Alcatel PIXI 4 Plus Power smartphone - advantages and disadvantages

The Chinese brand Alcatel has gained a good reputation and popularity in Russia. TCL Mobile manufactures reliable smartphones at an affordable price and ranks among the top manufacturers in China. She is far from the first place in such ratings, but the models she presents deserve attention.

In 2017, TCL Mobile presented the budget Alcatel PIXI 4 Plus Power. The smartphone has collected many positive reviews from unassuming buyers. Even in 2018, this model is in demand. What makes the PIXI 4 Plus Power so special? The following overview will reveal the answer to this question.

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 in your hand. The textured back cover is anti-slip.

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

The case material is plastic, which corresponds to the price of the model. Some users note the flimsy of the removable back cover, but here protective covers come to the rescue. The design of the cover is not rational: it is easy to damage the push-buttons when opening. You should be careful and try to disassemble your smartphone as little as possible.

The model is presented in several colors: black, white, orange, green, blue. The buyer has a choice: stay with 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 an earpiece. 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 on top, and a micro USB jack for charging the device and a microphone on the bottom.

Display

The 5.5-inch screen occupies 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 wide viewing angle allows you to watch videos in comfort. The image size is 1280x720 pixels, which corresponds to the budget line. Aspect ratio: 16: 9, according to European and Asian standards.

The built-in light sensor automatically adjusts the screen brightness so that information is readable and energy 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.Also, an auto-rotate function is installed, which quickly reacts to the owner's actions.

The bright display with a clear image will not disappoint the consumer with modest needs. In addition, the manufacturer claims that the screen is scratch resistant. True, there is no oleophobic coating, so you have to save yourself from fingerprints with 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 an intuitive interface are the 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. Such hardware is not suitable for active games. 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 built-in memory is 16 Gb. Optionally, you can add a microSD 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. A separate slot for a memory card is located next to them.

Classic slots outperform fragile retractable designs. You don't need to keep the key close at hand and choose which is preferable: additional memory or a second number and tariff. It is also troublesome 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 5000 mAh battery. Some users find the non-removable battery a disadvantage as it cannot be replaced by yourself. However, if used correctly, 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 per day. First of all, Alcatel PIXI 4 Plus Power is a communication tool and organizer. In this mode, the charge will last up to a week. This phone is not focused on entertainment.

The capacious battery can be fully charged 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 quickly recharge from the PIXI 4 Plus Power. To do this, they need to be connected to an unusual power source using the special cable included in the kit.

Communication and navigation

The smartphone operates in the three most common GSM frequency bands: 900, 1800 and 1900. Supports SIM cards of all telecom operators in Russia. 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 unit can be used as a USB modem, Wi-Fi router and Bluetooth modem. Not every budget model can boast of these 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 your device's location and get directions based on built-in map apps. It should be noted that due to errors such coordinates are not always reliable.

Unlocking

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

Interface

Android phones have similar interfaces. The status bar on the Pixi 4 Plus Power desktop has been changed. The battery charge is displayed with a rather large icon, which underlines 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.

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

Camera

The camera quality is poor. If you need a phone that can take clear, beautiful pictures, then it is better to pass by this model. The rear camera is 8 MP, the front camera is 2 MP.

Street shots take on rich colors, but with a yellowish tint and noise. Indoors, with autofocus enabled, photographs are obtained with slight blur. Using the flash removes the “soapiness”, but the quality remains far from ideal. It's not hard to imagine how the phone takes pictures at night in poor lighting.

An example of a photo indoors with a flash:

Still from video taken on a clear day:

On the phone, the camera is an addition to the main functionality, so you shouldn't demand too much from it. Even a simple “soap dish” camera will make your pictures better.

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. Noise may occur when music is played at full volume. However, such a load is not recommended for all devices, since there is a risk of overheating of the contacts. Then you have to contact the service center.

Music and FM radio

Installed a convenient player for listening to music. 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 with headphones connected, which act as an antenna. Radio stations can be found manually or by automatic search, and the ones you like can be saved.

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

Equipment

The device is packed in a colorful compact box.

The kit includes:

1. A smartphone with a protective film already glued on. 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 phone calls.
3. Power adapter with an output current of 2A. This indicator guarantees a high charging speed.
4. Micro USB cable for charging your phone and connecting to a computer. The cable is only 93 centimeters long. This can be called a minus of the model. The sockets 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. Charging cable for other devices with micro USB plug on both sides. The red-labeled plug connects to your smartphone and the other to portable electronics that require power.
6. Information booklets in several languages. Here is the instruction, which is rarely used by anyone. However, it is not difficult to understand the phone interface 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 buys not only a high-quality smartphone with a standard set of functions, but also a Power Bank with a volume 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 oldies have to retreat.

Advantages and disadvantages

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

• Poor camera quality;
• Low performance;
• Doesn't support 4G;
• No oleophobic coating on the screen.

Outcome

Alcatel brand has established itself as a creator of budget smartphones. The Alcatel PIXI 4 Plus Power is a well balanced budget phone. It includes all the no-nonsense features you need. The smartphone is efficient and nimble in everyday use. This model should be paid attention to those who need a work phone. It is ideal for chatting on social networks and messengers, reading e-books and other undemanding activities.

The ability to hold a battery charge for a long time will delight 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 of a person who appreciates the quality and practicality of smartphones.