Alcatel Tetra Unveiled Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Alcatel Tetra Overview

The Alcatel Tetra is a budget-friendly smartphone that was announced and released in September 2018. Designed for those who need a basic smartphone at an affordable price, it offers essential features without any bells and whistles. It's a practical choice for users looking for a reliable device for everyday tasks.

Design and Build

The Alcatel Tetra showcases a straightforward design characterized by its compact form factor. It weighs 150 grams and measures 142.5 x 71.9 x 9.4 mm, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. The body is constructed from plastic, which is typical in smartphone offerings in this price range. The phone is available in a sleek Stealth Black color, providing a minimalist and unobtrusive appearance. It also supports Nano-SIM, which is a standard feature among its contemporaries.

Display

The device features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, which offers decent viewing angles and color reproduction for daily usage. With a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, users can expect basic clarity and sharpness. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 67.2%, providing a sufficient viewable area. Additionally, the display is protected by Asahi Dragontrail Glass, offering a degree of resistance to scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the Alcatel Tetra is powered by a Mediatek MT6739WM chipset, featuring a Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and the PowerVR GE8100 GPU. While not designed for high-end gaming or intense multitasking, it can efficiently handle everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and light applications. The device comes with 2GB of RAM, adequate for basic multitasking, and 16GB of internal storage. For users who require more storage, there's the option to expand using a microSDXC card, thanks to its dedicated slot.

Camera

The Alcatel Tetra is equipped with a single 5MP autofocus rear camera. It includes features like LED flash and HDR, enabling users to capture standard quality images in various lighting conditions. The rear camera can record video in 720p at 30fps, which is suitable for casual video recording needs. On the front, the device sports a 2MP camera, capable of capturing basic selfies and engaging in video calls, also with 720p video recording capability.

Battery Life

One of the notable aspects of the Alcatel Tetra is its removable Li-Ion 2050 mAh battery. This ensures ease of replacement, which is becoming less common in modern smartphones. The battery capacity is modest by contemporary standards; however, considering the low-power hardware, it should comfortably last through a day of regular usage, covering tasks like calling, messaging, and light app usage.

Software

Running on Android 8.1 (Oreo), the Alcatel Tetra offers a user-friendly interface combined with the essential features of the Oreo version. This includes notification enhancements, picture-in-picture mode for multitasking, and improved battery management features. While it's an older version of the Android operating system, it provides reliability and familiarity for users who do not require the latest updates or features.

Network and Connectivity

The Alcatel Tetra supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks. It provides basic connectivity with features like Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS for location services, FM Radio, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. However, it lacks NFC support, which might be a downside for users who rely on contactless payment methods. The device also includes essential sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor.

Audio and Additional Features

For audio, the Alcatel Tetra is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who prefer wired audio accessories. The presence of FM radio adds an option for users interested in traditional radio listening. While it doesn't include advanced features often found in higher-end devices, it covers the fundamentals for most audio needs.

Pricing and Availability

The Alcatel Tetra was priced at approximately 40 EUR at launch, highlighting its position as a budget-friendly offering in the market. Its affordability, combined with essential smartphone features, makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers or those in need of a secondary device for travel or specific tasks.

Conclusion

In summary, the Alcatel Tetra stands as a testament to providing essential smartphone functionality at an economical price point. Its straightforward design, basic performance capabilities, and necessary features make it suitable for users with minimalistic needs or those stepping into smartphone ownership for the first time. While it may not cater to power users or those seeking advanced capabilities, it offers a practical solution for everyday communication and connectivity requirements.