The $249.99 Alcatel Authority for Cricket Wireless has a sturdy plastic build, runs the Android Gingerbread operating system, and demands no contract commitment.
The Alcatel Authority's screen may be a sizable 4.3 inches but only offers a low 800x480-pixel resolution. It also has shallow viewing angles and can be hard to see in bright sunlight.
Crafted from plastic, the Alcatel Authority's frame is solid and has reassuring heft. Its rectangular shape and blunted edges fit comfortably in the hand.