Alcatel Idol X Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Alcatel Idol X

The Alcatel Idol X, released in 2013, was a significant entry into the smartphone market for Alcatel. Known for its sleek design and impressive display, the device catered to users who were looking for an affordable high-performance phone. This smartphone was produced in an era where competition was fierce, and Alcatel managed to make a mark with the Idol X, offering a balanced blend of performance, design, and features.

Design and Build Quality

The Alcatel Idol X boasts a slim profile with dimensions of 140.4 x 67.5 x 6.9 mm and weighing just 130 grams. Its lightweight and thin design made it a go-to choice for users who preferred portable and comfortable smartphones. From a design perspective, the Idol X featured a minimalist aesthetic complemented by a robust build, available in various colors such as blue, black, red, and yellow. The device accommodated both single and dual SIM configurations, offering flexibility to users.

Display

The device features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, translating to an impressive pixel density of approximately 441 ppi. This results in sharp, vivid imagery and bright colors, perfect for media consumption and gaming. The screen-to-body ratio of around 72.7% ensures that the device is compact without compromising on display size. Protection-wise, the screen is equipped with scratch-resistant glass, adding durability to its list of attributes.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Alcatel Idol X is powered by a Mediatek MT6589 chipset built on a 28 nm process. It features a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and a PowerVR SGX544 GPU, providing adequate performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The device was marketed with either 8GB or 16GB of internal storage, paired with 2GB of RAM. Users also have the option to expand storage via a microSDHC card slot.

Operating System and Software

Running on Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean, the Idol X delivered a user-friendly experience with smooth navigation and access to a range of applications from the Google Play Store. Given the era of its release, this operating system provided users with several useful features and a decent level of customization.

Camera Capabilities

The smartphone holds its ground in terms of photography with a 13.1 MP rear camera equipped with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of producing high-quality images and shooting 1080p videos at 30fps. This was a competitive specification in 2013. Additionally, the front-facing camera is 2.1 MP, sufficient for video calls and basic selfies.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable 2000 mAh Li-Ion battery. Though not exceptionally large, the battery provides a stand-by time of up to 440 hours on 2G and 340 hours on 3G networks. For talk time, it supports up to 11 hours on 2G and up to 7 hours on 3G, with music playback capability of up to 36 hours, catering well to moderate users.

Network and Connectivity

The Alcatel Idol X supports GSM and HSPA technologies, with 2G and 3G bands for versatility in mobile connectivity. The device's HSPA feature allows for speeds up to 42.2 Mbps for downloads, making it competitive in its time for mobile web use. In terms of other connectivity options, the Idol X is equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and FM radio. Notably, NFC is absent, which might have been a consideration for tech enthusiasts seeking this feature.

Additional Features

The phone includes a suite of sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. For audio, the device has a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and a loudspeaker for media playback. The Idol X was marketed with different model numbers such as 6040D, 6040E, 6040, and 6040A, and offered at an approximate price of 370 EUR.

Conclusion

The Alcatel Idol X was a robust contender in the smartphone market at the time of its release. Its key strengths lay in its display quality, slim design, and adequate performance for the average user. Though it is now discontinued, the Idol X remains a testament to Alcatel's ability to offer value-driven smartphones with appealing design and functionality.