Alcatel Idol Mini 2: review, reviews

At the end of 2014, sales of the entry-level smartphone Alcatel Idol Mini 2 began, and immediately in two versions. These devices are characterized by low cost and good technical characteristics against competitors. It is their characteristics and capabilities that will be considered in the article you are offering.

"Iron" smartphone

The determining role in the performance of a smart phone is played by a bunch of CPU-graphics adapter. It is important to understand one nuance. If the processor is high-performance, and the graphics adapter can not boast of this, then it will not be possible to fully open the entire computing potential of the first one. A similar situation is obtained if the CPU is inferior to the video card in its capabilities, but only to the contrary. Therefore, chip manufacturers tend to put commensurable elements in one processor. This is what the Alcatel Idol Mini 2 boasts, with each of its modifications. In a less productive performance, this smartphone is equipped with a chip MCM8210 from Kualkom. 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 video accelerator Adreno 302. In reality, this bundle is enough to solve most problems: from reading books and surfing the web to watching movies and demanding toys. The only exception is the most demanding games of the last generation, which are "beyond the teeth". This is the whole model 6014X. There is a more productive version - 6016X. The difference between them is in the type of integrated CPU. The latter has already installed MCM8212 with 4 similar cores and exactly the same frequency at maximum loads. A tangible increase in productivity to date, this does not. But in some cases, 4 cores ensure the smooth operation of the device. Therefore, it is preferable to buy 6016Х. At a comparable cost ($ 165 for 6014X and $ 190 for 6016X, respectively), it provides a higher level of performance.

Display and cameras

The screen diagonal in any modification of this smartphone is acceptable 4.5 inches. The display resolution is 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. Quite an interesting situation has developed regarding the quality of the output image. A cheaper model in this respect is better than the 6016X. This is said on various information portals reviews. Alcatel Idol Mini 2 In the performance of the 6014X is based on the matrix with the IPS-technology, while the 6016X uses the outdated TFT. Therefore, from the position of image quality, it is more preferable to buy exactly 2-core modification of this smartphone. But when you look at the technical characteristics of the cameras, everything will fall into place. The front-facing cameras at them identical - 0,3 Mp and for fulfillment of video calls perfectly approach. In turn, the 6016X is equipped with a matrix of 8 Mp versus 5 Mp for 6014X. In other respects these are identical devices - there is autofocus, software image stabilization system and flash based on LED technology.

Memory

Not such a simple situation developed in 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 built-in drive is 4 GB. In turn, in 6014X the amount of RAM is reduced by 2 times, and its volume is equal to 0.5 Gb, and the internal memory is all the same 4 Gb. As in the first, and in the second case, flash cards "Micro SD" with a maximum capacity of 32 GB are supported. All this is quite enough for normal and comfortable work on this device. But it's better to buy 6016X with a lot of installed RAM.

Housing and ergonomics

Something other than plastic in the budget device can not be expected. And then pleasantly surprises Alcatel Idol 2 Mini. Photos indicate the presence of metal inserts around the perimeter. And it really is so - all the edges of the apparatus 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. In the rest it is quite a standard entry-level device. The on / off button together with the volume rocker is displayed on the right edge, and below the screen are the touch buttons. This allows you to manage 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 will not be complete. The battery capacity is 1700 mA / h for both modifications of the device. This allows the 2-nuclear version of the device to work on a single charge with an average usage level of 3-5 days. But the more productive version of the 6016X will be able to stretch for 2-3 days at a similar load level.

OS and not only

As the operating system in this group of devices stands "Android", with one of the most recent versions of it - 4.3. Taking into account 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. In the rest on this device is installed a standard set of applications: utilities from Google, international social services and common programs (calculator, calendar, etc.).

Communications

Almost an ideal set of interfaces for Alcatel Idol 2 Mini. An overview of its technical specifications indicates the following:

• "Wai-Fay" is the main way of exchanging information with the global web. The maximum speed of 100 Mbit / s allows to transmit and receive absolutely any amount of data.
• "Blutuz" - the ideal solution for those cases where you need to exchange files of small size with another smart phone, and other options for transferring information is not around.
• Mobile networks 2ZH and 3ZH. In the first case, information can only be transmitted in small amounts. The speed of 500 Mbit / s or less imposes certain restrictions. But in the second case, as with the "Wai-Fay", you can transfer and receive any amount of data. The only limitation is the state of your mobile account. If there are no material means on it, data transmission will be stopped automatically by the operator.
• There is also a sensor of the RPS, which allows you to navigate without difficulty in the terrain.
• Wired interfaces "MicroUSB" and "3.5 mm audiojack" allow, respectively, to exchange data with a PC and output the audio signal to external acoustics. The first one is also used to charge the battery.

The only thing that causes censure is the lack of an infrared port. Therefore, you can not control the TV or transmit data with it. But this is an insignificant remark, since this device refers to budget smartphones and expect from it a complete set of communications is not necessary.

Owner feedback

In general, Alcatel Idol 2 Mini turned out to be a very balanced solution of the initial level. The price is acceptable 160 (for a more modest solution) or 190 dollars (more efficient modification), good hardware stuffing, both for entry-level devices, and a fairly fresh version of the operating system. But this is all just preliminary information, which is based on technical specifications. But that's where real feedback is of great benefit. Alcatel Idol Mini 2 has appeared on sale rather recently, but already now it is characterized only from the positive sides. Among them we can distinguish:

• A good level of autonomy (up to 3 days on one 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

Taking into account the price and characteristics of the Alcatel, the Idol Mini 2 is an ideal entry-level smartphone. This is an excellent device, which has virtually no weaknesses. And if they are, then their availability is compensated by the very democratic value of the apparatus.