Smartphone Alcatel PIXI 4 Plus Power - advantages and disadvantages

The Chinese brand Alcatel has gained a good reputation and fame in Russia. TCL Mobile produces reliable smartphones at an affordable price and is one of the best manufacturers in China. She takes far from the first place in such ratings, but the models she represents deserve attention.

In 2017, TCL Mobile presented the budget Alcatel PIXI 4 Plus Power. The smartphone has collected a lot of positive feedback from unpretentious buyers. Even in 2018, this model is in demand. What is special about PIXI 4 Plus Power? The answer to this question will be revealed in the review below.

Specifications

Design

In its price range, the gadget looks stylish. The design features small grooves along both sides of the phone, making it easier to hold the device in your hand. Embossed back cover prevents slipping.

Plus in the model name indicates rather big dimensions of the device. Device dimensions: 78.3x152x9.9 mm. In this case, the weight is 202 grams. Of course, not everyone will be comfortable holding such a bulky “shovel” in their hand, but this drawback will not outweigh the “goodies” of the phone.

Case material – plastic, that corresponds to the price of the model. Some users note the fragility of the removable back cover, but protective cases help out here. The lid is not rationally designed: when opening, it is easy to damage the pushers of the buttons. You should be careful and try to disassemble the smartphone as little as possible.

The model is presented in several colors: black, white, orange, green, blue. The buyer has a choice: to stay on the classic version or stand out from the crowd.

On the front panel there are three typical touch keys, a front camera, a flash, an LED indicator and a speaker. On the back there is a rear camera, a flashlight and a speaker. On the right side of the case, in the usual places for users of Android smartphones, there is a power button and a volume control. A standard headphone jack is built into the top, and a micro USB jack for charging the device and a microphone are built into the bottom.

Display

The screen with a diagonal of 5.5 inches takes up 70 percent of the front of the phone. It is framed by a black or white frame, depending on the color of the case.The IPS matrix with HD resolution and a wide viewing angle will allow you to comfortably watch videos. The image size is 1280x720 pixels, which corresponds to the budget line. Aspect ratio: 16 to 9 is designed according to European and Asian standards.

The built-in light sensor will automatically adjust the screen brightness so that information is readable and power consumption is saved. In bright sunlight, the display will not please with a clear image. However, inexpensive models rarely cope with work in the sun. An auto-rotate function is also installed, which quickly responds to the actions of the owner.

The bright display with the accurate image will not disappoint the consumer with modest requests. In addition, the manufacturer claims that the screen is scratch resistant. True, there is no oleophobic coating, so you have to escape from fingerprints with a protective glass or film.

Operating system

The operating system of the smartphone is Android 6. Updates are automatically searched for and installed after connecting to a Wi-Fi network. Flexibility of settings and a clear interface are constant companions of this system.

CPU

The Pixi 4 Plus Power has a weak processor by today's standards. MediaTek MT6580 is a common processor in Chinese phones. Four cores and a maximum frequency of 1300 Mhz meet the requirements of a budget smartphone. For active games, this hardware is not suitable. However, not heavy toys at low and medium settings will pull. The main thing is to monitor the temperature of the smartphone so that it does not overheat.

Memory

The device was deprived of RAM. 1 Gb is not enough for a modern device, but this model copes with multitasking.When loaded with heavy applications, it can start to slow down.

The amount of built-in memory is 16 Gb. If desired, you can add a microSD memory card. Here the manufacturer has set a limitation: the size of the memory card should not exceed 32 Gb.

Dual SIM

Two full-fledged micro SIM slots are hidden under a removable cover. Next to them is a separate slot for a memory card.

Classic slots win over fragile retractable designs. You do not need to keep the key at hand all the time and choose what is preferable: additional memory or a second number and tariff. It's also a hassle to put the retractable card slots back in when the consumer first encounters it.

autonomy

The smartphone is equipped with a built-in Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 5000 mAh. Some users consider the non-removable battery to be a drawback as it cannot be replaced by oneself. However, with proper maintenance, the battery will last for several years. The question of replacing the battery may not arise.

According to consumer reviews, the smartphone is able to hold a charge for more than a week with a low load. From constant games and Internet surfing, the battery is discharged in a day. First of all, Alcatel PIXI 4 Plus Power is a means of communication and an organizer. In this mode, the charge will last up to a week. This phone is not focused on entertainment.

You can fully charge the capacious battery in a couple of hours, since the smartphone is equipped with fast charging technology.

Power bank mode

The word Power in the name of the model is not accidental. The phone can act as a portable battery. Smart watches and other portable electronics with a micro USB charging socket will be quickly recharged by PIXI 4 Plus Power.To do this, they need to be connected to an unusual power source using a special cable included in the kit.

Communication and navigation

The smartphone operates in the three most common GSM frequency bands: 900, 1800 and 1900. It supports SIM cards of all Russian telecom operators. To connect to the Internet, networks are used: GPRS, EDGE, 3G or Wi-Fi. Connects with other devices via Bluetooth.

It is important to note that this device can be used as a USB modem, Wi-Fi router and Bluetooth modem. Not every budget model can boast of such features. PIXI 4 Plus Power is able to distribute Wi-Fi to 8 devices simultaneously, as well as provide Internet access from a computer when connected via a USB cable.

The phone supports GPS satellite navigation with A-GPS add-on. This allows you to quickly track the location of the device and get directions based on built-in map applications. It is worth considering that due to errors, such coordinates are not always reliable.

Unlock

There is no fingerprint scanner here. A short press on the power button and swiping up from the bottom of the screen will access the interface. There are also classical ways to protect the device from strangers in the form of setting passwords.

Interface

The interfaces of Android phones are similar. The status bar on the Pixi 4 Plus Power desktop has been changed. The battery charge is displayed with a rather large icon, which emphasizes the main feature of the phone. The clock and date are located in the center of the display. The lock screen contains notifications and shortcuts.

There are many applications installed on the phone by default. You can add to the collection from Google Play and from the Alcatel store.Applications are loaded in the background and do not interfere with work.

Camera

The quality of the camera leaves much to be desired. If you're looking for a phone that can take crisp, beautiful shots, then it's best to skip this model. Rear camera - 8 megapixels, front - 2 megapixels.

Street shots take on saturated colors, but with a yellowish cast and noise. Indoors, with autofocus, photos are obtained with a slight blur. Using a flash removes the "soapiness", but the quality remains far from ideal. It's easy to imagine how the phone takes pictures at night in poor lighting.

Sample photo indoors with flash:

A frame from a video taken on a clear day:

On the phone, the camera is an addition to the main functionality, so you should not demand too much from it. Even a simple camera "soap box" will take better pictures.

Video calls, memo pictures (for example, schedule or other information), acceptable video quality - that's what you can count on when purchasing this device.

Sound

The sound quality is no better or worse than other phones in the budget segment. The smartphone is equipped with optimized speakers, but the sound remains average. When playing music at full volume, noise may occur. However, such a load is not recommended for all devices, since there is a danger of overheating of the contacts. Then you have to contact the service center.

Music and FM radio

A convenient player for listening to music is installed. It supports four formats: MP3, AAC, WAV and WMA. There are two repeat modes: one song and the entire playlist. You can pause or skip an audio file from the lock screen.

The built-in FM radio works when headphones are connected, which act as an antenna.Radio stations can be found manually or by automatic search, and you can save the ones you like.

The manufacturer claims that the battery allows you to continuously listen to music for 120 hours. This is only possible when the screen is locked, since this part of the smartphone consumes a lot of energy.

Equipment

The device is packed in a colorful compact box.

The kit includes:

1. A smartphone with a protective film already pasted. It will prevent fingerprints and scratches on the screen. It's nice that the manufacturer took care of such a useful little thing.
2. Headphones with built-in microphone. An unremarkable headset with a 3.5 mm plug. The sound quality is good. Headphones are convenient to use for listening to music and telephone conversations.
3. Mains power adapter with output current 2A. This indicator guarantees a high charging speed.
4. Micro USB cable for charging your phone and connecting to a computer. The cable length is only 93 centimeters. This can be called a minus of the model. Outlets are not always located so that the phone does not remain suspended. Of course, stores offer a wide range of holders, but this is an additional investment of time and money.
5. Cable for charging other devices with a micro USB plug on both sides. The red-marked plug connects to a smartphone, and the other plug connects to portable electronics that require power.
6. Information booklets in several languages. Here is the instruction, which is rarely used. However, understanding the phone interface is not difficult intuitively, especially if the user has already encountered the Android system.

Price

In different regions, a smartphone can be bought at a price of 5080 to 6500 rubles. The average price is 6200 rubles. The phone is definitely worth the money.For this price, the buyer acquires not only a high-quality smartphone with a standard set of functions, but also a Power Bank with a capacity of 5000 mAh.

In 2018, there are not many places left where PIXI 4 Plus Power is sold. Every year the market is replenished with new products, and the old people have to retreat.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Low price;
• Long battery life;
• Power bank mode;
• Two slots for SIM cards + a slot for a memory card.

• Poor camera quality;
• Low performance;
• Does not support 4G;
• There is no oleophobic coating on the screen.

Outcome

Alcatel brand established itself as the creator of budget smartphones. Alcatel PIXI 4 Plus Power is a well-balanced budget phone. It includes all the necessary features without the frills. The smartphone is productive and nimble in everyday use. This model should be paid attention to those who need a working phone. It is ideal for social networks and instant messengers, reading e-books and other undemanding activities.

The ability to hold a battery charge for a long time will please even owners of push-button phones who are in no hurry to purchase smartphones due to frequent charging. A separate nice bonus in the form of a Power Bank will be especially useful on the road.

Alcatel PIXI 4 Plus Power is a worthy choice for a person who appreciates the quality and practicality of smartphones.