Alcatel Pixi 8 Comprehensive Review and Insights

Introduction to Alcatel Pixi 8

The Alcatel Pixi 8 is a compact yet functional tablet designed for those who seek fundamental features for their computing needs. Launched in mid-2014, this device catered to budget-conscious consumers. Although it was discontinued a few years after its release, the Pixi 8 offers a practical glimpse into the technological trends of its time.

Design and Build

The Pixi 8 has a straightforward and utilitarian design. It measures 209 x 124.5 x 9 mm and weighs 325 grams, making it a portable device that fits comfortably in the hands. The tablet comes in three color options: Bluish Black, Chocolate, and Aubergine. Its exterior is constructed to balance durability with cost-effectiveness, which is typical for devices in this price range.

Display

Sporting an 8.0-inch TFT display, the Alcatel Pixi 8 delivers a screen resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels with an approximate pixel density of 189 ppi. The display produces adequate color and brightness levels for casual multimedia consumption and does a reasonable job for basic tasks like browsing and reading.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Pixi 8 is equipped with an unspecified processor that aligns with its positioning as an entry-level device. Users have the option between two models regarding RAM and internal storage: one model offers 4GB storage with 512MB RAM (primarily in the EMEA region), while another provides 8GB of internal storage with 1GB of RAM (available in the LATAM region). The storage is further expandable via a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing users to store additional files and applications.

Operating System and User Interface

Alcatel shipped the Pixi 8 with Android 4.4.2 KitKat, a popular version of the Android operating system at the time of release. This OS provides access to a wide range of apps available through the Google Play Store, although some newer apps may not be compatible due to system limitations.

Camera

The Pixi 8 features basic camera capabilities. Both the main and selfie cameras are VGA (0.3MP), which provides minimal quality for capturing images and video. The camera design aligns more with practical needs rather than capturing high-quality photos or videos, suitable for video calls or quick snapshots.

Battery Life

It is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3240 mAh battery, which is decent for a tablet of its capacity. While the battery may not support prolonged heavy usage, it is capable of offering satisfactory standby time and usage for everyday tasks.

Connectivity

The Alcatel Pixi 8 does not come with cellular connectivity, limiting its use to areas with Wi-Fi access. Despite this, it supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot. The device lacks Bluetooth connectivity but compensates with a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging. Other connectivity features include GPS and an infrared port, though it lacks NFC and radio features.

Audio

In terms of audio, the Pixi 8 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring basic audio output capabilities. This setup is sufficient for media consumption, be it watching videos or listening to music via headphones.

Market Position and Pricing

Positioned as an affordable entry-level tablet, the Pixi 8 was sold at around 100 EUR during its market availability. This pricing made it accessible to a wider range of consumers who needed a straightforward computing device without the need for high-end specifications.

Conclusion

The Alcatel Pixi 8 serves as a testament to the early 2010s approach to budget-friendly technology. While technology has since advanced significantly, devices like the Pixi 8 provided the requisite functionality at an affordable price for their time. Its simple design, essential feature set, and dependability on Wi-Fi connectivity marked its role as a secondary device for light use.