Credit: Alcatel
Though it lacks the glitzy backdrop of CES, Mobile World Congress is no less of a big deal for the tech world. In recent years, it’s become a battleground where the biggest brands compete for attention and debut their flagship mobile devices. Last year alone saw the debut of the LG G6, Huawei P10 and Sony Xperia XZ Premium and this year is shaping up to be just as chock-full of announcements.
This year, Alcatel brought a bevy of new mobile devices to show off.
Alcatel 5
What is it?
A smartphone with a 5.7-inch, bezel-less, FullView 18:9 display and premium brushed metallic unibody design. In terms of specs, it boasts an octa-core processor and a 13MP f/2.0 front-facing dual-lens camera with a secondary 5MP 120-degree super wide-angle lens and built-in LED. There’s also a FaceID-style facial recognition unlock feature this time around, called Face Key.
Credit: Alcatel What’s exciting about it?
In line with the company’s previous flagship efforts, the Alcatel 5 promises to hit all the boxes you want out of a smartphone for the lowest price possible. Alcatel have been successfully playing in the budget space for far longer than a lot of their competition - so it’ll be interesting to see how this one fares.
When will it be available?
The Alcatel 5 will be available in Australia in Metallic Black and Metallic Gold in mid-late 2018.
How much will it cost?
Locally, it’ll tout a recommended retail price under $300.
Has Australian availability been confirmed yet?
Yes.
Alcatel 3
What is it?
The primary option within the company’s Alcatel 3 Series of devices.
Credit: Alcatel What’s exciting about it?
The Alcatel 3 comes with a 5.5-inch, FullView 18:9 IPS display, Face Key unlock and boasts both a fingerprint sensor and a sleek 2.5D contoured edge glass body. Simply put, Alcatel say the device offers “the best in affordable innovation.”
Has Australian availability been confirmed yet?
Not yet.
Alcatel 3V
What is it?
The middle option in the company’s new Alcatel 3 family of devices. In line with the regular Alcatel 3, it boasts a FullView 18:9 display, a fingerprint sensor and Face Key unlock and boasts both a fingerprint sensor and a sleek 2.5D contoured edge glass body.
Credit: Alcatel What’s exciting about it?
Alcatel say that the 2K (2160x1080) resolution display here will make the 3V the best option for those seeking more “immersive viewing” experiences. The 3V also features a 12MP camera paired with a 2MP secondary depth camera with LED flash, providing real-time bokeh and post-focus functionality
When will it be available?
The Alcatel 3V will be available in Australia in Q3 2018 in Spectrum Black and Spectrum Blue for $199AUD.
How much will it cost?
Locally, it’ll tout a recommended retail price under $200.
Has Australian availability been confirmed yet?
Yes.
Alcatel 1X
What is it?
Alcatel’s most affordable smartphone of 2018, which they say “breaks the entry-level stigma of bulky design, low quality displays, poor performance and disappointing camera experiences.”
Credit: Alcatel What’s exciting about it?
It’ll be the first sub-$100AUD device from a major global brand to come with an 18:9 screen. It'll also feature a
a quad-core MT6739 processor, 16GB of on-board storage, a 2,460mAh battery, an 8-megapixel rear-mounted camera and your choice of either 1 or 2GB of RAM.
When will it be available?
Specific timing for the availability of this one hasn’t been announced yet.
How much will it cost?
Locally, it’ll tout a recommended retail price under $100.
Has Australian availability been confirmed yet?
Given that an Australian price has been detailed, it’s expected to be sold here. However, specific timing or availability in the channel has yet to be revealed.
For a longer look at everything that happened at this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, click here.
Disclosure - Our coverage of MWC 2018 was sponsored by Intel who covered the cost of our flights and accommodation.
