Alcatel Idol 3 (5.5) and Idol 3 (4.7) review: Two phones, one soul

01 June 2015
The Alcatel Idol 3 name is shared between two smartphones that couldn’t be any different. Announced during MWC 2015, one is a 5.5-inch behemoth, while the other is a more than pocketable 4.7-inch device. And as luck would have it...

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  • D
  • AnonD-50641
  • RJh
  • 04 Jun 2015

Better go with Zenfone 2. Consistent software update from time to time.

    • R
    • R Balie
    • StU
    • 03 Jun 2015

    benchmark comparisio, 02 Jun 2015I hope that the editors at GSMArena (actually) read these f... moreYou need to get out more!!!

      • D
      • AnonD-386467
      • kiQ
      • 03 Jun 2015

      No word on lag?

        • W
        • Waterloo
        • uE5
        • 03 Jun 2015

        benchmark comparisio, 02 Jun 2015I hope that the editors at GSMArena (actually) read these f... moreIts not a big deal, the reader of this site is all over the world, where some could purchase meizu m1 easily.

          • M
          • Marcel
          • NCw
          • 02 Jun 2015

          Very first sentence: "that couldn't be any different" - any more different? any less different? Do check for sense. :)

          I was puzzled by the lack of some technical information on the screen, such as the display tests, white/black levels, and sunlight contrast ratio - all other recent phones have those.

          Similarly, no speakerphone test result - how loud does it get?

          Is the camera really as bad as the Zenfone 2? Meaning reasonable bright light stills, disappointing low light stills and noisy videos?

            • b
            • benchmark comparisio
            • mTn
            • 02 Jun 2015

            I hope that the editors at GSMArena (actually) read these forums too. Because my remarks are directed at them.

            1) Can you PLEASE KEEP comparing the same devices throughout ALL tests! It's confusing to see e.g. an OnePlus One in one test and then see something else in another.

            2) Also, please, use a KNOWN device that we can compare with. I mean a Meizo isn't sold anywhere except China or India. There's no need to compare THAT device since a lot of your readers haven't got a clue about it. Compare with known models/brands e.g. S4 or S5 or Nokia 920/820 or Xperia Z/Z1/Z2/Z3 etc...

            3) is it possible to place a link to the FULL benchmark list(s)? So that we can compare ALL devices ever tested with a certain benchmark, or audio-test or screentest etc...

            Thanks

              • D
              • AnonD-401914
              • P%u
              • 02 Jun 2015

              This is the budget phone to beat. Hope this arrives in the Philippines.

                • J
                • JG01
                • jk4
                • 02 Jun 2015

                I bought the 5.5 version. It's good phone. The only thing is, there are a number of bugs, all fixable by software updates. That's a good thing...however !! How long will Alcatel take to fix them. I call their support and gave them 15 bugs of things I used on a day to day basis. I have this phone for 20 more days, if they fix it within this time , I will keep the phone, if not, it will be returned. As for overheating, I did experience that for the first time today, but I think it may have a combination of apps running (step counter, FM radio, Pandora and dialer), closed the apps and it cooled down.

                  • ?
                  • Anonymous
                  • RXq
                  • 02 Jun 2015

                  When is the 4.7" version coming to the US?

                    • J
                    • John Tan
                    • uQ5
                    • 02 Jun 2015

                    This is what you call a proper review. Eat shit the verge.

                      • ?
                      • Anonymous
                      • npc
                      • 01 Jun 2015

                      1 day talk time.WOW

                        • r
                        • regs
                        • gEE
                        • 01 Jun 2015

                        "Alcatel's custom user interface might not fit all tastes"
                        There is stock Android 5.0 with own iconset.

                          • m
                          • mahedi
                          • PSg
                          • 01 Jun 2015

                          It is powered by 615 Soc, Is there heating issues with idol 3(5.5)??just like M4 aqua or Mi 4i??