Alcatel enters high-end with two new smartphone

It seems Alcatel are jumping into a new ocean with two new high-end devices.

We all know Alcatel to create budget devices that are friendly on the wallet but not high on the quality list. This year we see Alcatel continuing to forge a new reputation by creating new high-end devices after success with the Idol 3.

The Idol 4 is the direct sequel to the Idol 3 sporting a 5.2- inch 1080p display. An octa-core processor is in tow with 3GB of RAM. On the snapper we have 13 megapixels to play with. What we really want to look at is the Idol 4S, the more upmarket of the two. It has a bigger 5.5-inch display, octa-core processor, QHD display, 3GB of RAM and a 16 megapixel camera. Processor has yet to be confirmed. Internal memory is extremely minuscle with 16GB off the bat, but expandable memory is supported via micro SD.

As expected of any device with premium ambitions the build quality has to be up to scratch. Alcatel seem to be doing this by going down Samsunf’s route adopting curved edges for the screen, it isn’t really exciting but it does the job in giving that premium impression. The chrome trim of the Idol 3 has now been replaced with aluminium, an impressive effort. A noticeable addition is the “Boom Key” which looks quite like the Sony Xperia seriespower buttons. The “Boom Key is used to take pictures and boost bass when listening to music.

With a high-end target comes a high-end price. The Idol 4 will be $310 and the 4S jumps to $500. We feel for the price Alcatel are showing that they are worth it with excellent build quality and a display worthy of a look.

For more on Alcatel, visit What Mobile’s dedicated Alcatel page.