MWC 2017: Alcatel the smartphone IDOL 4 Pro with Windows 10 and a few less meaningful launches

Our impressions after the conference are clear – Alcatel lacked a strong impact and compared to other smartphones manufacturers it looked poorly. The Alcatel A3 smartphone is a cheap, 5-inch device with a fingerprint scanner; U5 has a fingerprint scanner as well and it is an alternative for those who would like to purchase a cheap device with 4G; while Alcatel A5 LED… well, this is a device that flashes its LED housing in different configurations – this is a gadget for tuners and mass events lovers, and we are not such fans.

These models will probably reach mobile network operators soon and they will be available in competitive prices, so if this a primary factor to someone, they can be interested in them. Next to them models targeted at a different niche – the fans of the Windows 10 system – look more interesting.

- As a leading device manufacturer for connected tablets, we are convinced that productive devices will be more and more connected to cellular networks – said Vittorio Di Mauro, the Senior-Vice President in TCL Communication. - Alcatel has developed the PLUS range, a series of high-performing connected Windows 10 2-in-1s with 4G LTE inside, so you’ll always be connected and productive wherever you go. PLUS 12 is the latest addition to the PLUS family. With a larger screen, it delivers a great user experience. It’s also super lightweight – he added.

Of course there is some interest in mobile devices with Windows 10. The PLUS 12 tablet, powered by Windows 10, is an interesting and an economical proposition for work and entertainment with a nice quality to price ratio. The device has a 12-inch Full HD display, a slim and a futuristic design and functions thanks to which it can offer a peaceful, mobile work, with a 4G/Wi-Fi communication, a remote cooperation, creating documents, reading e-books, browsing the Internet and watching videos. For video conferences there is a front 5 Mpx camera, a stereo speaker and a sensitive, digital microphone. The detachable PLUS 12 keyboard can work as a separate Wi-Fi hotspot for 15 devices connected at the same time.

PLUS 12 fully uses all new Windows 10 functions, including Windows Ink and Cortana (a digital assistant that can, for example, search for information, execute simple commands, set reminders).

IDOL 4 Pro is equipped with a set of office functions as well, from which Continuum is advertised as an experience of using a PC with a smartphone. This function allows connecting devices to a display and peripherals and using them as a PC. IDOL 4 Pro with Windows 10 is created from two hardened glass panels and a durable metal.

IDOL 4 Pro will reach Europe by June with the price of 599 euro. It will be available in a gold chrome version. PLUS 12 will appear in Europe in July with the price of 499 euro. It will be available in a graphite colour. However, in our opinion none of these devices will make a fuss in the market of smartphones and tablets.

Mobile World Congress 2017 – events and announcements