The line of affordable Alcatel PIXI smartphones has been replenished with new models. Alcatel PIXI 4 received two variations with 5" and 6" screens. Today we will look at a five-inch gadget and find out whether the PIXI line has been released on new level or not.
Specifications
- Screen: 5", TFT-TN, 16 million colors, 854×480 pixels; capacitive;
- Operating system: Android 6.0 Marshmallow;
- Processor: MediaTek MT6735M, Cortex-A53, 4 x 1 GHz;
- GPU: Mali-T720;
- RAM: 1 GB;
- Built-in memory: 8 GB, support for microSD memory cards up to 32 GB;
- Cameras: Main 8 MP – flash, digital. zoom, fixed focus,
front 5 MP – flash, digital. zoom, fixed focus; - Video recording: main camera: 1280 x 720, 30 fps, EIS,
front camera: 640 x 480, EIS; - Battery: Li-Ion 2000 mAh;
- Dimensions: 151 x 72.5 x 9.5 mm;
- Weight: 169 g;
- SIM slots: 2 microSIM/microSIM Dual-Standby;
- Communication: GSM: 850/900/1800/1900,
UMTS: 850/900/1900/2100,
FDD LTE B1/3/7/8/20/28A,
EDGE HSPA+: Down - 42 Mbit/s, Up – 11 Mbit/s,
4G LTE Cat 4:Down - 150 Mbit/s, Up – 50 Mbit/s,
GPRS, EDGE,
WIFI: 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz,
Bluetooth 4.0, GPS; - Sensors: proximity, accelerometer.
- Available colors: white, dark gray, silver, blue, orange.
Equipment
Alcatel PIXI 4 comes in a compact blue and white cardboard box with a bright design.On the front side there is an image of the smartphone, the company logo and the model name.
Printed on the left side legal information about the trademark in different languages.
The opposite side lists the main specifications gadget and shows Polaroid-type photographs demonstrating the presence this mode on the phone (more about it in the “Camera” section).
On the small edges the Alcatel logo is minimalistically “flaunted” and brief information about the device is pasted: model code, IMEI, supported communication standards, etc.
Inside the box, in addition to the device itself, there are: a 5V 550mA power adapter, a 1m long micro-USB cable for connecting to a PC, a “Getting Started” leaflet, a booklet with information about safety measures and warranty conditions, a warranty card and in-ear headphones.
Appearance
The material from which the smartphone body and back panel are made is plastic.
The front side is also covered with plastic. Above the screen there is a flash, earpiece, front camera and notification light.
At the bottom there are touch buttons “back”, “home”, “menu”. The response is fast, but they are not highlighted.
The back cover, as mentioned earlier, is made of plastic and has holes for the camera and flash. It opens very difficult and with a characteristic crack, which creates the feeling that it is about to break.
Under rear panel There is a 2000 mAh battery, two microSIM slots and a slot for a microSD memory card. A design feature is that the slot for the second SIM card and for the memory card are independent, while in order to insert or remove a SIM card from the first slot, you need to remove the battery.
On the top edge of the smartphone there is a 3.5 mm jack and a microphone.
On the right side there are physical power and volume buttons, and the power key is located higher, which makes it extremely inconvenient to use.
At the bottom there is a micro-USB connector and a second microphone.
Accordingly, there is nothing on the left side of the device.
Small in terms of modern trends, the diagonal of the screen, the average thickness of the gadget and the slight roundness of the back cover make the PIXI 4 comfortable to hold in your hand during use.
Display
Alcatel PIXI 4 is equipped with a 5-inch TFT-TN display with the ability to display 16 million colors. Color rendering is satisfactory. This is explained by the type of matrix, which slightly “darkens” the colors.
Screen brightness is low. It is almost impossible to use the phone outdoors. “Adding fuel to the fire” is the plastic coating, which not only glares wildly even indoors, but also significantly narrows viewing angles, distorting colors and weakening brightness. In addition, the plastic is pressed when pressed a little harder than usual, leaving specific spots on the matrix.
No oleophobic coating
Multitouch - maximum number of recognized touches - 2.
Iron
The smartphone runs on a processor with a 64-bit MediaTek MT6735M structure, four ARM Cortex-A53 cores with a frequency of 1 GHz. The main differences from the MT6735 are a lower clock frequency, resulting in the ability to “curb” displays with a maximum resolution of 720p, but also more economical power consumption.
The games show all the typical performance flaws: the image is unclear, the textures have a “staircase”. Some applications experience stuttering for a few seconds after loading.
The amount of RAM is 1 GB - the minimum for the basic functions of the gadget. In everyday use, the average load is 65-70%
An interesting situation has arisen with internal memory. Of the declared 8 GB, 4.23 GB are available according to the “Device Memory” section in the phone settings, or 3.6 GB according to the manufacturer’s official website. In fact, the user will encounter a shortage after installing the main set of applications. If desired (which will certainly arise), the memory can be expanded using microSD cards up to 32 GB.
The sensor responsible for rotating the screen is very sensitive, which is why the image on the display rotates at the slightest vibration, even when the smartphone lies motionless on the table.
Software
Alcatel PIXI 4 runs a mobile operating system Android systems 6.0 Marshmallow. One of the nice additions from the manufacturer is the panel quick access on the lock screen and the ability to zoom in on images in the gallery and the camera frame with one finger. The main menu sorts apps alphabetically and there doesn't seem to be any way to change this.
Sound
In the presented gadget, the main speaker is constantly directed towards the user, since it is placed in the place of the earpiece speaker and is such. The design is made with fine perforation, as a result of which the sound hardly “breaks through”. This explains the rather low maximum volume of noise emitted - 66.7 dB.
The smartphone comes with headphones, the quality of which does not imply long and intensive use.
Connection
Considering that the earpiece is the main one, the call quality is at a decent level. The interlocutor can be heard well even in a noisy environment, and he, in turn, also hears well - noise reduction works.
I'm glad that there is a 4G module and that it works. The signal quality depends on the LTE coverage area of the telecom operator.
Wi-Fi module Picks up the signal well, without interruptions.
The GPS module installed in the smartphone cannot be called strong: in 18 seconds of the test, only 12 satellites came into view, 9 of which were directly used.
Battery
The phone is equipped lithium-ion battery capacity 2000 mAh. When tested with a new battery test from Treshbox, the gadget lasted only 6 hours 36 minutes with Wi-Fi turned on, brightness level 50% and with one SIM card installed.
Camera
The main camera takes photos with a resolution of up to 8 megapixels. There is a single-tone flash, but there is no autofocus.
There is HDR technology, white balance and ISO adjustment, flicker reduction, face recognition, automatic shutter release when a smile is detected, etc. Available modes: Normal, Panorama, QR Scanner, Polaroid, Auto Retouch.
The Polaroid mode is a set of functions for processing photos: dividing the photo into 2 or 4 parts, 17 filters and 14 frames to choose from, as well as the ability to add text, geotags and dates under the photo.
The main camera shoots video in HD 720p 30 fps, with electronic image stabilization. File type: 3gp
The front camera shoots video with a frame size of 640x480, also with stabilization, also 3gp.
Results and conclusions
In terms of functionality, Alcatel PIXI 4 is not very different from older phones with a rotary dialer. There are essentially only two differences, the first of which is mobility, wireless communication, and the second is some kind of camera, and it is understood that it will not be used often. The inconvenient location of the control buttons on the side, the mediocre quality of the screen and the catastrophic lack of memory spoil the overall impression of this unit. Regarding the cost of the smartphone, if you buy it on sale from Beeline for 3990 rubles, then in this case the shortcomings described in the review do not hurt the user’s pride so much, because For that kind of money, there are few places where you will find a working, well-assembled device, also with LTE. In addition, the color palette of the rear panel is quite diverse. But the price is 7500 rubles. for a “pure” PIXI 4 it can produce the exact opposite effect to the one described above.
Pros:
- Big screen
- LTE support
- Price (at special conditions)
- Front camera with flash
- Polaroid mode
- Lack of autofocus even on the main camera
- Quiet main speaker combined with conversational speaker
- Mediocre image quality of both cameras
- Inconvenient location of the power button
- Screen quality leaves much to be desired
- Very little internal memory
- Weak battery
Screen
Screen type: TFT color, touch type touch screen: multi-touch, capacitive Diagonal: 5 inch. Image size: 854x480Multimedia capabilities
Camera: 8 million pixels, LED flash Camera functions: autofocus Video recording: yes Front camera: yes, 5 million pixels. Audio: MP3, AAC, WMA, FM Radio Headphone Jack: 3.5mmConnection
Standard: GSM 900/1800/1900, 3G, 4G LTE Interfaces: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, USB Satellite navigation: GPSMemory and processor
Processor: 1000 MHz Number of processor cores: 4 Built-in memory capacity: 8 GB RAM capacity: 1 GB Memory card slot: yes, up to 32 GBNutrition
Battery capacity: 2000 mAh Talk time: 12 h Standby time: 473 h Charging connector type: micro-USBOther features
Control: voice dialing, voice control Airplane mode: yes Flashlight: yesThe Chinese brand Alcatel has acquired a good reputation and fame in Russia. TCL Mobile produces reliable smartphones at an affordable price and is one of the best manufacturers in China. It occupies far from the first place in such ratings, but the models it represents deserve attention.
In 2017, TCL Mobile presented the budget Alcatel PIXI 4 Plus Power. The smartphone has collected a lot positive feedback unassuming buyers. Even in 2018, this model is in demand. What's special about PIXI 4 Plus Power? The answer to this question will be revealed in the review below.
Specifications
| Characteristic | Meaning |
|---|---|
| operating system | Android |
| SIM card format | micro SIM |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
| Screen diagonal | 5.5 inches |
| Rear camera | 8 MP |
| Front-camera | 2 MP |
| Connection | GSM, 3G |
| CPU | MediaTek MT6580, 1300 MHz |
| RAM | 1 Gb |
| Built-in memory | 16 Gb |
| Battery capacity | 5000 mAh |
Design
In his price category the gadget looks stylish. The design features small grooves along both sides of the phone, making the device easier to hold in your hand. The embossed back cover prevents slipping.
The Plus in the model name indicates the rather large size of the device. Device dimensions: 78.3x152x9.9 mm. The weight is 202 grams. Of course, not everyone will feel comfortable holding such a bulky “shovel” in their hand, but this drawback will not outweigh the “goodies” of the phone.
The case material is plastic, which corresponds to the price of the model. Some users note that the removable back cover is flimsy, but protective cases help out here. The lid is not designed rationally: when opening it is easy to damage the button pushers. You should be careful and try to disassemble your smartphone as little as possible.
The model is available in several colors: black, white, orange, green, blue. The buyer has a choice: stick to the classic version or stand out from the crowd.
The front panel contains three standard touch keys, a front camera, a flash, an LED indicator and a speaker. On the back there is a rear camera, a flashlight and a speaker. On the right side of the case, in the usual places for Android smartphone users, there is a power button and a volume control. A standard headphone jack is built in at the top, and at the bottom there is a micro USB socket for charging the device and a microphone.
Display
The 5.5-inch screen takes up 70 percent of the phone's front panel. It is framed by a black or white frame depending on the color of the case. The IPS matrix with HD resolution and wide viewing angle will allow you to watch videos comfortably. The image size is 1280x720 pixels, which corresponds to the budget line. Aspect ratio: 16 to 9 is maintained according to European and Asian standards.
The built-in light sensor will automatically adjust the screen brightness so that information is readable and energy consumption is saved. In bright sunlight, the display will not provide a clear image. However, inexpensive models rarely cope with work in the sun. An auto-rotate function is also installed, which quickly responds to the owner’s actions.
The bright display with a clear image will not disappoint consumers with modest demands. In addition, the manufacturer claims that the screen is scratch resistant. True, there is no oleophobic coating, so you will have to protect yourself from fingerprints with protective glass or film.
operating system
The smartphone operating system is Android 6. The search for updates is carried out automatically, and installation is carried out after connecting to Wi-Fi networks. Flexibility of settings and a clear interface are constant companions of this system.
CPU
The Pixi 4 Plus Power has a weak processor by modern standards. MediaTek MT6580 is a common processor in Chinese phones. Four cores and a maximum frequency of 1300 Mhz meet the requirements of a budget smartphone. This hardware is not suitable for active games. However, it will handle light toys at low and medium settings. The main thing is to monitor the temperature of the smartphone so that it does not overheat.
Memory
The device was deprived of RAM. 1 Gb for modern device little, but this model copes with multitasking. When loaded with heavy applications, it may begin to slow down.
The volume of built-in memory is 16 Gb. If desired, you can add a microSD memory card. Here the manufacturer has set a limitation: the memory card capacity should not exceed 32 GB.
Dual SIM
Two full slots for micro SIM are hidden under a removable cover. Next to them is a separate slot for a memory card.
Classic slots win over fragile retractable designs. There is no need to constantly keep the key at hand and choose what is preferable: additional memory or a second number and tariff. It's also a hassle to put card slots back in the first time a consumer encounters it.
Autonomy
The smartphone is equipped with a built-in Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 5000 mAh. Some users consider the non-removable battery to be a disadvantage because it cannot be replaced by yourself. However, if used properly, the battery will last for several years. The question of replacing the battery may not arise.
According to consumer reviews, the smartphone can hold a charge for more than a week with low load. Constant games and Internet surfing drain the battery within a day. First of all, Alcatel PIXI 4 Plus Power is a communication tool and organizer. In this mode, the charge will last up to a week. This phone is not entertainment oriented.
Fully charge capacious battery possible in a couple of hours, since the smartphone is equipped with fast charging technology.
Power bank mode
The word Power in the model name is not accidental. The phone can play a role portable battery. Smart watches and other portable electronics with a micro USB charging socket will quickly recharge from the PIXI 4 Plus Power. To do this, they need to be connected to an unusual power source using a special cable included in the kit.
Communication and navigation
The smartphone operates in the three most common bands GSM frequencies: 900, 1800 and 1900. Supports SIM cards of all Russian telecom operators. To connect to the Internet, networks are used: GPRS, EDGE, 3G or Wi-Fi. Connects to other devices via Bluetooth.
It is important to note that this device can be used as a USB modem, Wi-Fi router and Bluetooth modem. Not every budget model boasts such functions. PIXI 4 Plus Power is capable of distributing Wi-Fi to 8 devices simultaneously, as well as providing Internet access from a computer when connected via a USB cable.
The phone supports satellite GPS navigation with A-GPS add-on. This allows you to quickly track your device's location and get directions based on built-in map applications. It is worth considering that due to errors, such coordinates are not always reliable.
Unlock
There is no fingerprint scanner here. A short press on the power button and swiping your finger up from the bottom of the screen will open access to the interface. There are also classic ways to protect the device from strangers in the form of setting passwords.
Interface
The interfaces of Android phones are similar. The status bar on the Pixi 4 Plus Power desktop has been changed. The battery charge is displayed with a fairly large icon, which emphasizes main feature phone. The clock and date are located in the center of the display. The lock screen contains notifications and shortcuts.
There are many applications installed on your phone by default. You can add to the collection from Google Play and from the Alcatel store. Applications are downloaded to background and do not interfere with work.
Camera
The camera quality leaves much to be desired. If you need a phone that can take clear, beautiful pictures, then it is better to pass by this model. Rear camera – 8 MP, front – 2 MP.
Street shots are gaining rich colors, but with a yellowish tint and noise. Indoors, with autofocus, photos come out with slight blur. Using a flash removes the “soapiness”, but the quality remains far from ideal. It's easy to imagine how the phone takes photos at night in poor lighting.
Example of a photo indoors with flash:
Still from a video taken on a clear day:
On a phone, the camera is an addition to the main functionality, so you shouldn’t demand too much from it. Even a simple point-and-shoot camera will take better pictures.
Video calls, reminder pictures (for example, a schedule or other information), acceptable video quality - this is what you can count on when purchasing this device.
Sound
The sound quality is no better or worse than other phones in the budget segment. The smartphone is equipped with optimized speakers, but the sound remains average. When playing music at full volume, noise may occur. However, such a load is not recommended for all devices, since there is a danger of contact overheating. Then you will have to contact the service center.
Music and FM radio
A convenient player for listening to music is installed. It supports four formats: MP3, AAC, WAV and WMA. There are two repeat modes: one song and the entire playlist. You can pause or skip an audio file from the lock screen.
The built-in FM radio works when headphones are connected, which act as an antenna. Radio stations can be found manually or automatic search, and save your favorite ones.
The manufacturer claims that the battery allows you to continuously listen to music for 120 hours. This is only possible when the screen is locked, since this part of the smartphone consumes a lot of energy.
Equipment
The device is packed in a colorful compact box.
The kit includes:
- A smartphone with a protective film already applied. It will prevent fingerprints and scratches from appearing on the screen. It's nice that the manufacturer took care of such a useful detail.
- Headphones with built-in microphone. An unremarkable headset with a 3.5 mm plug. The sound quality is good. Headphones are convenient to use for listening to music and telephone conversations.
- AC power adapter with 2A output current. This indicator guarantees high charging speed.
- Micro USB cable for charging your phone and connecting to your computer. The cable length is only 93 centimeters. This can be called a minus of the model. Sockets are not always located so that the phone does not remain suspended. Of course, stores offer a wide range of holders, but this is an additional investment of time and money.
- Cable for charging other devices with a micro USB plug on both sides. The plug with the red marking connects to the smartphone, and the other plug connects to portable electronics that require power.
- Information booklets in several languages. There are also instructions here, which rarely anyone uses. However, it is not difficult to understand the phone interface intuitively, especially if the user has already encountered the Android system.
Price
In different regions, a smartphone can be purchased at prices ranging from 5,080 to 6,500 rubles. average price is 6200 rub. The phone is definitely worth the money. For this price the buyer acquires not only quality smartphone with a standard set of functions, but also Power Bank volume 5000 mAh.
In 2018, there are not many places left where PIXI 4 Plus Power is sold. Every year the market is replenished with new products, and the old ones have to retreat.
Alcatel PIXI 4 Plus Power
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Low price;
- Long battery life;
- Power Bank mode;
- Two slots for SIM cards+ memory card slot.
Flaws:
- Poor camera quality;
- Low productivity;
- Does not support 4G;
- There is no oleophobic coating on the screen.
Bottom line
Has established himself as a creator budget smartphones. Alcatel PIXI 4 Plus Power - well balanced inexpensive phone. It includes all the necessary features without any frills. The smartphone is productive and fast in everyday use. Those who need a work phone should pay attention to this model. It is ideal for communication in social networks and messengers, reading e-books and other undemanding activities.
The ability to hold a battery charge for a long time will please even owners push-button phones who are in no hurry to purchase smartphones due to frequent charging. A separate nice bonus in the form of a Power Bank will be especially useful on the road.
Alcatel PIXI 4 Plus Power is a worthy choice for a person who appreciates the quality and practicality of smartphones.
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Information about the make, model, and alternative names of the specific device, if available.
Design
Information about the dimensions and weight of the device, presented in different units of measurement. Materials used, colors offered, certificates.
| Width Width information - refers to the horizontal side of the device in its standard orientation during use. | 72.5 mm (millimeters) 7.25 cm (centimeters) 0.24 ft (feet) 2.85 in (inches) |
| Height Height information - refers to the vertical side of the device in its standard orientation during use. | 140.7 mm (millimeters) 14.07 cm (centimeters) 0.46 ft (feet) 5.54 in (inches) |
| Thickness Information about the thickness of the device in different units measurements. | 9.5 mm (millimeters) 0.95 cm (centimeters) 0.03 ft (feet) 0.37 in (inches) |
| Weight Information about the weight of the device in different units of measurement. | 169 g (grams) 0.37 lbs 5.96 oz (ounces) |
| Volume The approximate volume of the device, calculated based on the dimensions provided by the manufacturer. Refers to devices with the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. | 96.91 cm³ (cubic centimeters) 5.89 in³ (cubic inches) |
| Colors Information about the colors in which this device is offered for sale. | Black White Orange Blue Grey |
| Materials for making the case Materials used to make the device body. | Plastic |
SIM card
The SIM card is used in mobile devices to store data that certifies the authenticity of mobile service subscribers.
Mobile networks
A mobile network is a radio system that allows multiple mobile devices to communicate with each other.
| GSM GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is designed to replace the analogue mobile network (1G). For this reason, GSM is often called a 2G mobile network. It is improved by the addition of GPRS (General Packet Radio Services), and later EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) technologies. | GSM 850 MHz GSM 900 MHz GSM 1800 MHz GSM 1900 MHz |
| UMTS UMTS is an abbreviation for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System. It is based on GSM standard and applies to 3G mobile networks. Developed by 3GPP and its biggest advantage is providing greater speed and spectral efficiency thanks to W-CDMA technology. | UMTS 850 MHz UMTS 900 MHz UMTS 1900 MHz UMTS 2100 MHz UMTS 1700/2100 MHz (5045G) |
| LTE LTE (Long Term Evolution) is defined as a fourth generation (4G) technology. It is developed by 3GPP based on GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA to increase the capacity and speed of wireless mobile networks. The subsequent technology development is called LTE Advanced. | LTE 2600 MHz LTE 800 MHz (5045D; 5045X) LTE 900 MHz (5045D; 5045X) LTE 1800 MHz (5045A; 5045D; 5045J; 5045X) LTE 2100 MHz (5045A; 5045X) LTE 700 MHz (B28) (5045A; 5045D; 5045D; 5045J; 5045X) LTE 1900 MHz (5045A; 5045G; 5045J) LTE 1700/2100 MHz (5045A; 5045G; 5045J) LTE 850 MHz (5045G) LTE 700 MHz Class 13 (5045A; 5045J) LTE 700 MHz Class 17 (5045A; 5045G; 5045J) |
Mobile communication technologies and data transfer speeds
Communication between devices on mobile networks is carried out using technologies that provide different data transfer rates.
Operating system
An operating system is a system software that manages and coordinates the operation of hardware components in a device.
SoC (System on Chip)
A system on a chip (SoC) includes all the most important hardware components of a mobile device on one chip.
| SoC (System on Chip) A system on a chip (SoC) integrates various hardware components, such as a processor, graphics processor, memory, peripherals, interfaces, etc., as well as the software necessary for their operation. | MediaTek MT6735M |
| Technological process Information about technological process, on which the chip is made. Nanometers measure half the distance between elements in the processor. | 28 nm (nanometers) |
| Processor (CPU) The primary function of a mobile device's processor (CPU) is to interpret and execute instructions contained in software applications. | ARM Cortex-A53 |
| Processor size The size (in bits) of a processor is determined by the size (in bits) of the registers, address buses, and data buses. 64-bit processors have higher performance compared to 32-bit processors, which in turn are more powerful than 16-bit processors. | 64 bit |
| Instruction Set Architecture Instructions are commands with which the software sets/controls the operation of the processor. Information about the instruction set (ISA) that the processor can execute. | ARMv8-A |
| Level 1 cache (L1) Cache memory is used by the processor to reduce access time to more frequently used data and instructions. L1 (level 1) cache is small in size and works much faster as system memory, and other levels of cache memory. If the processor does not find the requested data in L1, it continues to look for it in the L2 cache. On some processors, this search is performed simultaneously in L1 and L2. | 32 kB + 32 kB (kilobytes) |
| Level 2 cache (L2) L2 (level 2) cache is slower than L1 cache, but in return it has a higher capacity, allowing it to cache more data. It, like L1, is much faster than system memory (RAM). If the processor does not find the requested data in L2, it continues to look for it in the L3 cache (if available) or in RAM memory. | 512 kB (kilobytes) 0.5 MB (megabytes) |
| Number of processor cores The processor core performs program instructions. There are processors with one, two or more cores. Having more cores increases performance by allowing multiple instructions to be executed in parallel. | 4 |
| CPU clock speed The clock speed of a processor describes its speed in terms of cycles per second. It is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). | 1000 MHz (megahertz) |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) handles calculations for various 2D/3D graphics applications. In mobile devices, it is most often used by games, consumer interfaces, video applications, etc. | ARM Mali-T720 MP1 |
| Number of GPU cores Like a CPU, a GPU is made up of several working parts called cores. They handle graphics calculations for various applications. | 1 |
| GPU clock speed Running speed is the clock speed of the GPU, measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). | 500 MHz (megahertz) |
| Amount of random access memory (RAM) Random access memory (RAM) is used by the operating system and all installed applications. Data stored in RAM is lost after the device is turned off or restarted. | 1 GB (gigabytes) |
| Type of random access memory (RAM) Information about the type of random access memory (RAM) used by the device. | LPDDR3 |
| Number of RAM channels Information about the number of RAM channels that are integrated into the SoC. More channels mean higher data rates. | Single channel |
| RAM frequency The frequency of RAM determines its operating speed, more specifically, the speed of reading/writing data. | 533 MHz (megahertz) |
Built-in memory
Each mobile device has built-in (non-removable) memory with a fixed capacity.
Memory cards
Memory cards are used in mobile devices to increase the storage capacity for storing data.
Screen
The screen of a mobile device is characterized by its technology, resolution, pixel density, diagonal length, color depth, etc.
| Type/technology One of the main characteristics of the screen is the technology by which it is made and on which the quality of the information image directly depends. | TFT |
| Diagonal For mobile devices, screen size is expressed by the length of its diagonal, measured in inches. | 5 in (inches) 127 mm (millimeters) 12.7 cm (centimeters) |
| Width Approximate screen width | 2.45 in (inches) 62.23 mm (millimeters) 6.22 cm (centimeters) |
| Height Approximate screen height | 4.36 in (inches) 110.71 mm (millimeters) 11.07 cm (centimeters) |
| Aspect Ratio The ratio of the dimensions of the long side of the screen to its short side | 1.779:1 |
| Permission Screen resolution shows the number of pixels vertically and horizontally on the screen. More a high resolution means sharper detail in the image. | 480 x 854 pixels |
| Pixel Density Information about the number of pixels per centimeter or inch of the screen. Higher density allows information to be displayed on the screen with clearer detail. | 196 ppi (pixels per inch) 77ppcm (pixels per centimeter) |
| Color depth Screen color depth reflects the total number of bits used for color components in one pixel. Information about the maximum number of colors that the screen can display. | 24 bit 16777216 flowers |
| Screen area Approximate percentage of screen area occupied by the screen on the front of the device. | 67.75% (percentage) |
| Other characteristics Information about other screen features and characteristics. | Capacitive Multi-touch |
Sensors
Different sensors perform different quantitative measurements and convert physical indicators into signals that a mobile device can recognize.
Rear camera
The main camera of a mobile device is usually located on its back panel and may be combined with one or more secondary cameras.
| Sensor type Information about the camera sensor type. Some of the most widely used types of sensors in mobile device cameras are CMOS, BSI, ISOCELL, etc. | CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) |
| Flash type The rear (rear) cameras of mobile devices mainly use led flashes. They can be configured with one, two or more light sources and vary in shape. | LED |
| Image Resolution One of the main characteristics of cameras is resolution. It represents the number of horizontal and vertical pixels in an image. For convenience, smartphone manufacturers often list resolution in megapixels, indicating the approximate number of pixels in millions. | 3264 x 2448 pixels 7.99 MP (megapixels) |
| Video resolution Information about the maximum video resolution that the camera can record. | 1280 x 720 pixels 0.92 MP (megapixels) |
| Video recording speed (frame rate) Information about the maximum recording speed (frames per second, fps) supported by the camera at maximum resolution. Some of the most basic video recording speeds are 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps. | 30fps (frames per second) |
| Characteristics Information about additional software and hardware features of the rear (rear) camera. | Autofocus Continuous shooting Digital zoom Geographical tags Panoramic photography HDR shooting Touch Focus Face recognition White Balance Adjustment ISO Setting Exposure compensation Self-timer Scene Selection Mode |
Front-camera
Smartphones have one or more front cameras of various designs - a pop-up camera, a rotating camera, a cutout or hole in the display, an under-display camera.
Audio
Information about the type of speakers and audio technologies supported by the device.
Radio
The radio of the mobile device is a built-in FM receiver.
Location determination
Information about the navigation and location technologies supported by your device.
WiFi
Wi-Fi is a technology that provides wireless communication for transmitting data over close distances between various devices.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a standard for secure wireless data transfer between various devices of different types over short distances.
USB
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard that allows different electronic devices to exchange data.
Headphone jack
This is an audio connector, also called an audio jack. The most widely used standard in mobile devices is the 3.5mm headphone jack.
Connecting devices
Information about other important connection technologies supported by your device.
Browser
A web browser is a software application for accessing and viewing information on the Internet.
| Browser Information about some of the main characteristics and standards supported by the device's browser. | HTML HTML5 CSS 3 |
Audio file formats/codecs
Mobile devices support different audio file formats and codecs, which respectively store and encode/decode digital audio data.
Video file formats/codecs
Mobile devices support different video file formats and codecs, which respectively store and encode/decode digital video data.
Battery
Mobile device batteries differ from each other in their capacity and technology. They provide the electrical charge necessary for their functioning.
| Capacity A battery's capacity indicates the maximum charge it can hold, measured in milliamp-hours. | 2000 mAh (milliamp-hours) |
| Type The type of battery is determined by its structure and, more precisely, the chemicals used. Exist different types batteries, with lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries most often used in mobile devices. | Li-Ion (Lithium-ion) |
| 2G talk time 2G talk time is the period of time during which the battery charge is completely discharged during a continuous conversation on a 2G network. | 12 h (hours) 720 min (minutes) 0.5 days |
| 2G latency 2G standby time is the period of time during which the battery charge is completely discharged when the device is in stand-by mode and connected to a 2G network. | 473 h (hours) 28380 min (minutes) 19.7 days |
| 3G talk time 3G talk time is the period of time during which the battery charge is completely discharged during a continuous conversation on a 3G network. | 11 o'clock (clock) 660 min (minutes) 0.5 days |
| 3G latency 3G standby time is the period of time during which the battery charge is completely discharged when the device is in stand-by mode and connected to a 3G network. | 441 h (hours) 26460 min (minutes) 18.4 days |
| 4G latency 4G standby time is the period of time during which the battery charge is completely discharged when the device is in stand-by mode and connected to a 4G network. | 196 h (hours) 11760 min (minutes) 8.2 days |
| Characteristics Information about some additional characteristics device battery. | Removable |
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
The SAR level refers to the amount of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the human body while using a mobile device.
| SAR level for head (EU) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation that the human body is exposed to when holding a mobile device close to the ear in a conversation position. In Europe, the maximum permissible SAR value for mobile devices is limited to 2 W/kg per 10 grams of human tissue. This standard established by the CENELEC Committee in accordance with IEC standards, subject to the ICNIRP guidelines of 1998. | 0.466 W/kg (Watt per kilogram) |
| Body SAR level (EU) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation to which the human body is exposed when holding a mobile device at hip level. The maximum permissible SAR value for mobile devices in Europe is 2 W/kg per 10 grams of human tissue. This standard has been established by the CENELEC Committee in compliance with the ICNIRP 1998 guidelines and IEC standards. | 0.669 W/kg (Watt per kilogram) |
Today we have at our disposal Alcatel smartphone Pixi 4 (5045D). This device is one of the cheapest on Russian market with LTE support. We found out how convenient and practical the device turned out to be during a long user test.
With the growth of 4G coverage in different regions of Russia, subscribers are increasingly looking at devices that support high-speed mobile Internet. For obvious reasons, models with low prices attract more attention. It was all the more interesting to get an Alcatel Pixi 4 smartphone with a 5-inch screen for testing, which at a low cost promises rich functionality, adequate performance and Mobile Internet at speeds up to 150 Mbit/s. How he pleased and upset us, read on.
Technical characteristics of Alcatel Pixi 4
id="sub0">| Characteristic | Description |
| Case materials: | Plastic |
| Operating system: | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Screen: | TFT-TN touchscreen, 5-inch diagonal, resolution 480x854 pixels (196 ppi) |
| CPU: | quad-core MediaTek MT6735M clocked at 1.0 GHz |
| GPU: | ARM Mali-T720M |
| RAM: | 1 GB |
| Flash memory: | 8 GB built-in (4 GB available) + microSD memory card slot |
| SIM card type: | Two microSIM, but only one SIM card can work with 4G |
| Mobile connection: | EDGE/GPRS/GSM (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), WCDMA (850/900/1900/2100 MHz), LTE Cat.4 (150/50 Mbit/s) |
| Communications: | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB connector for charging/sync (USB 2.0), 3.5 mm for headset |
| Navigation: | GPS, AGPS |
| Sensors: | Light sensor, proximity sensor, accelerometer/gyroscope |
| Main camera: | 8 megapixels without autofocus, LED flash |
| Front-camera: | 5 megapixels without autofocus, LED flash |
| Battery: | removable, 2000 mAh |
| Dimensions, weight: | 140.7 x 72.5 x 9.5 mm, 169 g |
Delivery package and first impressions
id="sub1">Alcatel Pixi 4 (5045D) comes in a box made of thick white cardboard. The packaging contains an image of the smartphone, its name, as well as the main parameters.
In addition to the smartphone itself, the box contains a USB - microUSB synchronization and charging cable, a power adapter, a wired headset, instructions and a warranty card.
Taking it out of the package, you notice that the device is quite heavy - 169 grams. At the same time, the dimensions are quite typical for devices with a 5-inch screen - 140.7 x 72.5 x 9.5 mm.
Despite the fact that the device fits in the palm of your hand, it is difficult to reach the edges of the display with one hand. You have to use your second hand or intercept. At the same time, the device can be carried in the pocket of trousers, jeans, jacket or shirt. The only thing is that at first you feel quite a lot of weight of the tube, but over time you get used to it.
Design and appearance
id="sub2">The appearance of Alcatel Pixi 4 (5) is ordinary. An ordinary rectangular block with rounded corners, made of hard plastic. The plastic on the sides and back is matte, the front part is glossy. Fingerprints, dust and other traces instantly appear on the gloss. As for the stability of the plastic that covers the screen, abrasions and light scratches appear after 5-6 days.
The build of the device is surprisingly good. The back cover is attached tightly. There are no cracks, no crunching or creaking noises have appeared in two weeks. On sale you can find five color options for the case: completely black, black with blue back cover, black with silver cap, black with orange cap and all-white. On my test I had a completely even option.
Now what and where is this device located. On the front you can see a 5-inch screen covered with transparent plastic. There is no oleophobic coating, as I noted above. Well, to combat fingerprints, any available means are suitable - napkins, scarves, etc.
Above the screen there is a speaker for telephone conversations and also for external calls and sounds. Its volume is enough to communicate in a noisy room or on the road. There is a front-facing camera in the upper right corner, as well as a dot LED. On the left is a flash for selfies. It is automatically activated when working with the front camera.
Below the screen there are three standard buttons for controlling the menu and operating system of the device. They are not backlit, which makes working in the dark difficult.
The power and screen lock button, as well as the screen adjustment key, are located on the right side of the smartphone. At the top you can see a microphone, as well as a hole for connecting a wired headset. On the bottom right side there is a microphone and a microUSB connector.
On the back side you can see an 8 megapixel camera lens without autofocus, but with an LED flash.
The battery cover is attached securely. In order to remove it, there is a recess in the lower right corner. Under the cover you can see a lithium-ion battery, two slots for microSIM-sized SIM cards, as well as a slot for microSD memory cards.
Screen. Graphics capabilities
id="sub3">Cheap smartphones try to save on everything. In the case of Alcatel Pixi 4, the “victim” of savings was the screen. A TFT-TN matrix with a diagonal of 5 inches, a resolution of 480x854 (196 ppi) is installed here; upon careful examination, individual pixels are visible. What’s most interesting is that this does not prevent the picture from looking quite alive and bright. Yes, the viewing angles here are not high, the display fades and glares a lot in the sun, but the colors are decent.
Another plus of such a budget screen is that it consumes a small amount of energy, which has a positive effect on time battery life.
The sensitivity of the display is sufficient for comfortable work. Recognition of two clicks is supported at the same time.
Hardware platform: processor, memory, performance
id="sub4">Alcatel Pixi 4 (5) is equipped with a MediaTek MT6735M chip with a quad-core processor: 4 cores of 1.0 GHz. Graphics subsystem - Mali-T720M. Random access memory 1 GB, built-in flash memory - 8 GB. 4 GB is available to the user. MicroSD memory cards up to 32 GB are supported.
Basic programs and interface operating system they work very quickly. Of course, not like in more expensive models, but applications launch within a couple of seconds. The response after pressing the screen is also comfortable. There is no lag. Games are much slower, as is the browser when there are 6-8 tabs open. If you launch any application at this time, it will also slow down for the first seconds. In general, the behavior of a budget chip and a small amount of RAM is normal.
To sum up the hardware, I would like to note that it is sufficient for most users. For an undemanding user, the operating speed will be comfortable.
Communication capabilities
id="sub5">Alcatel Pixi 4 has two slots for micro SIM cards. The gadget has only one radio module, and if any activity appears on one of the cards, the second one will become temporarily unavailable - classic implementation“dual-SIM” smartphone.
It is assumed that with one of the cards the user will make calls, send messages and use 3G Internet (the slot does not support 4G), and with the other, everything will be the same, but with 4G support. It’s worth remembering this and not being surprised if, for one reason or another, the smartphone does not see LTE network. By the way, the slot with 4G support is “locked” for Beeline, the second one is without restrictions. In order to remove the SIM-lock, you need to visit the Beeline salon and write an application. The unlock code is usually sent within a few days.
Working with SIM cards is implemented in the simplest way: after installing both SIM cards in the device, the smartphone will offer to assign which one to call, send messages and access the Internet with. To change the assignment of slots, cards do not need to be swapped - this can be done directly from the phone menu.
The smartphone supports all modern communication networks: 2G/3G and 4G on Russian frequencies, reliably receives the signal and does not lose it for no apparent reason. Device supports LTE standard Cat. 4 with a maximum theoretical data reception speed of 150 Mbit/s, upload speed - 50 Mbit/s. During test measurements, Alcatel Pixi 4 on the Beeline network in Yekaterinburg showed speeds of 35 Mbit/s.
Talking on the phone is not always comfortable. The speaker has a small volume reserve. In noisy places it is quite difficult to understand the words of the interlocutor even at maximum volume.
The device can work with all modern wireless networks. Among them are Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.5 GHz), Bluetooth version 4.0. All modules work quickly and without failures.
Smartphone supports Wi-Fi Direct, you can organize a wireless access point via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth channels. There is a USB 2.0 connector.
Among the additional communication tools, it is worth noting GPS, A-GPS (standard cartography is built into the smartphone Google Maps). The navigation error radius during testing was about 3 meters, which is very little. The gadget copes well with the role of a navigator. True, it does not work for long - about 2.5 hours in navigation mode
Duration of work
id="sub6">The smartphone has a 2000 mAh lithium-ion battery. Under testing conditions, with a number of calls of 35-40 minutes per day, browsing the Internet for about 2 hours via 4G, listening to an mp3 player through a headset for about 2 hours a day, the device worked for 27 hours. When watching video, the Alcatel Pixi 4 (5045D) worked for 5 hours, in navigator mode - 2 hours 35 minutes. As a result, the device has to be charged every day. If you use the smartphone in a less intensive mode, it will work for 2 days.
In terms of autonomy, the device is no different from the vast majority of cheap Android smartphones.
The included charger charges the battery in about 4.5 hours. The reason for this is the current of 550 mA. If you use Charger with a current of 1 A, the charging speed is reduced by almost half. This is worth remembering.
User Interface and Operating System
id="sub7">Alcatel Pixi 4 (5045D) runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system. Some nice additions from the manufacturer include a quick access panel on the lock screen and the ability to zoom in on images in the gallery and the camera frame with one finger. The main menu sorts apps alphabetically and there doesn't seem to be any way to change this.
Among the preinstalled applications there are standard applications for the manufacturer: free messengers Viber, WhatsApp, Evernote, ES Explorer, Opera browser, Shazam, Facebook, Instagram, Skype, Twitter, Clean Master. There are a couple of games.
Camera. Photo and video capabilities
id="sub8">The photo capabilities of the Alcatel Pixi 4 are quite poor. The main camera is 8 megapixels without autofocus, there is a flash. The interface for working with the camera is standard for Android 6. The settings include HDR technology, white balance and ISO, flicker reduction, face detection, automatic shutter release when a smile is detected, etc. Available modes: Normal, Panorama, QR Scanner, Polaroid, Auto Retouch.
In bright light the picture is more or less adequate. But as photographing conditions worsen, “grain”, blurriness, and inadequate colors begin to appear in the image.
The main camera shoots video in HD 720p 30 fps, with electronic image stabilization. Files are written in 3gp format. The recording quality is much below average.
On the front of the smartphone there is a 5 megapixel front camera. It also doesn't have autofocus. It shoots in all modes, except panorama and QR scanner, and also records video with a resolution of 640x480, also with stabilization. The camera is suitable for video calls, but for the rest it is unlikely.
Results
id="sub9">The main advantage of Alcatel Pixi 4 (5045D) is 4G support. Mobile Internet works quickly and efficiently. Otherwise, the device is a typical representative of the budget class.
You can note the large 5-inch screen. But the trouble is that in the sun the information on it is practically indistinguishable. Battery life is average or slightly below average. It seemed strange that the original charger charges the smartphone battery in only 4.5 hours. Alternative memory devices can do this twice as fast.
The disadvantages include the lack of computing power when running productive mobile games, a frankly modest-quality main camera that does not have autofocus. I wasn't pleased with the speaker either. In noisy places, the caller's voice is difficult to understand.
If you need a simple and affordable smartphone with LTE, then the Alcatel Pixi 4 (5045D) may well meet your expectations. It can easily be turned into a point Wi-Fi access, as well as go online and view light multimedia content. If you're looking for an affordable device with advanced phone features, a good camera, and great battery life, the Alcatel Pixi 4 isn't the best option.
Advantages
LTE support
High quality build
Dual SIM support
Flaws
Quiet speaker
The screen goes blind in the sun
Both cameras do not have autofocus
Not suitable for serious games, not enough processing power
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