Alcatel Pixi 3 5 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Uncovered

Network

The Alcatel Pixi 3 (5) supports a variety of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring a broad range of connectivity options. The 2G bands comprise GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, covering a well-rounded spectrum for basic connectivity. For more advanced communications, the device supports 3G bands at HSDPA 900 / 2100 and several 4G bands including 1, 3, 7, 8, and 20, specifically for the EMEA region. Its speed capabilities are up to HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps for faster internet browsing and downloads.

Launch

Announced in January 2015 and released in August of the same year, the Alcatel Pixi 3 (5) soon became popular due to its affordability and features. However, it has now been discontinued, making it a piece of noteworthy history in the evolution of budget smartphones.

Body

The smartphone's dimensions are 141 x 71.5 x 10 mm, which translates to a balanced design that is both compact and ergonomic. While the exact weight is unspecified, the device supports either a single SIM (Micro-SIM) or a dual SIM setup. This feature allows users to switch between two carriers seamlessly, beneficial for frequent travelers or those using separate numbers for work and personal life.

Display

Alcatel Pixi 3 (5) comes with a 5.0-inch TFT display. Although it may not match the sharpness or vibrancy of more modern screens, the 480 x 854 pixels resolution provides adequate visuals for everyday tasks. The display covers approximately 68.3% of the body, offering a decent screen-to-body ratio for an entry-level smartphone.

Platform

The device operates on Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) or Android 5.0 (Lollipop) for the 4G model, with a chipset of Mediatek MT6570 (28 nm) for the 3G model and Qualcomm MSM8909 for the 4G model. The CPU powers this smartphone with a Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 for the 3G model, while the 4G variant runs on a faster Quad-core 1.1 GHz processor. A Mali-400 GPU handles graphical tasks, offering a decent performance for typical applications and games available at the time of its release.

Memory

The Alcatel Pixi 3 (5) provides a reasonable storage solution for basic needs. It comes with internal options of 4GB 512MB RAM or 8GB with 1GB RAM in the 4G model. If additional storage is needed, users can expand it via a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing them to carry more applications, photos, and music.

Main Camera

Equipped with either a 5 MP or 8 MP autofocus main camera, the device enables users to capture everyday moments with ease. The LED flash improves photo quality in low-light conditions. Additionally, the camera features video recording at 720p@30fps, allowing for decent quality video capturing.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera on the Alcatel Pixi 3 (5) supports 2 MP or VGA resolution, suitable for video calls and simple selfies. However, it’s not equipped for high-quality images, considering the purpose and price range of the device.

Sound

For audio, the Pixi 3 (5) includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack, accommodating traditional headphones and speakers without the need for adapters. This feature remains practical for users who rely on wired audio accessories.

Communications

The smartphone houses basic connectivity options like Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot features, providing users the ability to connect and share internet with other devices. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP is also supported, facilitating easy connection with other Bluetooth-enabled gadgets. Although the phone lacks NFC, it includes GPS for location services, and features FM radio for on-the-go entertainment. MicroUSB 2.0 provides the necessary interface for charging and data transfer.

Features

Essential sensors such as the accelerometer are included, contributing to the usability of the device in detecting motion and orientation, beneficial for gaming and various applications that require such data.

Battery

The battery in the Alcatel Pixi 3 (5) varies depending on the model. The 3G version comes with a removable Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery, capable of enduring up to 510 hours on standby in 2G or 450 hours in 3G, with a talk time of up to 11 hours on 2G and 9 hours on 3G. The 4G model is equipped with a slightly more powerful Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery. These battery capacities provide fair endurance for daily activities, considering the device's capabilities and screen size.

Miscellaneous

Available in classic colors like Black and White, the Alcatel Pixi 3 (5) retailed at approximately 80 EUR, representing an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers searching for a functional smartphone experience.