Alcatel 3x (2018) 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 3x (2018) is a budget-friendly smartphone that packs a punch with its impressive features. With a sleek design and a vibrant 5.7-inch IPS LCD display, this device offers an immersive viewing experience. Powered by a quad-core processor and 2GB or 3GB of RAM, the Alcatel 3x ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance. Capture stunning photos with its dual rear camera setup, featuring a dual-LED flash for low-light conditions. Plus, the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor adds an extra layer of security. Available in a range of colors, including Metallic Black and Metallic Gold, the Alcatel 3x is an affordable option for those seeking value for money. With a price tag of around 130 EUR, it's definitely worth considering!

Design and Build Quality

The Alcatel 3x (2018) boasts a sleek and modern design that is both visually appealing and comfortable to hold. Its physical appearance is characterized by clean lines and a slim profile, measuring 153.5 x 71.6 x 8.5 mm (6.04 x 2.82 x 0.33 in) and weighing just 144 g (5.08 oz). This lightweight construction contributes to the smartphone's overall ergonomic design, ensuring a comfortable grip even during extended use.

The device features a metallic finish, available in colors like Metallic Black, Metallic Blue, and Metallic Gold in the EU/MEA region, and Spectrum Black, Spectrum Blue, and Spectrum Gold in LATAM. The choice of materials used in the construction of the Alcatel 3x (2018) adds to its durability and premium feel.

The smartphone sports a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels and an 18:9 aspect ratio, offering vibrant colors and a sharp viewing experience. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 76.3% enhances the aesthetics of the device, providing an immersive visual experience for users.

In terms of durability and construction, the Alcatel 3x (2018) is built to withstand everyday use. The device is equipped with a fingerprint sensor located on the rear for added security, as well as a range of sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These features enhance the functionality and usability of the smartphone.

Overall, the Alcatel 3x (2018) impresses with its appealing design, ergonomic build, and use of durable materials. It offers a comfortable grip, ensuring ease of use and convenience for users. The device's slim profile and metallic finish contribute to its aesthetic appeal, making it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish smartphone. Its construction and range of sensors further enhance its durability and functionality, providing users with a reliable device that can withstand the demands of daily use.

Display

The Alcatel 3x (2018) features a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels and an 18:9 aspect ratio. This screen size provides a decent viewing experience for everyday use. While the pixel density of approximately 282 pixels per inch may not be the sharpest in its class, it still delivers reasonably crisp visuals.

In terms of color accuracy and vibrancy, the Alcatel 3x performs adequately, although it may not offer the same level of vibrancy and color reproduction as higher-end devices with OLED technology. The display offers decent brightness levels, making it suitable for most lighting conditions. However, outdoor visibility may be slightly compromised under direct sunlight.

The touch responsiveness of the display is generally satisfactory, allowing for smooth navigation and interactions. Although there is no specific information about display protection, it is advisable to use a screen protector or a protective case to safeguard against potential scratches and accidental drops.

The Alcatel 3x features a standard notch design and has relatively slim bezels, resulting in a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 76.3%. This provides a more immersive viewing experience compared to devices with larger bezels. The phone does not have an always-on display feature or a blue light filter, which may be disappointing for some users who prefer these functionalities.

While there is no mention of HDR support, wide color gamut, or anti-reflective coating, it is safe to assume that these advanced display features are not present on the Alcatel 3x (2018) considering its price range and specifications.

Overall, the Alcatel 3x (2018) offers a decent display for its price point, providing satisfactory visuals and touch responsiveness. However, it may not offer the same level of display quality as higher-end devices with more advanced technologies and features.

Performance

The Alcatel 3x (2018) is powered by the Mediatek MT6739 chipset, which includes a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and PowerVR GE8100 GPU. This combination offers decent performance for everyday tasks and basic usage. The chipset's CPU benchmarks indicate that it is capable of handling multitasking and app loading speeds with ease, providing a smooth user experience. The Alcatel 3x (2018) also performs well in terms of thermal management, ensuring that the device doesn't overheat during prolonged usage.

When it comes to gaming capabilities, the Alcatel 3x (2018) offers satisfactory performance for casual gaming. The PowerVR GE8100 GPU delivers smooth graphics and decent frame rates for less demanding games. However, for more graphics-intensive games, the device may struggle to provide a seamless gaming experience. Gaming benchmarks and graphics scores reveal that the Alcatel 3x (2018) falls short in comparison to higher-end smartphones in terms of gaming performance.

In terms of overall system optimization, the Alcatel 3x (2018) runs on Android 7.1 (Nougat). While it may not be the latest version of Android, the operating system is still capable of providing a lag-free performance. The device's processor efficiency ensures that it can handle day-to-day tasks efficiently without draining the battery quickly. The Alcatel 3x (2018) also supports a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing users to expand the storage and further enhance the device's multitasking capabilities.

When analyzing benchmark tests and scores, the Alcatel 3x (2018) may not excel in comparison to higher-end smartphones. However, it is important to consider the device's price range and target audience. For its affordable price point, the Alcatel 3x (2018) offers a satisfactory level of performance that meets the needs of average smartphone users. It may not be the ideal choice for heavy gamers or those seeking top-of-the-line performance, but it provides a smooth user experience for everyday tasks.

In conclusion, the Alcatel 3x (2018) performs adequately in terms of its chipset performance, CPU benchmarks, and overall system optimization. While it may not be the most powerful device on the market, it offers a smooth user experience, lag-free performance, and decent multitasking capabilities. The device's gaming performance is satisfactory for casual gaming,

Software and User Interface

The Alcatel 3x (2018) runs on the Android 7.1 Nougat operating system, which may seem a bit outdated considering the release date of the device. However, it should be noted that this version of Android is still functional and capable of running most apps smoothly. The device is powered by a Mediatek MT6739 chipset and a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, which ensures decent performance for everyday tasks.

In terms of software customization, Alcatel has made some modifications to the user interface. While it is not a completely stock Android experience, the modifications are minimal, and the interface remains relatively close to stock Android. This means that users will find a familiar and user-friendly interface on the Alcatel 3x.

As for pre-installed apps, the Alcatel 3x does come with some bloatware. These are apps that are pre-installed by the manufacturer and may not be useful for all users. However, most of these apps can be uninstalled or disabled if desired, allowing users to free up storage space and customize their device to their liking.

Overall, the software on the Alcatel 3x (2018) provides a decent user experience. While it may not have the latest version of Android, the device still offers smooth performance for everyday use. The user interface is user-friendly, and although there is some pre-installed bloatware, it can be easily managed.

Camera

The Alcatel 3x (2018) comes equipped with a dual-camera setup that offers a versatile photography experience. The main camera features a 13-megapixel sensor with a wide aperture, allowing for good low-light sensitivity and better performance in challenging lighting conditions. The secondary camera has a 5-megapixel sensor that aids in depth sensing for portrait mode and adds a bokeh effect to your photos.

The camera app includes various shooting modes such as HDR, panorama, and pro mode, allowing users to experiment with different settings and capture stunning shots. The AI scene recognition feature enhances the camera's capabilities by automatically detecting the scene and adjusting the settings accordingly to optimize image quality.

In terms of image quality, the Alcatel 3x delivers satisfactory results with natural colors, decent sharpness, and a decent dynamic range. It performs well for daylight photography and outdoor shots, capturing details with good clarity. However, in low-light conditions, the camera's performance might be limited, as noise reduction and low-light sensitivity could be improved.

When it comes to video recording, the Alcatel 3x supports 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second. The videos recorded are relatively smooth, and the camera offers video stabilization to minimize shaky footage. Additionally, features like slow-motion video and time-lapse add creativity to your video captures.

Overall, the camera of the Alcatel 3x (2018) offers a decent photography experience with its dual-camera setup, AI scene recognition, and various shooting modes. While it performs well in daylight and outdoor conditions, it may struggle in low-light situations and could benefit from further improvements in image quality and low-light performance.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Alcatel 3x (2018) offers a decent range of connectivity options for its users. It supports various network compatibilities, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring reliable data speeds and connectivity. With its dual SIM capability, users have the flexibility to use two different SIM cards simultaneously.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the Alcatel 3x (2018) supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n standards, allowing users to connect to Wi-Fi networks with ease. Bluetooth 4.2 is also available, enabling seamless pairing with other Bluetooth-enabled devices for file sharing or wireless audio streaming.

Additionally, NFC technology is present in the Alcatel 3x (2018), providing the convenience of quick and secure mobile payments and data transfers. The device is equipped with a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, but it does not support USB-C connectivity.

For navigation purposes, the Alcatel 3x (2018) features GPS, allowing users to accurately track their location and navigate using mapping applications.

Overall, the Alcatel 3x (2018) offers a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS, ensuring users can stay connected and make the most of their device's capabilities.

Additional Features

The Alcatel 3x (2018) comes with several additional features that enhance its functionality and user experience. Firstly, it offers expandable storage through a microSD card slot, allowing users to easily increase the device's storage capacity. This is particularly useful for those who require additional space for apps, photos, and videos. The smartphone also supports dual SIM functionality, which enables users to use two SIM cards simultaneously, making it convenient for those who need to manage separate personal and work phone numbers. In terms of sensors, the Alcatel 3x is equipped with an accelerometer, which detects changes in motion and orientation, providing enhanced gaming and fitness tracking capabilities. Additionally, it includes other advanced sensors such as a gyroscope and proximity sensor, which further contribute to the device's functionality.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Alcatel 3x (2018) is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers decent features and performance. When comparing it to related gadgets in the market, it competes with devices such as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 and the Samsung Galaxy A10.

In terms of specifications, the Alcatel 3x (2018) features a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels. While this may not be as sharp as the Full HD displays found on some of its competitors, it still provides a decent viewing experience for everyday use.

Powering the device is a quad-core MediaTek MT6739 processor clocked at 1.3 GHz, coupled with either 2GB or 3GB of RAM. This configuration allows for smooth multitasking and basic app usage, although it may struggle with more demanding tasks or gaming compared to devices with more powerful processors.

In terms of camera capabilities, the Alcatel 3x (2018) offers a dual-camera setup on the rear, including a 13MP primary sensor and a 5MP depth sensor. This allows for portrait mode shots and improved bokeh effects. However, the camera performance may not be as impressive as that of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, which boasts a 48MP primary sensor and AI-enhanced features.

When it comes to pricing, the Alcatel 3x (2018) sits in the budget segment, with a price tag of around 130 EUR. This makes it a more affordable option compared to its competitors, offering decent value for money for those on a tight budget.

Overall, the Alcatel 3x (2018) may not have the same level of performance or camera capabilities as some of its competitors, but it offers a budget-friendly option for users who prioritize affordability. It may be a suitable choice for those who need a basic smartphone for everyday use without breaking the bank.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Alcatel 3x (2018) offers a decent package at an affordable price. With its sleek design and compact size, it is comfortable to hold and easy to operate. The 5.7-inch IPS LCD display provides vibrant colors and sharp visuals, although the resolution could be higher. The quad-core processor and 3GB of RAM ensure smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The dual-camera setup captures good quality photos and the fingerprint sensor adds an extra layer of security. However, the outdated Android 7.1 (Nougat) and limited internal storage might be drawbacks for some users. Overall, for its price range, the Alcatel 3x (2018) is a suitable option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable smartphone.