Newsletter
Alcatel has arrived at MWC 2018 with a barrage of new smartphones to choose from. There are multiple models on offer here, and in some cases, multiple variants of each model, although at the fundamental level, these new arrivals make up the Alcatel 1, 3, and 5 lines. All three lines have been announced together as in spite of their differences they do come with some common traits. The two worth noting are the inclusion of an 18:9 aspect ratio – or as Alcatel calls it, “FullView” – display, and an affordable price.
Of the three new smartphones, the Alcatel 5 is the most premium although even this one is designed with affordability in mind as Alcatel has confirmed the Alcatel 5 will be priced in Europe at €229.99. For that price, and in addition to the 18:9 aspect ratio, the Alcatel 5 features a 5.7-inch display along with a 1,440 x 720 resolution. Although what is likely to be of most interest with this model is the dual front camera setup comprised of a 13-megapixel primary camera along with a 5-megapixel secondary camera. As in addition to having two cameras, this one also features various OTT software tweaks such as Portrait Mode (which can automatically switch to a wide-angle mode when it detects more than one face) and Face Key. The latter of which is face recognition software which Alcatel states can recognize and unlock the phone in under half a second. This is in addition to Social Mode, a suite of editing tools designed to “to take photos in a fun and more efficient way.” As for the rest of the specs, the Alcatel 5 features a 12-megapixel rear camera, a choice of either 2GB RAM/16GB storage or 3GB RAM/32GB storage, a MediaTek MT6750 octa-core SoC, a 3,000 mAh battery, Android 7.0 (Nougat), and a brushed metallic unibody design.
Coming to the Alcatel 3 line, the company states this one is designed to offer a relatively similar experience to the Alcatel 5, but at a cheaper price point. In fact, this line includes more than one model, with the Alcatel 3 being the cheapest option at €149.99, the Alcatel 3X at €179.99 and the Alcatel 3V at €189.99 in Europe. Although at present only the Alcatel 3V is available with the standard model and the X variants are due to become available “in select markets” next month. While all three models do come with a number of the same features (including an 18:9 aspect ratio and Face Key), there are some notable differences. Firstly, in the display department, with the Alcatel 3 equipped with a 5.5-inch (1440 x 720) IPS display, the Alcatel 3X with a 5.7-inch (1440 x 720) IPS display, and the Alcatel 3V with a 6-inch 2K (2160 x 1080) display. Likewise, cameras differ between the models with the 3V loaded with a dual rear camera setup consisting of a 12-megapixel primary camera along with a 2-megapixel secondary camera, the 3X boasts a dual rear camera setup consisting of a 13-megapixel primary camera and a 5-megapixel secondary camera, while the standard 3 model boasts one 12-megapixel rear camera. All three models, however, come equipped with the same 5-megapixel front-facing camera. Adding to the mix, the three also boast different RAM and storage configurations. For example, all three will be available in a 2GB RAM/16GB storage model, although the V model will also be available in 2GB RAM/32GB storage, while the X will be available as a 3GB RAM/32GB storage option. Processors do differ slightly as well although all three sport MediaTek solutions, along with a 3,000 mAh battery. Lastly, the standard and V models are listed as running on Android 8.0 (Oreo) while the X will come running at launch on Android 7.0 (Nougat).
Closing out the list is the Alcatel 1X which is positioned as the entry-level option although this one will also be available in two variants – single-SIM vs dual-SIM – priced at €99.99 and €109.99. Other than that, both models seem to be identical featuring a 5.23-inch display with a 960 x 480 resolution, 1GB RAM, 16GB storage, and a MediaTek MT6739 quad-core processor. Along with an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, Face Key support, a 2,460 mAh battery, and Android 8.1 (Oreo). Both versions of the Alcatel 1X are due to become available in select markets in April.
Alcatel 5
Alcatel 3
Alcatel 3X
Alcatel 3V
Alcatel 1X
