Google has finally decided to «get its hands» on the less favored sector of mobile telephony: the low-end. For this he has created Android Go, a platform just like the Android of a lifetime, but optimized for low-performance mobiles. One of them is the Alcatel 1X, object of our analysis today.

A terminal that comes to compete in the bulky market of the cheapest range. Okay, it is clear that for the 100 euros it costs we can find other mobiles with better hardware. However, the fact of having Android Oreo Go Edition allows that limited hardware to be squeezed to the fullest and managed in the best possible way, resulting in a better user experience. So is this Alcatel 1X worth it?

Alcatel 1X in review, searching for gold in a sea of ​​low-cost specifications

When we look at other mobiles that make use of this Android Go, we see components that remind us of how the calico was almost 10 years ago. The Alcatel 1X is not to rocket, but at least it moves away from other proposals that are looser in principle (yes, Nokia, I look at you).

Technical specifications

• 5.3-inch screen with TN panel.
• 18: 9 aspect ratio and 480x960p FWVGA resolution.
• Mediatek MT6739 Quad Core CPU running at 1.3GHz.
• 2GB of RAM memory.
• 16GB of internal space expandable up to 128GB via micro SD.
• Android Oreo (Go Edition) 8.1 operating system.
• 16MP rear camera with f / 2.0 aperture and LED flash.
• 5MP front camera with flash.
• 2460mAh battery with micro USB charging.
• Includes slot for headphones and fingerprint sensor.
• Includes FM Radio.
• 147.3mm x 70.3mm x 9.1mm dimensions.
• Weight of 150 grams.
• WiFi connection and Bluetooth 4.2.

The best of the Alcatel 1X

Among the highlights of this Alcatel 1X we find some flashes of modernity, such as the 18: 9 screen and the fingerprint detector. Qualities that we do not see in its most direct competitor, the new Nokia 1.

It also includes 3.5mm headphone jack Y radio, something that we do not always see, even in high-end terminals.

Another positive point is the battery, since, thanks to a moderate performance screen and processor, the autonomy of the 1X is noticeably extended. And the camera, which we can find in 2 versions:

• Single SIM version: 13MP rear + 5MP front.
• Dual SIM version: 8MP rear + 5MP front.

Although the great novelty is undoubtedly the light version of Android Go, with applications specifically designed to work with low consumption of resources (Google Go, Google Maps Go, Gmail Go and Facebook Lite, among others). But…

The worst of the Alcatel 1X

…Let’s not fool ourselves. The experience of using a mobile with a processor of this caliber and 2GB of RAM does not give many luxuries. At the hardware level we are traveling to the past, and we may no longer remember what Android phones were like at that time, but one thing is clear: they are not like those of now or far. Okay, Android Go apps help make things a little more bearable, but they are not a panacea either.

And then there is the screen. Its resolution is low and the brightness is quite poor, especially if we have the sun hitting the screen head-on.

Is it worth buying an Alcatel 1X?

Personally, I would not recommend it for any regular smartphone user. It can be practical as a secondary phone, or as a first phone for a new user. The problem is that for the same price or a little more, we already have a decent half Xiaomi or a much more complete Oukitel, UMIDIGI or Vernee.

Also, if what we are looking for is price, there we have the Blackview A20, a terminal that barely reaches 50 euros, and also uses Android Go as its operating system.

Of course, having seen its competitors – the aforementioned Blackview A20, the Nokia 1 and little else – we will probably find ourselves before the best mobile with Android Go of the moment. Nor is it saying much, but you know: «Something is something … said a bald man”.

Price and availability

The Alcatel 1X, as of July 11, 2018, It has a price on Amazon of 103.01 euros, about 120 dollars to change.

The truth is that Alcatel is going to have to try a little more if it wants to really stomp in low-cost mobiles. The 1X has certain positive points, it is not bad at all, but a little more RAM and a little more internal space would help to see this smartphone with better eyes.

Amazon | Buy Alcatel 1X