Alcatel’s OneTouch series of smartphones are flagship devices that are available unlocked in the U.S. from prepaid carrier Cricket Wireless. The phones run a clean version of Android, though there are some carrier apps bundled in.
While the devices are less expensive than flagship phones from Samsung and Google, they don’t look cheap and perform nearly as well. Alcatel’s other Android phones, including the 1 series are a mix of entry-level and mid-range devices. Here’s a look at the latest Alcatel OneTouch phones.
Alcatel OneTouch Idol 5
Display: 5.2-in IPS LCDResolution: 1080x1920 @ 423ppiFront camera: 5 MPRear camera: 13 MPCharger type: USB-CInitial Android version: 7.1 NougatFinal Android version: UndeterminedRelease Date: September 2017
The OneTouch Idol 5 is VR-ready, but it doesn’t come with Alcatel’s UNI360 VR headset like the Idol 4 does. That’s not a big deal as the UNI360 sells at a low price, and you don’t have to worry about having an extra device you won’t use if you’re not interested in virtual reality. The Idol 5 has an all-metal body, compared to the Idol 4’s glass and metal construction. Oddly, it lacks a fingerprint sensor, which is now found on most smartphones, regardless of the price point. Its battery life is also so-so, but it does support wireless charging. The phone runs close to a stock Android, though there are some Cricket Wireless apps pre-installed. With only 16 GB of built-in storage, you’ll want to supplement that with a memory card (the phone supports up to 256 GB cards.)
Alcatel OneTouch Idol 4
Display: 5.2-in IPS LCDResolution: 1080x1920 @ 424ppiFront camera: 8 MPRear camera: 13 MPCharger type: micro USBInitial Android version: 6.0 MarshmallowFinal Android version: UndeterminedRelease Date: June 2016
The OneTouch Idol 4 smartphone comes with a VR headset, Alcatel’s UNI360 Goggles. However, the smartphone can’t render virtual reality video very well, resulting in a blurry experience most of the time. The phone also has a customizable button called a Boom key that can open a weather widget or open or trigger the camera. It has a glass and metal construction compared to the Idol 3’s plastic body and also features a version of Android that’s close to stock. However, its battery doesn’t last as long as the Idol 3’s — though it thankfully supports fast charging. The Idol 4 has only 16 GB of onboard storage, but you can supplement that with a memory card.
Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3
Display: 5.5-in IPS LCDResolution: 1080x1920 @ 401ppiFront camera: 8 MPRear camera: 13 MPCharger type: micro USBInitial Android version: 5.0 LollipopFinal Android version: UndeterminedRelease Date: June 2015
The OneTouch Idol 3 was Alcatel’s first flagship device sold in the U.S.; the company previously only offered entry-level models. It has premium-level features, including a high-resolution screen, powerful built-in speakers, and a near-pure version of Android. The phone has only 16 GB of storage, but you can expand that with a memory card. The Idol 3 has a plastic body, a decent battery, and the occasional hiccup in performance, but it’s otherwise a great device.
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