Hello! After around 6 full months of owning this phone, I'd like to share my 2 cents.
I bought this back in October and I am an AT&T costumer. It was a simple process of transferring my SIM card form my previous (much older smartphone) to this new Alcatel Idol 3. I had bought a 64gb memory card to go along with it and again, the installation was super simple and really easy. Both the SIM and memory card sit side-by-side like buddies in a tray that pops in and out of the phone using a thin wire -- such as a paperclip.
Anyway, down to the phone itself. I love it. It has met and exceeded my needs and I've used it A LOT in these six months. Like a lot a lot. Everyday for a few hours at least. I do everything from playing games on it, surfing the web, playing videos (lots of youtube!), playing music, reading articles, and of course, calling and texting -- because it's a phone.
Here is what I absolutely LOVE about this phone:
- The screen. Oh boy the screen. This thing has a beautiful, incredibly BRIGHT screen. I actually have it on the lowest brightness setting, because anything higher than that it is too bright haha. It's really a gorgeous screen. Full HD, 401ppi. Looks great. Again, can get VERY bright.
- The RAM and processor. The combination of these two have met my needs with hardly any problems. I've had multiple, high-demanding apps running in the background (games, YouTube, Torrent clients) and the phone does well to keep up with what I throw at it. It does slow down eventually and can appear like it's struggling, but I can imagine that'd be the case with any device after meeting its threshold.
- The speakers! I don't use them much, but man oh man when I do, they're a joy. This phone has excellent front facing speakers that really do fill a room. I use this phone for my alarm and every morning hearing this thing blast away some beautiful sounding tunes is a real treat to wake up to.
- Build quality. This is not only a nice-looking phone, but if feels well built and constructed. Quite a bit nicer than the price-tag would hint at. I was, and am, thoroughly impressed with it. I've managed to take good care of it, so there's no noticeable scratches on both the backside and the screen. And none have randomly appeared.
- The battery! Oh jeez. So when I say that I use this phone A LOT. I sure mean it, and this battery holds up REALLY well. On the way to work, at work, and upon arriving back at home I am usually left with a good chunk of battery life -- 30-40%. It very rarely dips below 20% on a given day, which is freakin' awesome.
Things I like about it, but could be better:
- It's thin and lightweight. I was super surprised by how thin and light it was and actually very nervous about handling it. However, upon buying and putting on a decent size case which added a little bulk to it, the phone size is just about perfect. But I wouldn't mind it being a bit heavier and maybe a touch thicker, just so if I did end up dropping it I wouldn't feel like it would explode.
- The Camera. This takes a bit of trial and error, such as finding an appropriate app that will utilize the camera to it's fullest. The camera is not "oh wow! Look at that!" great when I first used it. I had to get accustomed to where and how it worked best. For example, it's not great in low-light environments. Taking a picture at night? Uh, forget about it. It's rough times. But in daytime, with lots going on and lots of things to focus on, the camera does surprisingly well and can -- on occasion -- take some truly spectacular pictures. But those times are few and far between. So I'd recommend finding a different phone if you really want a nice camera on a phone, BUT for the most part this guy does the trick -- just be a bit prepared for figuring out its limitations. Also, the front-facing "selfie" camera is surprisingly nice! The few selfies I've taken have turned out better than I'd like to admit!
- The pre-installed launcher. Eh, it's not great, but it's not terrible. It can get sluggish and doesn't look the best. There are other options out there that are far better. Also, many of the pre-installed apps sort of fall into the same boat. They're not great, but they're not terrible. I really wish the file managed was better though, because it seems to be the only app that you can voluntarily copy and move files between the internal storage and the micro sd card. Ugh, I think that might be an android issue though...
- Sound quality, internal audio amp/driver. Now, I ain't no audiophile or anything like that, but I do appreciate a nice sounding device paired with a nice set of earphones. This phone, similar to its camera, gets the job done, but again there isn't that "wow! Listen to this!" feeling. I wasn't buying the phone for its audio capabilities -- internal audio driver -- but with it's awesome external speakers and its partnership (somewhat) with JBL I have to say that I was expecting more. I've used a number of apps with different audio files, but I've owned past devices that have sounded significantly better. Anyway, it's no deal-breaker, but it is a thing and if you're looking for a device with great sound quality, I'd look elsewhere.
Overall, I am super happy with this phone. I bought it back when it was $250, and I am shocked it has dropped down to $200. It's a steal at that price. It really is. It's no flagship, IPhone destroyer, but it gets the job done with battery to spare! I really do like it and I think if you're an AT&T costumer looking for a new smartphone for a smart price, then this is it. Everything I've asked it to do -- both usual and ugh...unusual hahah -- it has executed well.
If you do end up getting it, here are a few parting recommendations:
- purchase a 64gb micro sd card. They're cheap, awesome, and easy to install
- Get a case! It makes the phone a bit bigger and easier to handle. I don't like screen protectors, so I can't speak about those.
- Look into finding a camera app for the phone. I bought one on Google PlayStore called Cameringo+Effects and I really like it. Just make sure to set it to HD pictures. It'll seem like it has a smaller viewing screen, but the quality of the photos are a TON better than the default picture quality on the app.
- Look into finding a different launcher for the phone. I got Nova Launcher Prime and it makes the phone's interface speedier and more user-friendly, and you can customize it off the wazoo.
Alright, well that's my 2 cents on this phone. Overall, I think it's great and at $200, it's quite the stealio.
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Customer Review: There are great specs into the thin case
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What is an unlocked phone?
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From the manufacturer
Alcatel is the fourth largest mobile phone manufacturer in North America, with a heritage of designing and manufacturing high-quality, high-performing mobile technology that offers the perfect amount of value. With relationships with America’s top GSM carriers like T-Mobile, MetroPCS, AT&T, Cricket Wireless, Net10 and Straight Talk, alcatel’s unlocked smartphones are optimized for any of these carrier networks, so you can be confident you’re getting a smartphone that can perform. And we back our devices with a two year warranty, so you can be sure you’re covered.
The ALCATEL ONETOUCH IDOL 3 offers the perfect amount of more for your smartphone. The IDOL 3 has more speed than a standard 4G handset because it has LTE speed for video and music streaming/downloads. And with a robust 2910 mAh battery and Qualcomm Snapdragon Octa-Core processor, IDOL 3 will give you more power to get through the day. Special moments will look even more beautiful with IDOL 3’s 13MP main camera and 8MP wide angle front selfie camera. The IDOL 3 will also give you more sound featuring Dual front facing speakers featuring JBL Audio. What more could you look for in your new smartphone…
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The Perfect Amount of Customer ServiceOur best in class two year warranty does more than give you peace of mind, it’s a commitment from Alcatel to maintain the highest degree of quality and reliability. Have a question? Call our North American call center and we will help… our job is not done until you are 100 percent satisfied. |
The Perfect Amount of SpeedWith speeds 2x faster than standard 4G, LTE offers the quickest, most reliable mobile experience available today. IDOL 3 is LTE done right, optimized for the world’s top GSM carriers, including those in the U.S. like T-Mobile, MetroPCS, AT&T, Cricket Wireless Net10 and Straight Talk. No matter where you go or which GSM carrier you have, IDOL 3 will keep you connected. |
Perfect Amount of ConvenienceIDOL 3 is completely reversible, so it can be used with the display right side up or upside down, making using IDOL 3 simple and more intuitive – whether you’re browsing the web or even taking phone calls. |
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Never Miss a ShotThe high resolution wide angle front camera ensures selfies are always sharp and nobody's left out. The top quality rear camera has a large best in class IMX214 sensor and a lens with five separate elements for better accuracy in every pixel and minimal distortion. With a 13MP main camera and an 8MP wide-angle front camera, you’ll never miss any of life’s moments. |
Powerful, Yet Easy to UseFeaturing Google’s easy to use and customizable Android operating system and powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Octa-Core processor, the IDOL 3 delivers the perfect amount of easy to use performance. The IDOL 3 will also allow you to upgrade to Android’s new operating system (Marshmallow) when available. |
HD EverydayWith one of the brightest Full-HD displays available in any smartphone, the IDOL 3’s 5.5-display also features Technicolor Color Enhance for a cinematic viewing experience – even in direct sunlight. |
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| Alcatel Idol 3 5.5" | Alcatel Idol 3 4.7" | Alcatel Pop 3 5.5" 4G LTE | Alcatel Pop 3 5.0" 4G LTE | Alcatel Pixi 3 4.5" 4G LTE | Alcatel Pixi 3 4.5" 3G | |
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| Network | 4G LTE | 4G LTE | 4G LTE | 4G LTE | 4G LTE | 4G HSPA+ |
| Display | 5.5” Full HD (1080x1920 pixels) | 4.7” HD IPS (720x1280 pixels) | 5.5” HD (720x1280 pixels) | 5” FWVGA (480x854 pixels) | 4.5” FWVGA (480x854 pixels) | 4.5” FWVGA (480x854 pixels) |
| Camera | 13Mp AF rear w/ flash + 8Mp front | 13Mp AF rear w/ flash + 5Mp front | 8Mp AF rear w/flash + 2MP front | 5Mp rear w/flash + VGA front | 5Mp AF rear w/flash + VGA front | 5Mp FF rear w/flash + VGA front |
| Memory | 2GB / 16GB | 1.5GB / 16GB | 1GB / 8GB | 1GB / 8GB | 1GB / 8GB | 512MB / 4GB |
| Expandable Memory | Micro SD slot (supports up to 128GB) | Micro SD slot (supports up to 32GB) | Micro SD slot (supports up to 32GB) | Micro SD slot (supports up to 32GB) | Micro SD slot (supports up to 32GB) | Micro SD slot (supports up to 32GB) |
| Processor | Octa core @ 2.5GHz | Quad core @ 1.2GHz | Quad core @ 1.1GHz | Quad core @ 1.1GHz | Quad core @ 1.0GHz | Dual core @ 1.3GHz |
| Operating System | Android L | Android L | Android L | Android L | Android L | Android KitKat |
| Bands | GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 UMTS: 850/1700/1900/2100 LTE: B2/4/5/7/17 | GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 UMTS: 850/1700/1900/2100 LTE: B2/4/5/7/17 | GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 UMTS: 850/1700/1900/2100 LTE: 2,4,5,7,17 | GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 UMTS: 850/1700/1900/2100 LTE: 2,4,5,7,17 | GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 UMTS: 850/1700/1900/2100 LTE: 2,4,5,7,17 | GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 UMTS: 850/1700/1900/2100 LTE: None |
| Battery | 2910mAh battery | 2000mAh battery | 2500mAh battery | 2000mAh battery | 1780mAh battery | 1400mAh battery |
| Dimensions/Weight | 152.7 x 75.14 x 7.4mm / 141g | 134.6 x 65.9 x 7.55mm / 110g | 151.9 x 77.8 x 9.45mm / 165g | 141 x 71.5 x 9.85mm / 167g | 132.2 x 65.1 x 9.95mm / 110g | 132.2 x 65.1 x 11.7mm / 110g |
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What is an unlocked phone?An unlocked phone is a device that is not bound to any carrier or plan. It allows you to choose your phone first and your carrier second. Upon selecting a plan, simply insert the carrier's SIM card into the phone and you're ready to go. If you decide you want to change carriers down the road or want to take an international trip, it's as simple as replacing your existing SIM card with a new SIM and activating your new plan. |
What are the benefits of an unlocked phone?Freedom: Choose the carrier with the best service or price. If you find a better deal later, you have the ability to change to a different carrier. Travel: Take your phone internationally and use the carrier of your choice. It's as easy as inserting an active SIM card. Selection: Choose the phone with the features you want, whether or not your carrier sells it, and get more service options without a contract. |
How do I set up my unlocked phone?The first thing you’ll need is a SIM card for your desired carrier. When activated, the SIM card will let your phone connect to your carrier’s network. If you decide to upgrade to a newer unlocked phone in the future, you can easily remove the SIM card from your old phone and put it in your new phone—just make sure you get the right size of SIM card (nano, micro, or standard) for your phone. If you want to use your phone while traveling internationally, you can easily buy a SIM card for a carrier that operates where you’re traveling. As long as it’s activated, you can just swap SIM cards when you arrive at your destination. |
Reviews with images
BUY A SCREEN PROTECTOR ASAP!!!
BUY A SCREEN PROTECTOR ASAP!!!!I consider myself a pretty careful person when it comes to my electronics. I underestimated myself this weekend and it dropped on the floor of a bus, I was shuffling my feet without knowing the phone was face down on the floor and boom.. scratched screen. Screen protector was already on order and being delivered the following monday :( Totally my fault obviously, but just wanted to warn you guys to definitely get a screen protector and do not chance it with this phone, because almost all the features on this phone are awesome for the price!Screen is beautiful and bright and clear, reminds me of my samsung note 2 AMOLED screen, very clear. keeping the costs down had to be taken somewhere and it is the non scratch resistant screen.Speed seems adequate. I havent really tested its full potential but this is going to be my second phone.sound is AMAZING, JBL speakers and it really shows, Even when plugging it into my car, the sound seems better than my previous phone.Camera app needs some work, or maybe just a different app would work. I was hoping it would take better macro pictures and focus fast on that type of scene but it doesn't for me.size is similar to my note 2, a little bit too big for my hand. But its pretty thin which makes up for that.The power button and volume buttons are high up so reaching them takes some hand maneuvering. you might not think of it much, but once you notice it..Battery life seems pretty good, you could probably get a good day and a half with normal/light usage. It seems like a stock version of android 5.0 lollipop with no bloatware which helps a lot with battery life as well.Overall I think for 200 this is a great deal. Just wish i didn't jump the gun and use it unprotected.Update #1:browsing around the Google app store, I found Open Camera, which is a great alternative to use,. It has a lot of features and macro mode which I was complaining about, and this phone seems to take great macro photos at about 5 inches away.Update #2: Camera app alternativeI had a chance to do some outdoor macro photos and I am VERY impressed with how it did! Using Open Camera and having it on macro mode setting, focusing was for the most part pretty quick and I added some photos to see.Update #3 - 11-5-16 Sold phone a long time ago..Sorry can't provide any further updates on this phone. Judging by the Amazon price for this phone, there are plenty of other phones I would rather get with equal or better specs.
Top reviews from other countries
Muhammad R.
The phone is very nice and looks good too but unfortunately
Reviewed in Canada on July 25, 2017Amazon Customer
Battery dead after 6 months.
Reviewed in Canada on February 1, 2018