Alcatel One Touch Scribe X Comprehensive Review & Insights

Overview of Alcatel One Touch Scribe X

The Alcatel One Touch Scribe X was introduced in 2013 as a part of Alcatel's effort to solidify its presence in the mid-range smartphone market. With a focus on balancing performance, display quality, and camera capability, the device targeted users looking for a versatile smartphone experience. Although the model is now discontinued, it remains a noteworthy example of the technological advancements of its time.

Design and Build

The Alcatel One Touch Scribe X boasts a sleek design characterized by its slim dimensions of 144 x 75 x 8.5 mm. Although precise weight details are unavailable, the device was designed to be lightweight and easily manageable. The phone utilized a Micro-SIM card and featured a contemporary design in multiple colors, including White Devil, Black Devil, Twilight Blue, Carpet, Anodized Bluish Black, and others, allowing consumers to choose a style that suited their preferences.

Display

Equipped with a 5.0-inch TFT display, the Scribe X aimed to offer a detailed and vibrant viewing experience. It featured a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, resulting in an impressive pixel density of approximately 441 ppi. This high resolution made it ideal for media consumption, providing crisp and clear visuals. Although it covered 63.8% of the phone's body, the display was designed to offer an immersive experience well-suited to various applications, from video streaming to web browsing.

Performance

Under the hood, the device was powered by the MediaTek MT6589 chipset, built on a 28 nm process. It housed a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and a PowerVR SGX544 GPU, which together ensured smooth operational performance for everyday tasks. The Scribe X came with 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, which could be expanded via a microSDHC card slot. This combination was designed to handle moderate multitasking and app usage efficiently.

Camera Capabilities

A focal point for many users was the 12 MP primary camera equipped with autofocus and an LED flash for improved night photography. This camera was capable of capturing 1080p video at 30 frames per second, making it suitable for high-definition video capture. The 1 MP front-facing camera catered to basic selfie needs and video calling, offering functionality that was standard for devices of that era.

Battery Life

The device included a removable Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery, a feature which provided the convenience of replacing the battery without specialized tools. According to the specs, users could expect up to 500 hours of standby time on 2G and up to 250 hours on 3G networks. Talk time was rated at up to 9 hours on 2G and 5 hours on 3G, meeting the average user demands for an entire day of regular usage.

Operating System and Software

The Alcatel One Touch Scribe X ran on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a version of Android that was appreciated for its user-friendly interface and smooth performance improvements over its predecessors. This operating system provided access to the Google Play Store, where users could download a wide array of apps to enhance their smartphone experience.

Network and Connectivity

Amenable to GSM and HSPA networks, the Scribe X supported 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 900/2100). It provided HSPA speeds of 42.2/5.76 Mbps, ensuring satisfactory internet browsing and download performance over mobile data. Connectivity options included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, a hotspot feature, Bluetooth 4.0, and a microUSB 2.0 port. The phone also included GPS positioning but lacked NFC capabilities.

Additional Features

For avid radio listeners, the Scribe X was equipped with a stereo FM radio with RDS, providing entertainment without the need for internet connectivity. Audio functionalities included a 3.5mm jack for headphones and a loudspeaker for hands-free calling or media playback. The device also incorporated sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its utility and interactivity.

Market Impact and Legacy

Upon its release, the Alcatel One Touch Scribe X was priced at approximately 620 EUR, appealing to consumers seeking a capable and beautifully designed smartphone. While newer technologies have since eclipsed its specifications, the Scribe X stands as a testament to Alcatel's commitment to producing quality smartphones with a strong balance of performance and value.