Alcatel Pixi 3 4 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Alcatel Pixi 3 (4)

The Alcatel Pixi 3 (4) is a budget-friendly smartphone released by Alcatel in January 2015 and later made available to the public in March 2015. Though it is discontinued, it served as an efficient entry-level smartphone known for balancing basic functionality with affordability. This device caters to individuals seeking a simple yet capable smartphone experience.

Design and Body

The Alcatel Pixi 3 (4) comes with a compact design, making it easy to handle due to its dimensions of 121.3 x 64.2 x 11.6 mm and lightweight of 110 g. The device features a plastic body with a simple yet sleek design available in both black and white colors to cater to diverse style preferences. Users could choose between Single SIM or Dual SIM variants, with the 3G model utilizing Mini-SIM and the 4G model offering Micro-SIM compatibility, providing flexibility in network connections.

Display

The Alcatel Pixi 3 (4) boasts a 4.0-inch TFT display that provides a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 58.5%. The screen resolution is set at 480 x 800 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of around 233 ppi. While not high-end, the display is suitable for basic visual tasks such as browsing and media playing, catering to users who need straightforward functionality without intensive graphical requirements.

Platform and Performance

The device originally launched with Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), but users can upgrade to Android 5.0 (Lollipop) for a slightly modernized software experience. The Alcatel Pixi 3 (4) offers different chipset configurations based on the network capability: the 3G model is powered by a Mediatek MT6572M chipset and a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, while the 4G model features a Qualcomm MSM8909 chipset paired with a quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU.

The graphic processing requirements are handled by the Mali-400 GPU for the 3G model and the Adreno 304 GPU for the 4G model. Although these specifications cater to basic processing needs, they ensure smooth performance for daily tasks such as calling, texting, and light browsing.

Memory and Storage

The Alcatel Pixi 3 (4) includes a modest internal storage capacity of 4GB combined with 512MB RAM. While this may seem limited, the device supports expandable storage via a dedicated microSDHC card slot. This allows users to increase storage based on their individual needs for multimedia and apps beyond the device's internal capacity.

Camera Features

The device comes equipped with either a 2 MP or a 5 MP rear camera featuring an LED flash to facilitate shooting in low-light conditions. It is capable of recording videos at 720p@30fps, suitable for basic photography and video needs.

The front-facing camera includes a VGA sensor which, while limited, provides an option for video calls and simple selfies.

Connectivity and Communication

The Alcatel Pixi 3 (4) supports connectivity technologies such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities. This facilitates internet access through both home and public networks. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP support enables wireless communication with other devices.

The device also includes GPS for location services, an FM radio for entertainment, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer purposes. However, the phone does not support NFC, which limits certain wireless payment features.

Battery and Power

Depending on the model, the device houses either a Li-Ion 1400 mAh or a 1650 mAh removable battery. The standby time extends up to 466 hours in 2G mode and up to 350 hours on 3G networks, while talk time ranges up to 8 hours 20 minutes in 2G and up to 7 hours and 40 minutes on 3G networks. Such battery life ensures a sufficient operational period before necessitating a recharge, particularly in light use scenarios.

Conclusion

In summary, the Alcatel Pixi 3 (4) is designed for users who prioritize cost-efficiency and straightforward features in a smartphone. While it may not satisfy the demands of high-performance users, it effectively offers core functionalities suitable for communication, basic multimedia, and internet browsing. As a discontinued model, it represents the evolution of budget devices and the balancing act between price and functionality within the smartphone market.