Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 Review

Performance and Benchmarks

Powering the Idol 3 is a Snapdragon 615 octa-core CPU, Adreno 405 GPU, 2GB LPDDR3, and Android Lollipop – the same configuration as the Lenovo Vibe P1, Lenovo PHAB Plus, Sony Xperia M4 Aqua and Starmobile Knight Elite. Performance is good across the board whether it’s tasks like WiFi browsing, texting, calling, photo editing, to a bit heavy like gaming, the Idol 3 can breeze through it without choking or crashing. Take a look at the benchmark scores below.

* AnTuTu – 32,318
* Quadrant Standard – 22,204
* Vellamo – 1,480 (Multicore), 938 (Metal), 2,211 (Chrome Browser)
* 3D Mark – 153 (Sling Shot using ES 3.0)
* Gaming Temp – 41-C

Connectivity and Call Quality

The Idol 3 comes with a dual-SIM variant with 32GB of storage. Unfortunately, the one offered here in the country is the single-SIM model with 16GB of storage. On the bright side, it supports LTE and comes with the basic functions including NFC and FM Radio.

Call quality and mobile data works as advertised. Voice calls are loud and clear on both ends and latches on to mobile data networks with ease. Just make sure that you’re in an area with great coverage though. One downside worth noting is that it’s locked to Globe’s network.

Battery Life

The Idol 3 is equipped with a 2,910mAh non-removable battery. It’s slightly disappointing as Alcatel could have just pushed it a bit and just give its consumers the whole 3,000mAh. That capacity will suffice for a whole day for a light to mid user that is constantly on WiFi. Mobile data and gaming still prove to be a battery hog so we suggest that you bring a charger or power bank if you’re heavy on those.

On our latest PC Mark battery tests, it got us 8 hours and 34 minutes, ranking above the Sony Xperia Z5, Huawei Honor 4C, and Samsung Galaxy Note 5. The Xiaomi Mi 4i trumps it with a 17 minute difference. When it comes to our routine battery test (1080p video on loop, Airplane mode, 50% brightness and volume with headset plugged in) it got 8 hours and 40 minutes worth of playback.

Conclusion

The Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 is that kind of smartphone that not only looks good but also performs well. It is a solid multimedia device thanks to its 5.5-inch Full HD display and loud dual-front facing speakers. The Snapdragon 615 octa-core CPU and 2GB RAM can keep up with different types of users – light to heavy. Not to mention, it’s bundled with a smart watch.

There are limitations of course, like the lack of dual-SIM, is exclusively available via Globe and network locked on the said network. But if those cons do not bother you, then Idol 3 is the phone to get.

The Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 is exclusively offered by Globe Telecom bundled with an Alcatel Smart Watch under their MyLifeStyle Plan 599 to Plan 2499. See plan details here.

Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 specs:
5.5-inch IPS LCD display @ 1080 x 1920, 401ppi
1.5GHz Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 octa-core CPU
Adreno 405 GPU
2GB LPDDR3
16GB interna storage
up to 128GB via microSD
13MP rear camera w/ LED flash
8MP front camera
Single SIM (micro)
4G LTE, 3G HSPA+
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n/ac
Bluetooht 4.1
NFC
GPS, A-GPS
USB OTG
FM Radio
Android 5.0.2 Lollipop
2,910mAh Li-Ion non-removable battery
152.7 x 75.1 x 7.4mm
141 grams

What we liked about it:
* Slim and light body
* Nice design
* Dual-front speakers with great sound quality
* Good performance
* Decent battery life
* Bundled with a smartwatch

What we didn’t like:
* Not dual-SIM
* Comes with a lot pre-installed apps
* Exclusive to Globe Telecom