Alcatel OneTouch Idol Alpha (2013)
This phone comes equipped with a 4.7 inch IPS display, a Mediatek MT6589 chipset, and 1 GB of RAM.
Reveal its truths, both good and not-so-good!
Table of Contents
- Alcatel OneTouch Idol Alpha specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Alcatel OneTouch Idol Alpha smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.
Alcatel OneTouch Idol Alpha specifications
| Brand | Alcatel |
|---|---|
| Name | OneTouch Idol Alpha |
| Model | OT-6032 |
| Release date | 2013 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 4.13 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.43 x 2.62 x 0.3 inch |
| Colors | slate, soft gold |
| SIM type | Micro SIM |
The weight of Alcatel OneTouch Idol Alpha is about 4.13 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. A micro SIM is a smaller version of the standard SIM card used in mobile devices.
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v4.2 (Jelly Bean) |
|---|---|
| SoC | Mediatek MT6589 |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX544 |
The Alcatel OneTouch Idol Alpha comes with Android OS v4.2 (Jelly Bean) out of the box. Android is a mobile operating system. Google built it using a modified version of the Linux kernel. They also used other open-source software. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. PowerVR GPUs have a reputation for being power-efficient and delivering strong performance.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | IPS |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 4.7 inch |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
The 4.7 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 1 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 16 GB |
| Memory card slot | no |
1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. More RAM lets us keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. Most people think a smartphone needs at least 32 GB of storage. The OneTouch Idol Alpha has only 16 GB. The internal storage of the Alcatel OneTouch Idol Alpha (1 GB) cannot be expanded.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 13 MP, 4128 x 3096 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | 1.3 MP |
This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of OneTouch Idol Alpha smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | v4.0, A2DP |
| GPS | A-GPS |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | yes, with RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
The 3G is obsolete now, because most phones can use 4G and 5G networks. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The OneTouch Idol Alpha smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, non-removable |
|---|
The Li-Ion 2000 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The battery of OneTouch Idol Alpha isn't removable without voiding the warranty.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, compass, light, proximity |
|---|
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Alcatel phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- none
Cons
- limited-size screen
- insufficient memory
- insufficient internal storage
- non-expandable storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 4G support
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- no Type-C USB port
- low-capacity battery
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
Updated: May 11, 2024
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.