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Alcatel 1X isn’t your ordinary cheap phone [hands-on]

By John Velasco

Updated: Jan 09, 2019, 6:38 PM

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Inexpensive phones are common, including those under the $200 range. We’ve all dealt with super affordable phones in the past, but there’s something a little bit different with the Alcatel 1X, which was announced during CES 2019.

Hello to a refreshingly new finish

With its sticker price of $120, most people would outright think of it as yet another cheapo smartphone, but we were surprised to find one particular characteristic that makes it slightly different from the usual pack. Looking at the back of the Alcatel 1X, it’s flaunting what the company is referring to as a “pebble-painted finish” that resists fingerprints, scratches, and even smudges. It really reminds us of the sandstone finish of the OnePlus One! Considering how other budget phones may have all-metal or metal meets glass constructions, this pebble-painted finish is a change we’re appreciative about.

Trendy features in tow

Beyond the charming design, the Alcatel 1X packs quite the trendy features that give its $120 cost significant value. For starters, it features a pleasant looking 5.5-inch 720 x 1440 display with an aspect ratio of 18:9, powered by the MediaTek MT6739WW processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB of storage with microSD expansion, and dual rear cameras with portrait effects. Speaking of that, there’s a handy feature we checked out with the camera app that conveniently allows you to have easy access to some of the controls and settings by either positioning them to the left or right sides.

Solid value at $120 so far

Needless to say, the Alcatel 1X isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for a different kind of cheap smartphone, this is one to think about because of that new finish. It’s not too frequently we come across something with this kind of finish, so it’s a refreshing change we’re liking for a phone that’s priced at $120!