Alcatel 1x Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Alcatel 1x is a budget-friendly smartphone that packs a punch with its impressive features. With a sleek and compact design, it fits comfortably in your hand. The 5.3-inch IPS LCD display offers vibrant colors and decent image quality. Running on Android 8.1 Oreo, it provides a smooth and user-friendly experience. The quad-core processor ensures efficient performance for everyday tasks. The 8 MP rear camera captures clear and detailed photos, while the 5 MP front camera is perfect for selfies. Other noteworthy features include a fingerprint scanner, NFC (in select models), and a 2460 mAh battery. With its affordable price tag, the Alcatel 1x is a great value for money.

Design and Build Quality

The Alcatel 1x boasts a sleek and compact design, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone. With dimensions of 147.5 x 70.6 x 9.1 mm (5.81 x 2.78 x 0.36 in) and weighing just 151g (5.33 oz), it is lightweight and easy to handle. The device features a 5.3-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 960 pixels, offering decent visuals and vibrant colors. Although the screen-to-body ratio is around 69.6%, the 18:9 aspect ratio provides a more immersive viewing experience.

In terms of aesthetics, the Alcatel 1x showcases a simple and minimalist design. It is available in various colors including black, blue, gold, and rose gold, catering to different style preferences. The device has a plastic build, which is expected at this price point, but it still feels solid and well-constructed. While it may not offer the premium feel of devices with glass or metal bodies, the choice of materials helps keep the device lightweight and affordable.

The Alcatel 1x is designed with ergonomics and comfort in mind. The slim profile and rounded edges ensure a comfortable grip, allowing for easy one-handed usage. The placement of buttons and ports is also well-thought-out, providing easy access and convenience. The inclusion of a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor on some models adds an extra layer of security without compromising on usability.

When it comes to durability and construction, the Alcatel 1x holds up reasonably well considering its price range. The plastic build may not be as resilient as more premium materials, but with proper care, it can withstand everyday wear and tear. The device feels sturdy and reliable, making it a suitable choice for users who prioritize functionality and affordability.

Overall, the Alcatel 1x offers a decent design and build for its price. While it may not boast the premium materials and aesthetics of higher-end smartphones, it delivers a solid construction, ergonomic design, and a comfortable user experience.

Display

The Alcatel 1x features a 5.3-inch IPS LCD display with a screen resolution of 480 x 960 pixels. With an aspect ratio of 18:9, the display offers a decent screen-to-body ratio of approximately 69.6%. Although the resolution may not be the highest, it still provides a reasonable pixel density of around 203 pixels per inch.

In terms of display technology, the Alcatel 1x utilizes LCD technology, which is known for providing accurate colors and good viewing angles. While it may not offer the vibrant colors and deep blacks of OLED displays, LCD technology generally ensures satisfactory color accuracy and vibrancy.

The brightness levels of the Alcatel 1x display are adequate for most indoor usage scenarios, but it may struggle a bit under direct sunlight due to its limited outdoor visibility. However, the display does come with an anti-reflective coating, which helps to minimize glare and improve visibility in bright conditions.

Unfortunately, the Alcatel 1x does not come with any display protection such as Gorilla Glass. This means that users may need to be cautious to prevent scratches or damage to the screen.

The touch responsiveness of the display is generally smooth and reliable, allowing for efficient navigation and interaction with the device. Additionally, the Alcatel 1x supports adaptive brightness, which automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient lighting conditions.

While the Alcatel 1x does not offer advanced features such as HDR or wide color gamut, it still provides a satisfactory display for everyday usage. The viewing angles are decent, ensuring that content on the screen remains visible from different perspectives.

Overall, the Alcatel 1x's display may not be the most impressive in terms of resolution or advanced features, but it offers a decent viewing experience considering its price range.

Performance

The Alcatel 1x is powered by the Mediatek MT6739 chipset, which features a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and PowerVR GE8100 GPU. This combination provides a decent level of performance for a budget smartphone. In terms of CPU benchmarks, the Alcatel 1x performs adequately for day-to-day tasks and basic multitasking. It may struggle with more demanding applications or heavy multitasking scenarios due to its entry-level processor. However, for regular usage such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming, the Alcatel 1x offers a smooth user experience with no significant lag or slowdowns.

When it comes to gaming capabilities, the Alcatel 1x is not designed for intensive gaming experiences. The PowerVR GE8100 GPU is entry-level and may struggle with graphically demanding games. However, it can handle less demanding games with relative ease, providing a satisfactory gaming experience. Gaming performance on the Alcatel 1x is generally smooth, but users may experience occasional frame drops or lag in more resource-intensive games.

In terms of graphics scores, the Alcatel 1x may not achieve high scores in synthetic benchmarks compared to more powerful smartphones. However, it is important to consider that the Alcatel 1x is not intended for high-performance gaming or graphic-intensive tasks. Instead, it is focused on providing a budget-friendly option for everyday smartphone usage.

The Alcatel 1x also demonstrates efficient thermal management, as it does not tend to overheat during regular usage or gaming sessions. This is crucial for maintaining a consistent performance and preventing thermal throttling, which can impact the overall user experience.

Overall, the Alcatel 1x performs well within its budget smartphone category. It offers a smooth user experience for everyday tasks, light gaming, and multimedia consumption. While it may not excel in terms of CPU and GPU benchmarks, it provides adequate performance for its intended usage. The system optimization and thermal management contribute to a lag-free experience, ensuring that the Alcatel 1x delivers a reliable performance for its price range.

Software and User Interface

The Alcatel 1x runs on the Android operating system, specifically Android 8.1 (Oreo) for the 5059D model and Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) for all other models. This means that users can enjoy the benefits of a familiar and widely-used mobile OS. However, it is important to note that the Go edition is a stripped-down version of Android designed to run smoothly on entry-level devices with limited hardware capabilities.

In terms of customization, the Alcatel 1x offers some flexibility to personalize the device to suit individual preferences. Users can choose from a range of themes, wallpapers, and icon packs to customize the look and feel of their device. While the level of customization may not be as extensive as some other Android devices, it still provides enough options to make the device feel personalized.

As for pre-installed apps, the Alcatel 1x comes with a suite of applications that are commonly found on Android devices. These include essential apps such as the Phone, Contacts, Messages, and Camera apps. Additionally, there are also Google apps like Gmail, Chrome, and YouTube, which are standard for Android devices. It is worth noting that the device may also come with some manufacturer-specific apps, which some users may consider as bloatware if they are not of interest or use to them.

In terms of user-friendliness, the Alcatel 1x provides a straightforward and intuitive interface. The Android operating system is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate through the various menus and settings. The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor on some models enhances the device's usability by providing quick and secure access to the device.

Overall, the Alcatel 1x offers a decent software experience for its price range. It provides users with the familiarity and user-friendliness of the Android operating system, along with some customization options. While it may not have the latest version of Android or the most extensive customization options, it still delivers a satisfactory software experience for everyday use.

Camera

The Alcatel 1x is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera that boasts a f/2.0 aperture and a 1/4.0" sensor size. This combination allows for decent image quality and sharpness, particularly in well-lit environments. The camera performs well in daylight photography, capturing natural colors and offering satisfactory dynamic range. When it comes to indoor photography, the Alcatel 1x produces acceptable results, although the image quality may slightly decrease due to the limited sensor size and lower light conditions.

In terms of low-light performance, the Alcatel 1x struggles a bit. While it does offer a flash and LED flash for the selfie camera, noise reduction is not the strongest suit of this device. However, it does have a night mode feature that attempts to improve low-light sensitivity and reduce noise in night photography.

The camera app on the Alcatel 1x provides various shooting modes such as portrait mode, HDR, panorama mode, pro mode, and AI scene recognition. These features allow users to capture a wide range of scenes and experiment with different settings.

Video recording capabilities on the Alcatel 1x include 1080p video at 30fps. While it doesn't support 4K video, the device does offer video stabilization, which helps in achieving smoother footage. Additionally, slow-motion video and time-lapse functionalities are available, allowing users to add creative elements to their videos. The Alcatel 1x supports common video formats, making it easy to share and edit captured videos.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Alcatel 1x offers a range of connectivity options to keep you connected on the go. With network compatibility for GSM, HSPA, and LTE, you can enjoy fast data speeds and reliable internet connectivity. The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, allowing you to connect to Wi-Fi networks for browsing the web or streaming content. Bluetooth 4.2 enables wireless connections to other devices, such as headphones or speakers, for a seamless audio experience. NFC is available on select models, providing convenient contactless payment options. The Alcatel 1x also features a microUSB 2.0 port for easy charging and data transfer. Additionally, the device supports dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use two SIM cards simultaneously for better flexibility and coverage. With GPS, you can rely on accurate navigation and location services. Overall, the Alcatel 1x offers a comprehensive range of connectivity features, making it a versatile and connected device for everyday use.

Additional Features

The Alcatel 1x comes with a variety of additional features that enhance the overall user experience. Firstly, it offers expandable storage through a microSD card slot, allowing users to easily increase their device's storage capacity. This is particularly useful for those who need extra space for storing photos, videos, and other files.

In terms of connectivity, the Alcatel 1x supports dual SIM functionality, which means users can use two SIM cards simultaneously. This is convenient for individuals who want to separate their personal and work contacts or for those who frequently travel and need to use local SIM cards.

Moreover, the Alcatel 1x is equipped with a range of sensors, including an accelerometer. This sensor detects the device's orientation and movement, enabling features like auto-rotate and gesture controls. Additionally, the device may have other advanced sensors, such as a gyroscope or environmental sensors, which enhance its capabilities and enable more accurate measurements.

It's important to note that the Alcatel 1x does not offer water resistance, dust resistance, or wireless charging capabilities. Therefore, it does not have an IP rating for water or dustproofing, and users cannot charge it wirelessly using Qi wireless charging technology.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Alcatel 1x (2019) is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers decent features for its price range. When compared to other related devices in the market, such as the Nokia 2.2 and the Samsung Galaxy A10, the Alcatel 1x holds its ground with its competitive specifications.

In terms of display, the Alcatel 1x sports a 5.3-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 480 x 960 pixels. While this may not be as sharp as the Full HD displays found in some higher-end devices, it still provides a satisfactory viewing experience for everyday use. The Nokia 2.2, on the other hand, offers a similar 5.71-inch HD+ display, while the Samsung Galaxy A10 boasts a larger 6.2-inch HD+ display.

When it comes to performance, the Alcatel 1x is equipped with a MediaTek MT6739 chipset and a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, providing smooth multitasking and app navigation. In comparison, the Nokia 2.2 features a MediaTek Helio A22 chipset, and the Samsung Galaxy A10 is powered by an Exynos 7884 octa-core processor. While the Alcatel 1x may not offer the same level of performance as its competitors, it still delivers satisfactory performance for everyday tasks.

In terms of camera capabilities, the Alcatel 1x sports an 8 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front camera with LED flash, allowing for decent photography in well-lit conditions. The Nokia 2.2 and the Samsung Galaxy A10 offer similar camera specifications, with 13 MP and 5 MP rear cameras, respectively. However, it's worth noting that higher-end devices in the market offer more advanced camera systems for those who prioritize photography.

When considering pricing, the Alcatel 1x is positioned as an affordable option, with a price of around 100 EUR. In comparison, the Nokia 2.2 is priced similarly, while the Samsung Galaxy A10 is slightly more expensive. This makes the Alcatel 1x a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Overall, the Alcatel 1x (2019) competes well with related devices in the market, offering a decent display, satisfactory performance, and an affordable price point. While it may not have all the advanced features found in higher-end smartphones, it provides good

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Alcatel 1x offers an affordable option for budget-conscious buyers. It boasts a decent display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, providing an immersive viewing experience. The quad-core processor ensures smooth performance for day-to-day tasks. However, the limited RAM and internal storage might restrict multitasking and storing large files. The camera quality is acceptable, capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions. The inclusion of a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor adds a convenient security feature. Overall, the Alcatel 1x is a suitable choice for those seeking a basic smartphone experience without breaking the bank. If you prioritize affordability over advanced features, this phone is worth considering.