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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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