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

Unboxing

Both Alcatel Idol 3 smartphones offer a well-appointed retail package. In addition to a charger, microUSB cable, and SIM removal tool, users also get a pair of quality in-ear headphones by JBL.

A look at the bundled accessories

A premium headset is surely a welcome sight in the box for the smartphone. Most rivals in the US don't include the accessory at all, while in other regions the Idol 3 direct competitors usually ship with a generic headset.

Design and build quality

Alcatel Idol 3 is a nice looking smartphone in the flesh. Thanks to its symmetrical design, It sports a clean, understated look that will appeal to a wide range of potential customers.

Alcatel Idol 3 (5.5) in the flesh

The plastic back of the device features a nice matt finish with brushed effect. A touch of chrome in the frame and the Idol 3 logo on the back add visual flare without being gaudy.

Alcatel Idol 3 (4.7) live photos

You can order the device in three different colors. They include light and dark gray, as well as gold.

Overall, the Idol 3 is one of the better looking devices in its price range. It is also arguably the best looking Alcatel smartphone to date.

Physical measures of the Idol 3 (5.5) are 152.7 x 75.1 x 7.4 mm, while its weight tips the scale at 141 grams. The smartphone is on the light side for a 5.5" device, despite packing an ample 2,910 battery.

The power/lock button is located in an uncomfortable position at the upper left corner. Thankfully, you can light up the screen with a double tap on both phones.

Handling of the Idol 3 (5.5)

The Idol 3 (4.7) measures 134.6 x 65.9 x 7.6 mm, which means the thickness of both devices is practically the same. The smaller one however is much lighter at 110 grams. But of course, a lot of that weight reduction has come at the expense of a significantly smaller battery capacity of only 2000mAh. Our dedicated battery test, which listed further in the review, will give you an approximation of the expected battery life from both devices.

Handling Alcatel Idol 3 (4.7)

Controls

Above the display of the Idol 3, you will find the front-facing camera, an ambient light and proximity sensor, as well as on of the stereo speakers. The other stereo speaker sits alone at the bottom.

On the left here we also find the LED notification light, which lights up to notify you of any pending notifications.

A look above and below the display

The left side of the smartphone is home to the power/lock key and the tray, which holds the micro-SIM and the microSD card. The volume rocker sits alone on the left side of the Idol 3.

The sides of the smartphone

The 3.5mm audio jack and a microphone pinhole sit on top of the handset. On the bottom, you will see the microUSB port and another microphone pinhole.

The top and bottom of the Idol 3 (5.5)

Having stereo speakers and microphones on both sides allows users to use the Idol 3 for making calls on either side.

The back of the smartphone is home to the 13MP camera and its single-LED flash.

The back of the Idol 3 (5.5)

The Alcatel Idol 3 has a non-removable battery and back cover on both models.