and Color Options

Design is a significant highlight of the Alcatel Idol Alpha, and it is available in several attractive colors. Options include the sleek Slate, Soft Gold/Matte, Soft Gold/Brushed, and Pink Gold/Brushed, allowing users to express their personal style through their choice of device color. Each variant provides a distinct look, ensuring that users can select a model that resonates with their aesthetic preferences.

Conclusion

Overall, the Alcatel Idol Alpha is a well-designed smartphone that offers a blend of style, functionality, and performance. While it may not compete with high-end devices in terms of raw power or advanced features, it delivers a satisfactory user experience for those seeking an elegant and reliable mid-range option. With its premium design, vibrant display, and capable camera system, the Idol Alpha caters to users who prioritize aesthetics and usability. Although the lack of expandable storage and more recent software updates may be limitations for some, the device remains a commendable choice in its category.