When it comes to my smartphone, I’m a bit of a snob. I tend to favour the pricey, top-of-the-line devices and while I know iPhones are popular I personally really dislike the iOS smartphone platform. Previously, I had a Samsung Galaxy S3 when it was the top Samsung phone available. I then moved to the S4 and later to a Nokia Lumia 1020 Windows Phone, easily one of my favourite devices of all time.
But through mishaps and glitches, I recently found myself using a phone with a cracked screen that wouldn’t hold a charge. I knew it was time for an update and Alcatel, a somewhat new-to-Canada company offering smartphones and tablets, came to my rescue by offering me the chance to review its brand new Idol 3 smartphone.
Now as much as I appreciate the benefits of an entry-level Android phone, I’ve tried a few in the past and they just weren’t right for me. For a teenager or a family on a budget, a more affordable smartphone is ideal. But since I depend on my phone for so much, I just wasn’t satisfied with the features that most cheaper smartphones offered.
That all changed with the Idol 3! I tested out the phone on a recent trip to Ontario because I knew I would have ample opportunities to review its features during my sightseeing. The camera was one of the first features I tested and with other smartphones, the camera was always the first aspect of a phone I found wanting. So when I took the first few vibrant and beautiful pictures with the 13MP main camera, I was thrilled.
Of course, I’m no stranger to selfies, so a good front-facing camera matters almost as much as the rear camera to me. It’s also something that many of the more affordable smartphones let suffer quality-wise in order to keep prices down. The Alcatel Idol 3 was refreshingly different, with an 8MP front-facing camera that produced beautiful, share-worthy images!
The phone also boasts an Octa-Core Qualcomm SnapDragon615 processor to keep its performance lighting fast with the LTE connectivity that I want when I’m on the go. Whether I was posting to Facebook, texting family or answering emails, my phone handled the job effortlessly. And while I had previously found the new generation smartphones to be too big to suit me, once I experienced the full HD 5.5” IPS display for myself, I fell in love.
But the best part of all of the amazing features is that they’re available in a phone that costs $0 on a two-year plan or just $350 to buy outright! Compared to the average cost of the latest high-end smartphones, the price is an absolute steal. For somebody like me that’s not willing to compromise on top-quality performance and versatility, the Idol 3 is a dream come true.
The Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 is available at smartphone retailers across Canada including TELUS, Bell and Videotron. Whether you’re looking for a smartphone for yourself or your teenager, this is one that’s well worth checking out. From the fully reversible display to the dual front-facing stereo speakers, this is a phone that works and plays just as hard as its pricier counterparts. Give it a try and enjoy a premium phone at a great price!
Sounds cool – but I’ve definitely swallowed the iphone kool-aid. I have an iphone and a mini and they’re synced so my son knows exactly where his games and apps are. :) Maybe once there are as many apps for kids….but of course, eventually he’ll get his own phone right?! Right?!?