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Alcatel's unlocked One Touch Idol has Jelly Bean inside (pictures)

The $300 off-contract Android 4.1 smartphone has much to offer the smartphone beginner, but there are drawbacks as well.

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_One_Touch_Idol_35655899-1138.jpg
1 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Eyes on Alcatel's One Touch Idol

Sold online for $300 off-contract, the Alcatel One Touch Idol has some good things going for it, like a 4.7-inch screen and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean as its operating system.
Alcatel_One_Touch_Idol_35655899-1122.jpg
2 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

No 4G. I repeat, no 4G

However, it's also got some major detractions, like a speed threshold that tops out at 3G, and scant internal storage for an Android device.
Alcatel_One_Touch_Idol_35655899-1141.jpg
3 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Fit and finish

Although it's positioned as an entry-level device, the Idol moves away from glossy plastic with a brushed metallic-style finish on the back and sides.
Alcatel_One_Touch_Idol_35655899-1134.jpg
4 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Camera surprise

You'll find flash, autofocus, panorama, and editing tools on the Idol's 8-megapixel camera. Video captures in 720p HD resolution, and there's a front-facing 2-megapixel shooter above the display.
Alcatel_One_Touch_Idol_35655899-1115.jpg
5 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

All sealed up

The Idol gets some of its slimness from its sealed state. You won't be able to access the 1,800mAh battery, but you can still swap SIM and microSD cards on the spines.
Alcatel_One_Touch_Idol_35655899-1109.jpg
6 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Fierce competition

Despite the camera megapixel numbers and screen size, specs are low for this beginners' handset. Its 3G-only status is a major setback, especially since other unlocked Android phones offer far more functionality for the same price.

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