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Sleek-but-cheap: Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 (pictures)

The Idol 3 is a pleasant package for deal-seekers looking for an Android phone that punches above its weight.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
alcatel-onetouch-idol-3-2708-001.jpg
1 of 9 Josh MIller/CNET

Whole package

Here's something nice: the Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 is a truly affordable phone that looks good and also makes good on its promises.

alcatel-onetouch-idol-3-2708-001.jpg
2 of 9 Josh MIller/CNET

A few specs

With a 5.5-inch 1080p HD display and a few extra surprises, the Idol 3 is worth your notice.

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3 of 9 Josh MIller/CNET

Camera

It has a 13-megapixel camera with autofocus, and an 8-megapixel lens for selfies.

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4 of 9 Josh MIller/CNET

Android and then some

A reversible OS is something brand new to phones. The view will flip if you pick up the phone upside down.

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5 of 9 Josh MIller/CNET

Navigation

Controls for this Android 5.0 handset live as on-screen buttons on the OS's lower strip.

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6 of 9 Josh MIller/CNET

Buttons

Buttons on either spine almost disappear into the surface, making it tougher to find them by feel.

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7 of 9 Josh MIller/CNET

Double-tap

Luckily, an optional gesture lets you double-tap to turn the screen on and off.

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8 of 9 Josh MIller/CNET

External hardware

The Micro-USB port lives on the bottom, just below one of a set of loud JBL speakers.

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9 of 9 Josh MIller/CNET

A pretty great budget phablet, read more pros and cons in our full Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 review.

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