At the end of 2014, sales of the entry-level smartphone Alcatel Idol Mini 2 began, and in two versions at once. These devices are notable for their low cost and good technical characteristics compared to competitors. It is their characteristics and capabilities that will be considered in this article.
"Iron" smartphone
A decisive role in the performance of a smart phone is played by a bunch of central processor - a graphics adapter. Here it is important to understand one nuance. If the processor is high-performance, and the graphics adapter cannot boast of it, then it will not be possible to fully reveal the entire computing potential of the first. A similar situation is obtained if the CPU is inferior in its capabilities to the video card, but only exactly the opposite. Therefore, chip makers seek to put commensurate elements in one processor. This is what Alcatel Idol Mini 2 boasts, and each of its modifications. In a less productive version, this smartphone is equipped with the MCM8210 chip from Qualkom. It consists of 2 cores of energy-efficient architecture A7. Each of them in peak load mode, the clock frequency rises to 1.2 GHz. Its capabilities are complemented by the Adreno 302 video accelerator. In reality, this bundle is enough to solve most problems: from reading books and surfing the web to watching movies and quite demanding toys. The only exception is the most demanding games of the last generation, which are too tough for him. This is all a 6014X model. There is a more productive modification - 6016X. The difference between the two is in the type of integrated CPU. In the latter, MCM8212 has already been installed with 4 similar cores and exactly the same frequency at maximum loads. Today, this does not give a tangible increase in productivity. But in some cases, 4 cores provide smooth operation of the device. Therefore, it is preferable to buy exactly 6016X. At a comparable cost ($ 165 for 6014X and $ 190 for 6016X, respectively), it provides a higher level of performance.
Display and cameras
The diagonal of the working area of the screen in any version of this smartphone is acceptable 4.5 inches. Display resolution 960 x 540 pixels. The screen is capable of displaying about 16 million colors and its surface is capable of processing up to five touches at a time. A rather interesting situation has developed regarding the quality of the displayed image. A cheaper model in this regard is better than the 6016X. This is indicated on various information portals reviews. Alcatel Idol Mini 2 performed by 6014X is based on a matrix with IPS technology, while 6016X uses outdated TFT. Therefore, in terms of picture quality, it is more preferable to buy a 2-core modification of this smartphone. But when examining the technical characteristics of the cameras, everything falls into place. They have identical front cameras - 0.3 megapixels and are great for making video calls. In turn, 6016X is equipped with a matrix of 8 megapixels versus 5 megapixels in 6014X. The rest are identical devices - there is autofocus, a software image stabilization system and a flash based on LED technology.
Memory
This situation is not so simple for this model of smart phone with the amount of installed memory. Alcatel Idol 2 Mini 6016X is equipped with 1 GB of RAM, and the capacity of the internal drive is 4 GB. In turn, in 6014X, the amount of RAM is reduced by 2 times, and its volume is 0.5 GB, and the internal memory is still the same 4 GB. Both in the first and in the second case, MicroSD flash cards with a maximum capacity of 32 GB are supported. In total, this is quite enough for normal and comfortable work on this device. But still it is better to buy 6016X with a lot of installed RAM.
Body and ergonomics
One can not expect anything other than plastic in a budget device . And here pleasantly surprises Alcatel Idol 2 Mini. Photos indicate the presence of metal inserts around the perimeter. And this is true - all the edges of the device are made of metal. But the back cover and the front panel are made of ordinary plastic. Therefore, you can not do without a cover and a protective sticker. Otherwise, this is a very standard entry-level device. The on and off button along with the volume rocker is displayed on the right edge, and under the screen are touch buttons. This allows you to control your smartphone with just one hand.
Battery capacity and autonomy
Now about the battery that comes with the Alcatel Idol 2 Mini. Overview without specifying its characteristics it will turn out not quite complete. The battery capacity is 1700 mA / h for both versions of the device. This allows the 2-core version of the device to work on a single charge with an average level of use for 3-5 days. But a more productive version of the 6016X will be able to stretch 2-3 days at a similar load level.
OS and more
The operating system in this group of devices is Android, and one of its most recent versions is 4.3. Given the fact that sales of Alcatel Idol Mini 2 started at the end of 2014, it is quite possible that updates will appear in the foreseeable future. For the rest, a standard set of applications was installed on this device: utilities from Google, international social services and generally accepted programs (calculator, calendar, etc.).
Communications
Almost perfect set of interfaces for Alcatel Idol 2 Mini. A review of its technical specifications points to the following:
- Wi-Fi is the main way to share information with the global web. The maximum speed of 100 Mbps allows you to transmit and receive absolutely any amount of data.
- Bluetooth is an ideal solution for those cases when you need to exchange small files with another smart phone, and there are no other options for transferring information.
- Mobile networks 2Zh and 3Zh. In the first case, only small amounts of information can be transmitted. A speed of 500 Mbps or less imposes certain restrictions. But in the second case, as with Wai-Fai, you can send and receive any amount of data. The only limitation is the state of your mobile account. If there are no material means on it, the data transfer will be stopped automatically by the operator.
- There is also a ZhPS sensor, which allows you to easily navigate the terrain.
- The wired MicroUSB and 3.5 mm audio jack interfaces allow, respectively, to exchange data with a PC and output an audio signal to external speakers. The first one is also used to charge the battery.
The only criticism is the lack of an infrared port. Therefore, you won’t be able to control the TV or transfer data using it. But this is an insignificant remark, since this device belongs to budget smartphones and you should not expect a full set of communications from it.
Owner reviews
All in all, a very balanced entry-level solution is the Alcatel Idol 2 Mini. The price is an acceptable 160 (for a more modest solution) or 190 dollars (a more productive modification), good hardware stuffing, as for entry-level devices, and a fairly recent version of the operating system. But this is just preliminary information, which is based on technical specifications. But much more useful are real reviews. Alcatel Idol Mini 2 appeared on sale relatively recently, but now it is characterized only on the positive sides. Among them are:
- A good level of autonomy (up to 3 days on a single battery charge).
- Stable operation of the OS.
- Acceptable performance for a wide range of tasks.
The drawback, in turn, is only one - a plastic case that can be scratched. But this problem can be easily and simply eliminated - it is enough to carry the device in a case, and the front panel needs to be covered with a protective film.
Summary
Considering the price and features, the Alcatel Idol Mini 2 is the perfect entry-level smartphone. This is a great device that has virtually no weaknesses. And if they are, then their presence is offset by the very democratic cost of the apparatus.