TCL Idol X - a lightweight FullHD smartphone with thin frames
Alcatel at Mobile World Congress 2013, which was held in February of this year in Barcelona (Spain), presented its new 5 "One Touch Idol X smartphone. The device turned out to be pretty and has good technical specifications, which will be discussed further, as well as Android versions 4.2.2 Jelly Bean as an operating system.
Few people know, but TCL Communication owns the Alcatel brand (this name is better known to consumers). That is why the smartphone is presented at the exhibition as Alcatel One Touch Idol X. But under the TCL brand, the device is produced in the domestic market. It is about this model that will be discussed in the review.
The smartphone carries a 4-core MediaTek MT6589T processor, operating at a clock frequency of 1.5 GHz. The amount of RAM is 2 GB, the flash drive is capable of storing 16 GB of data. MicroSD card slot is missing. There are two cameras: the main one with a 13.4-megapixel matrix and a 1.9-megapixel front camera.
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Screen: 5 ", 1920 × 1080 px, FHD, OGS
Processor: MTK6589T (Cortex A7, 1.5 GHz, 4 cores)
Video accelerator: PowerVR SGX 544
Operating system: Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
RAM: 2 GB
User Memory: 16 GB
Camera: front - 1.9 megapixel, rear - 13.4 megapixel
Connectivity: 2 SIM cards (GSM / GPRS / EDGE + UMTS)
Optional: GPS, A-GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accelerometer, gyroscope, indicator, light sensor and distance
Battery: 2000 mAh
Dimensions: 140.4x67.5x6.99 mm
Weight: 120 Grams
TCL Idol X is packed in a modest-looking cardboard box.
On the back are the icons of the main features of the device, as well as the addresses and contacts of the manufacturer.
On the side there is a sticker with the serial number, IMEI and barcode.
The device itself lies on the top level of the box.
In the package, along with the smartphone, you can find a USB data cable, a charger unit with a non-standard plug type, an adapter for our sockets, a wired headset, a warranty and documentation in Chinese.
The output current of the charger is 1 A. Supports charging directly through a USB cable from a PC, but it takes much longer. The headset is good here, much better than other models with similar characteristics. It is suitable not only for talking, but also for listening to music.
Smartphone TCL Idol X has an attractive design and solid body, so change the battery will not work. The device is thin - the thickness of the model is only 6.99 mm. Another feature of the case - narrow frames on the sides of the display width of only 1.75 mm. In addition to dark blue, idol X is available in red or yellow. But the color is only the back cover, the front part will always be black.
A 5-inch touchscreen display takes up almost the entire front panel. At the top are proximity and lighting sensors, in the middle is the metal grill of the conversational speaker, and to the right of it is the front camera. There is also a notification indicator, which can only light up in white.
The smartphone has three touch buttons - “Back”, “Home” and “Menu”. The buttons light up well and evenly. React quickly, without complaints.
The back is made of matte plastic with the promised high level of wear resistance. The lid is pleasant to the touch and does not slip in your hands.
Behind the smartphone one external speaker. The sound quality of the speaker is average, the volume is high. Below are small legs that do not allow the phone, lying on the table, to muffle the sound.
A 13.4-megapixel camera lens is located on the back surface, along with the LED flash, which can be used as a flashlight.
At the top there is a 3.5 mm audio output standard and a power button. The key is well pressed and it is easy to find it, but it would be better to arrange it on the side, since usually for smartphones of this size it is more convenient.
The main microphone and micro USB connector are at the bottom. By the way, the smartphone supports the OTG function, so you can optionally connect a USB flash drive, mouse, or keyboard.
On the right side there is a paired volume button. And also one of the slots for the SIM-card.
The phone only supports micro-SIM cards. Before installing or removing the SIM card, you need to press the edge of the card slot cover to open it. Then insert the SIM card into the slot with the contacts facing down and lightly press it until it clicks. To remove the SIM card, you also need to slightly push it. The whole procedure takes place without the use of an additional clip.
Assembly of the device at the highest level, as well as design. Another quite interesting fact: quite recently LG announced the thinnest frames in the world - 2.65 mm in its flagship smartphone LG G2, but the Idol X framework turned out to be even smaller: 1.75 mm. So of all 5-inch devices, this device is the narrowest and thinnest, holding it as comfortable as possible.
In general, Idol X is really not inferior in design to smartphones from first-tier manufacturers, and in some moments even surpasses them.
Idol X received a 5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The display is covered with protective glass DragonTrail production Asahi Glass. The company's engineers worked on the glass for several years and their work was crowned with success - if you watch the video , you will see that it is flexible, does not scratch, and does not beat even after being hit by a hammer. There is an oleophobic coating on its surface, thanks to which fingerprints are easily erased. There is a plastic border around the front panel, which protrudes a little above the surface of tempered glass - the coolness of the glass is cool, and the frame that will take on the main blow will never hurt to add ...
Multitouch supports up to 10 touches.
Maximum viewing angles, high brightness. There is a light sensor that can adjust the backlight automatically.
In the model there is no air gap, so it seems as if the image lies on the surface of the display.
The screen fades in the sun a little, but not much, so the information remains readable. The display at TCL Idol X, in my opinion, is one of the best among Chinese phones.
Quite surprisingly, Idol X uses Sony's flagship camera, a 13 megapixel Exmor RS module, the same as the Sony Xperia Z or Samsung GALAXY S4. Of course, the shooting algorithms are different, so Idol X shoots of course differently. In the settings you can set the HDR mode or panoramic, other parameters are missing: no manual modes, white balance, ISO, not even the choice of resolution.
Pictures from the back of the camera.
Pictures from the front camera.
The camera is typical for budget devices, there was no miracle with the Sony module. But the pictures are not so terrible and will go for the average user. Video quality in my opinion is very good. Focusing sometimes happens with a delay, but generally suits. Writes video in FullHD (Video: MPEG4 Video 1920x1088 30fps 21571kbps [Video] Audio: AAC 48000Hz stereo 128kbps [Audio]), 3GP container.
TCL Idol X is running one of the most recent OS versions - Android 4.2.2. The company has created for all smartphones branded shell, which turned out quite beautiful. There is an interesting feature - there is no separate menu of applications, just the screens contain the whole set of programs, some of them are sorted into folders. A white indicator at the bottom of the screen shows which part of it you are viewing.
On the main screen is a weather widget and several system application icons. On other screens, there are other widgets and already some folders with programs. All this can be customized to your liking.
The lock screen has also changed. From it we can go directly to the most used functions of the phone. A nice circle before unlocking can move depending on the inclination of the device (an accelerometer is used).
On the lokskrin also is the weather forecast for the current day, if you pull down, you can see the forecast for three days. And if you scroll to the right, then a calendar with a list of cases for the current day will appear. And again an interesting feature, the background of the screen may vary depending on the time of day and weather. Looks great!
The appearance of the settings menu is white, it looks nice. Added two new items (status bar and battery management). All other points are standard for Android.
Additional system features allow you to extend battery life or turn off notifications from any application. Added gestures for alarm clock, player and call.
Slightly changed the action of the buttons. The “Home” key opens the Google Now service. But to open the list of running applications, you must hold down the "Menu" button.
In addition, the design and system applications have been changed. The clock, timer and alarm clock are decorated in an eye-catching style.
Radio, voice recorder and calculator have the same design.
In addition to the standard calendar, you can use standard applications as notes. Or make yourself a list of cases.
Almost all Chinese manufacturers add a flashlight, a compass and a file manager to their devices. TCL Idol X is not an exception, so these programs are also available. Only here the flashlight is slightly different from others, there is a brightness control.
The shell is really nice, and the TCL programmers have tried over the design, it can be seen. It works quickly and smoothly. A bit ambiguous solution to getting rid of the application menu, but you will soon get used to it. And no one bothers to put another launcher.
The smartphone operates in 2G (GSM / GPRS / EDGE, 850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and 3G (850/900/2100 MHz) cellular networks. Each of the slots can support both the 2G network and 3G, while at any one time only one of the SIM cards can work on the 3G network. Choose a SIM-card that will work in the 3G network can be in the phone menu.
The organization of management of SIM-cards is implemented by the same method as that of other models on MTK processors. In the settings there is a separate menu called “SIM Management”, where the user selects which SIM to use for.
The standard dialer differs only in a modified design. The rest does not have any additional features compared to the stock Android.
In addition to voice communications, the smartphone supports wireless technologies such as WiFi 802.11 b / g / n and Bluetooth 4.0. Modules work without complaints. The smartphone has full GPS navigation, including additional features such as A-GPS. Warm start 2-3 minutes, hot 10-15 seconds.
There is a not too demanded Wi-Fi Display function, when you can transmit a signal from your phone to another device via Wi-Fi. From the point of view of the quality of communication, there are no complaints about the device, the volume of the call is excellent, it can be heard even from the bag. There are no complaints about the quality of voice transmission.
It uses the MediaTek MT6589T chipset, the letter T in its name means Turbo - due to the increased maximum frequency (from 1.2 to 1.5 GHz). Quad-Core, 1.5 GHz, ARM Cortex-A7. PowerVR SGX 544MP acts as a graphics accelerator. The amount of RAM is 2 GB, the capacity of the internal drive is 16 GB, the user can use about 12 GB.
Performance tests
On the smartphone, you can run almost any complex toys or applications.
TCL Idol X, as it should be for this kind of smartphone, does well with Full HD video, games like NFS Most Wanted and is suitable for full-fledged work on the Internet.
The device has a non-replaceable 2000 mAh battery. Charging from a regular power supply will take about two and a half hours. In the test, the smartphone performed well, 609 points in AnTuTu Tester.
In fact, with the active use of a full battery charge, on average, a little less than a day is enough. In the video playback mode at full brightness and volume, the smartphone lasted 4.5 hours.
The model seemed to me very interesting and noteworthy - it has a nice design, low weight and the main feature - thin frames. In addition, the new shell is interesting, the smartphone works faster with it, and it is convenient to use it. It is worth looking at the screen, which has a good supply of brightness, FullHD resolution and DragonTail glass. And to be honest, this is one of the few devices that does not look like a cheap Chinese smartphone. If the design and appearance of the device is important for you, as well as good characteristics, then feel free to choose this device.
Powerful stuffing (MT6589T and 2GB RAM)
Stylish design and nice look.
Thin frame
FHD screen
High-quality assembly
Low weight
Safety glass DragonTrail
Molded case without gaps
There is no slot for microSD memory card
Small amount of memory
Average work time
Considerable price among Chinese analogues
The camera does not justify its 13 MP
You can buy a smartphone in the store BuySKU. Currently available in two colors Dark Blue and Red
When buying, you can apply a coupon, which gives a discount of $ 10. Coupon Code: BuySKU-UZCRD
The final price of the device is $ 341.33 for the dark blue version and $ 331.99 for the red one.
Do not be intimidated by the cost of the device. The smartphone looks nice, comfortable in the hand and very light. If you choose not just a Chinese phone, but a really convenient device, then I advise you to take a liking to this model.
In Russia, the price of the device is 13,990 rubles . So you can first go and feel it, and then make a decision about the purchase.
Good luck with your purchases!
TCL official website
Discussion thread on w3bsit3-dns.com
Theme firmware on w3bsit3-dns.com
Discussion Topic on China-iPhone
Alcatel OneTouch Idol X Review on Mobile-review
If you do not have an account on Habrahabr, you can read and comment on our articles on BoxOverview.com
Few people know, but TCL Communication owns the Alcatel brand (this name is better known to consumers). That is why the smartphone is presented at the exhibition as Alcatel One Touch Idol X. But under the TCL brand, the device is produced in the domestic market. It is about this model that will be discussed in the review.
▌ TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The smartphone carries a 4-core MediaTek MT6589T processor, operating at a clock frequency of 1.5 GHz. The amount of RAM is 2 GB, the flash drive is capable of storing 16 GB of data. MicroSD card slot is missing. There are two cameras: the main one with a 13.4-megapixel matrix and a 1.9-megapixel front camera.
')
Screen: 5 ", 1920 × 1080 px, FHD, OGS Processor: MTK6589T (Cortex A7, 1.5 GHz, 4 cores) Video accelerator: PowerVR SGX 544 Operating system: Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) RAM: 2 GB User Memory: 16 GB Camera: front - 1.9 megapixel, rear - 13.4 megapixel Connectivity: 2 SIM cards (GSM / GPRS / EDGE + UMTS) Optional: GPS, A-GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accelerometer, gyroscope, indicator, light sensor and distance Battery: 2000 mAh Dimensions: 140.4x67.5x6.99 mm Weight: 120 Grams▌ PACKING AND COMPLETE SET
TCL Idol X is packed in a modest-looking cardboard box.
On the back are the icons of the main features of the device, as well as the addresses and contacts of the manufacturer.
On the side there is a sticker with the serial number, IMEI and barcode.
The device itself lies on the top level of the box.
In the package, along with the smartphone, you can find a USB data cable, a charger unit with a non-standard plug type, an adapter for our sockets, a wired headset, a warranty and documentation in Chinese.
The output current of the charger is 1 A. Supports charging directly through a USB cable from a PC, but it takes much longer. The headset is good here, much better than other models with similar characteristics. It is suitable not only for talking, but also for listening to music.
▌ DESIGN, DIMENSIONS, CONTROL ELEMENTS
Smartphone TCL Idol X has an attractive design and solid body, so change the battery will not work. The device is thin - the thickness of the model is only 6.99 mm. Another feature of the case - narrow frames on the sides of the display width of only 1.75 mm. In addition to dark blue, idol X is available in red or yellow. But the color is only the back cover, the front part will always be black.
A 5-inch touchscreen display takes up almost the entire front panel. At the top are proximity and lighting sensors, in the middle is the metal grill of the conversational speaker, and to the right of it is the front camera. There is also a notification indicator, which can only light up in white.
The smartphone has three touch buttons - “Back”, “Home” and “Menu”. The buttons light up well and evenly. React quickly, without complaints.
The back is made of matte plastic with the promised high level of wear resistance. The lid is pleasant to the touch and does not slip in your hands.
Behind the smartphone one external speaker. The sound quality of the speaker is average, the volume is high. Below are small legs that do not allow the phone, lying on the table, to muffle the sound.
A 13.4-megapixel camera lens is located on the back surface, along with the LED flash, which can be used as a flashlight.
At the top there is a 3.5 mm audio output standard and a power button. The key is well pressed and it is easy to find it, but it would be better to arrange it on the side, since usually for smartphones of this size it is more convenient.
The main microphone and micro USB connector are at the bottom. By the way, the smartphone supports the OTG function, so you can optionally connect a USB flash drive, mouse, or keyboard.
On the right side there is a paired volume button. And also one of the slots for the SIM-card.
The phone only supports micro-SIM cards. Before installing or removing the SIM card, you need to press the edge of the card slot cover to open it. Then insert the SIM card into the slot with the contacts facing down and lightly press it until it clicks. To remove the SIM card, you also need to slightly push it. The whole procedure takes place without the use of an additional clip.
Assembly of the device at the highest level, as well as design. Another quite interesting fact: quite recently LG announced the thinnest frames in the world - 2.65 mm in its flagship smartphone LG G2, but the Idol X framework turned out to be even smaller: 1.75 mm. So of all 5-inch devices, this device is the narrowest and thinnest, holding it as comfortable as possible.
In general, Idol X is really not inferior in design to smartphones from first-tier manufacturers, and in some moments even surpasses them.
▌ DISPLAY
Idol X received a 5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The display is covered with protective glass DragonTrail production Asahi Glass. The company's engineers worked on the glass for several years and their work was crowned with success - if you watch the video , you will see that it is flexible, does not scratch, and does not beat even after being hit by a hammer. There is an oleophobic coating on its surface, thanks to which fingerprints are easily erased. There is a plastic border around the front panel, which protrudes a little above the surface of tempered glass - the coolness of the glass is cool, and the frame that will take on the main blow will never hurt to add ...
Multitouch supports up to 10 touches.
Maximum viewing angles, high brightness. There is a light sensor that can adjust the backlight automatically.
In the model there is no air gap, so it seems as if the image lies on the surface of the display.
The screen fades in the sun a little, but not much, so the information remains readable. The display at TCL Idol X, in my opinion, is one of the best among Chinese phones.
▌ CAMERAS
Quite surprisingly, Idol X uses Sony's flagship camera, a 13 megapixel Exmor RS module, the same as the Sony Xperia Z or Samsung GALAXY S4. Of course, the shooting algorithms are different, so Idol X shoots of course differently. In the settings you can set the HDR mode or panoramic, other parameters are missing: no manual modes, white balance, ISO, not even the choice of resolution.
Pictures from the back of the camera.
Pictures from the front camera.
The camera is typical for budget devices, there was no miracle with the Sony module. But the pictures are not so terrible and will go for the average user. Video quality in my opinion is very good. Focusing sometimes happens with a delay, but generally suits. Writes video in FullHD (Video: MPEG4 Video 1920x1088 30fps 21571kbps [Video] Audio: AAC 48000Hz stereo 128kbps [Audio]), 3GP container.
▌ SOFTWARE PLATFORM
TCL Idol X is running one of the most recent OS versions - Android 4.2.2. The company has created for all smartphones branded shell, which turned out quite beautiful. There is an interesting feature - there is no separate menu of applications, just the screens contain the whole set of programs, some of them are sorted into folders. A white indicator at the bottom of the screen shows which part of it you are viewing.
On the main screen is a weather widget and several system application icons. On other screens, there are other widgets and already some folders with programs. All this can be customized to your liking.
The lock screen has also changed. From it we can go directly to the most used functions of the phone. A nice circle before unlocking can move depending on the inclination of the device (an accelerometer is used).
On the lokskrin also is the weather forecast for the current day, if you pull down, you can see the forecast for three days. And if you scroll to the right, then a calendar with a list of cases for the current day will appear. And again an interesting feature, the background of the screen may vary depending on the time of day and weather. Looks great!
The appearance of the settings menu is white, it looks nice. Added two new items (status bar and battery management). All other points are standard for Android.
Additional system features allow you to extend battery life or turn off notifications from any application. Added gestures for alarm clock, player and call.
Slightly changed the action of the buttons. The “Home” key opens the Google Now service. But to open the list of running applications, you must hold down the "Menu" button.
In addition, the design and system applications have been changed. The clock, timer and alarm clock are decorated in an eye-catching style.
Radio, voice recorder and calculator have the same design.
In addition to the standard calendar, you can use standard applications as notes. Or make yourself a list of cases.
Almost all Chinese manufacturers add a flashlight, a compass and a file manager to their devices. TCL Idol X is not an exception, so these programs are also available. Only here the flashlight is slightly different from others, there is a brightness control.
The shell is really nice, and the TCL programmers have tried over the design, it can be seen. It works quickly and smoothly. A bit ambiguous solution to getting rid of the application menu, but you will soon get used to it. And no one bothers to put another launcher.
▌ WIRELESS NETWORKS
The smartphone operates in 2G (GSM / GPRS / EDGE, 850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and 3G (850/900/2100 MHz) cellular networks. Each of the slots can support both the 2G network and 3G, while at any one time only one of the SIM cards can work on the 3G network. Choose a SIM-card that will work in the 3G network can be in the phone menu.
The organization of management of SIM-cards is implemented by the same method as that of other models on MTK processors. In the settings there is a separate menu called “SIM Management”, where the user selects which SIM to use for.
The standard dialer differs only in a modified design. The rest does not have any additional features compared to the stock Android.
In addition to voice communications, the smartphone supports wireless technologies such as WiFi 802.11 b / g / n and Bluetooth 4.0. Modules work without complaints. The smartphone has full GPS navigation, including additional features such as A-GPS. Warm start 2-3 minutes, hot 10-15 seconds.
There is a not too demanded Wi-Fi Display function, when you can transmit a signal from your phone to another device via Wi-Fi. From the point of view of the quality of communication, there are no complaints about the device, the volume of the call is excellent, it can be heard even from the bag. There are no complaints about the quality of voice transmission.
▌ PRODUCTIVITY
It uses the MediaTek MT6589T chipset, the letter T in its name means Turbo - due to the increased maximum frequency (from 1.2 to 1.5 GHz). Quad-Core, 1.5 GHz, ARM Cortex-A7. PowerVR SGX 544MP acts as a graphics accelerator. The amount of RAM is 2 GB, the capacity of the internal drive is 16 GB, the user can use about 12 GB.
Performance tests
On the smartphone, you can run almost any complex toys or applications.
TCL Idol X, as it should be for this kind of smartphone, does well with Full HD video, games like NFS Most Wanted and is suitable for full-fledged work on the Internet.
▌ BATTERY, CHARGING, TIME OF WORK
The device has a non-replaceable 2000 mAh battery. Charging from a regular power supply will take about two and a half hours. In the test, the smartphone performed well, 609 points in AnTuTu Tester.
In fact, with the active use of a full battery charge, on average, a little less than a day is enough. In the video playback mode at full brightness and volume, the smartphone lasted 4.5 hours.
▌ CONCLUSION
The model seemed to me very interesting and noteworthy - it has a nice design, low weight and the main feature - thin frames. In addition, the new shell is interesting, the smartphone works faster with it, and it is convenient to use it. It is worth looking at the screen, which has a good supply of brightness, FullHD resolution and DragonTail glass. And to be honest, this is one of the few devices that does not look like a cheap Chinese smartphone. If the design and appearance of the device is important for you, as well as good characteristics, then feel free to choose this device.
▌ ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Powerful stuffing (MT6589T and 2GB RAM) Stylish design and nice look. Thin frame FHD screen High-quality assembly Low weight Safety glass DragonTrail Molded case without gaps There is no slot for microSD memory card Small amount of memory Average work time Considerable price among Chinese analogues The camera does not justify its 13 MP▌ PRICE AND PURCHASE
You can buy a smartphone in the store BuySKU. Currently available in two colors Dark Blue and Red
When buying, you can apply a coupon, which gives a discount of $ 10. Coupon Code: BuySKU-UZCRD
The final price of the device is $ 341.33 for the dark blue version and $ 331.99 for the red one.
Do not be intimidated by the cost of the device. The smartphone looks nice, comfortable in the hand and very light. If you choose not just a Chinese phone, but a really convenient device, then I advise you to take a liking to this model.
In Russia, the price of the device is 13,990 rubles . So you can first go and feel it, and then make a decision about the purchase.
Good luck with your purchases!
Related Links
TCL official website Discussion thread on w3bsit3-dns.com Theme firmware on w3bsit3-dns.com Discussion Topic on China-iPhone Alcatel OneTouch Idol X Review on Mobile-reviewIf you do not have an account on Habrahabr, you can read and comment on our articles on BoxOverview.com
Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/193100/
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