Alcatel One Touch Idol 4S
Specifications
Secondary Camera: 8 MPix (front flash, 84° wide angle)
Price comparison
Average of 40 scores (from 55 reviews)
Reviews for the Alcatel One Touch Idol 4S
Best in class thanks to accessories? TThe One Touch Idol 4S is the new flagship smartphone from Alcatel and is shipped with many accessories. However, a closer look reveals some drawbacks.
Source: Mobile Syrup Archive.org version
For everyone else, it’s hard to recommend the Windows 10 version unless you think you can live with the limitations of the OS. This is no reflection on the phone itself, however. Hence, in the unlikely event that you do decide to switch horses, the Idol 4S could make you see Windows 10 Mobile in a different light.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/31/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Zdnet.com Archive.org version
The Idol 4S is a solid Windows 10 Mobile device and if you are looking for something different to try before all of the new phones start appearing in March and April, then you may want to consider visiting T-Mobile for one.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/16/2017
Rating: Total score: 74%
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
There's no doubting the hardware capability of the Idol 4S - we've seen it at work several times on Android. What's disappointing in the Windows 10 version is the lack of optimisation from a software standpoint. With its slow loading - and that's despite a hardware boost - it can be quite an off-putting experience.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/18/2017
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Forbes Archive.org version
As personal data moves towards the cloud, Microsoft is in a much better position to capitalise than it was with the older Windows Phone approach to mobile. The Idol 4S is not the only way to use Microsoft's cloud on a mobile device (thanks to iOS and Android apps from Redmond) but it is the one that has the tightest integration. There's a familiarity if you use Windows 10 on the desktop, and if you are committed to Microsoft's cloud then the synergy between cloud, desk, and mobile will outweigh the ecosystem issues.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/15/2017
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
There's no doubting the hardware capability of the Idol 4S - we've seen it at work several times on Android. What's disappointing in the Windows 10 version is the lack of optimisation from a software standpoint. With its slow loading - and that's despite a hardware boost - it can be quite an off-putting experience. What's more, for now, it's only available from T-Mobile in the US for $469.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/05/2016
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Neowin Archive.org version
Ultimately, the Alcatel IDOL 4S with Windows 10 is a powerful and beautiful Windows phone that's actually designed with consumers in mind. It's an extremely pleasant device to use, although it's not without its shortcomings.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/03/2016
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: Brighthand Archive.org version
It has a great design, quality build, smooth performance, and decent battery life. Its speakers impress, while the display is good enough. Those are six good reasons to recommend the Alcatel Idol 4S with Windows 10 over the rest of Windows phone competition. Its low price is the seventh.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/01/2016
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: What Mobile Archive.org version
The Alcatel Idol 4s is a solid handset that offers good performance in a convenient package which is tailored for virtual reality. Both this and the Vodafone Smart Platinum 7 are very close in terms of features… and it’s really a matter of preference0 which one you pick.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/14/2016
Rating: Total score: 76% price: 80% performance: 70% display: 80% workmanship: 90%
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
For $470, the Alcatel Idol 4S is the best Windows phone you can buy, offering T-Mobile users a sleek build, powerful hardware, VR capabilities, and extensive productivity features. The only other new Windows phone on the market, the HP Elite x3, is a powerful device, but it's big, expensive, and primarily geared toward enterprise users rather than everyday consumers. In the Android world, the best alternative is the unlocked, Editors' Choice-winning ZTE Axon 7, which gets you a metal unibody build, a higher-resolution display, and a far more comprehensive selection of apps, including the all-important Google services.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/10/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: PC World Archive.org version
Your consumers Windows phone choices boil down to two: the Microsoft Lumia 950 or the Alcatel Idol 4S. The Lumia 950’s superior camera offers a significant edge. I’ll back any phone that delivers outstanding battery life, however, and the Idol 4S’s silky-smooth performance complements this feature perfectly. As for VR? Without compelling content, it’s gimmicky, but what little there is, is implemented well.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/10/2016
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Pocketnow Archive.org version
The Alcatel IDOL 4S is a gorgeous device. It’s thin, shiny, and fast. It’s the first to add mobile virtual reality support to the platform too! Unfortunately, at least at this time, it feels like Microsoft is really holding Alcatel back with their poorly made Universal Windows Platform apps on Windows 10 Mobile. If they can get their act together and make their own universal apps work properly on their own platforms while at the same time adding a compelling Windows Holographic/VR shell to Windows 10 Mobile… then we could have something really special in the Alcatel IDOL 4S. Windows fans and budding holographic/VR developers would jump on a device like this since it’s so much more inexpensive than the high-end HoloLens.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/10/2016
Rating: Total score: 76% display: 90% mobility: 55% workmanship: 90%
Source: Talk Android Archive.org version
I think Alcatel really missed the mark with the Idol 4S. There were a few button placement complaints, which are very minor. It had a lot going for it — the screen, the snappiness and even the software. As unfortunate as it is, the camera is really what makes or breaks a phone. If you don’t have a good camera, no one is going to buy it. And that’s where I feel Alcatel has really missed the mark. If it did have a good camera, Alcatel could have had a high-end device that could easily compete with the likes of the Galaxy S7, even without the flagship level specs on paper.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/09/2016
Source: Paste Archive.org version
Even so, Alcatel has proven that it is capable of building a device that can stand up for itself in the $400 range from a hardware and software perspective, and anyone who buys it would likely be happy with the product they get for their money. But they’d be even happier if they spent that $400 on a OnePlus 3.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/25/2016
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: Paste Archive.org version
Even so, Alcatel has proven that it is capable of building a device that can stand up for itself in the $400 range from a hardware and software perspective, and anyone who buys it would likely be happy with the product they get for their money. But they’d be even happier if they spent that $400 on a OnePlus 3.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/25/2016
Source: Recombu Archive.org version
The Idol 4s faces stiff competition at the £400 price point from the likes of the Sony Xperia X, OnePlus 3 and Samsung Galaxy A5, but it’s definitely got plenty of appeal thanks to a solid pair of cameras, decent battery life and a gorgeous Quad HD screen - something most rivals can’t boast.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/10/2016
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: CNet Archive.org version
With a premium build, good camera and free accessories in the box, Alcatel's Idol 4S is a solid midrange buy.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/23/2016
Rating: Total score: 78% performance: 80% features: 80% mobility: 70% workmanship: 80%
Source: Android Guys Archive.org version
The IDOL 4S is a worthy successor to the 2015 IDOL 3 and improves upon it in almost every way. However, the 4S still struggles with camera performance and intense games can have some occasional stuttering while playing. At $399 dollars, the IDOL 4S is a great phone, but it is also up against some great competition.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/23/2016
Rating: Total score: 82% performance: 80% display: 90% mobility: 100% workmanship: 80%
Source: G Style Magazine Archive.org version
I like where Alcatel has come from and how they have tried to fit into the affordable mid-tier market. The IDOL 4S gives you just about everything you could want in a smartphone from a bright vibrant display to dual facing speakers to throwing in a VR headset. It does have some competition in its price range and I think it being around the $350 mark would do it more justice.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/19/2016
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
The Alcatel Idol 4S is a well-built phone that offers reasonable performance and solid battery life. However, with pricing starting at $400 (£300) it’s a little overpriced. The OnePlus 3 is only £30 more and comes with better components. I’m also not sold on the VR headset that comes bundled with it. The headset is too basic and feels like a gimmicky addition. I’d have preferred it if Alcatel dropped the VR headset and reduced the phone’s price.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/09/2016
Rating: Total score: 60% price: 60% performance: 70% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 60%
Source: PC World Archive.org version
This is a tough one. Alcatel put out a device that’s reasonably fast, has a strong battery, and offers a fun VR experience out of the box. Had this device been released a year ago at this price point, it would be a no brainer, and I would say the Idol 4S is a device worth spending $400 on. But it wasn't, and in the last year, there have been some truly excellent phones released around this price.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/30/2016
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Greenbot Archive.org version
This is a tough one. Alcatel put out a device that’s reasonably fast, has a strong battery, and offers a fun VR experience out of the box. Had this device been released a year ago at this price point, it would be a no brainer, and I would say the Idol 4S is a device worth spending $400 on. But it wasn't, and in the last year, there have been some truly excellent phones released around this price.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/30/2016
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Ausdroid Archive.org version
The Alcatel Idol 4S is a mid-range phone with a premium design and build. The specs of the phone are mid-range only but the attractiveness and wow factor it holds when in the hand mean it could easily pass for a premium device. The usability is great thanks to minimal interference by Alcatel in the experience and the performance is above par for a mid-range phone. The battery life is average for a mid-range device. Lower specs always drain the battery less than high end specs and thus I could easily get a full day out of this phone with heavy use. The camera is good but not great and Alcatel have done a good job customising the app.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/28/2016
Source: Android Central Archive.org version
The Alcatel Idol 4S is a 5.5-inch mid-ranger from a company that's spent the time to refine its design and hardware. You get access to a fantastic camera with manual features and Hi-Fi audio. The phone offers an excellent display, even outdoors, and provides battery life that will easily get you through the day.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/18/2016
Source: Mobile Choice Archive.org version
This is a fantastic product. From form-factor to display to camera and battery life, I cannot fault it. But for the processor- ever so slightly under-powered when you use it alongside the VR headset and while gaming. It has all the chutzpah to take on the mighty OnePlus 3, the current king of the mid-price range and apart from the processor matches it blow for blow.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 08/15/2016
Rating: Total score: 90% performance: 80% features: 90% mobility: 90% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 80%
Source: Phone Arena Archive.org version
We haven't touched on the Idol 4S's VR viewer so far, and maybe there's a good reason for that. Like a few other aspects of this phone, it feels like an afterthought; as if rather than designing a mid-ranger from the ground up to offer a great VR experience, some marketing team took notice of the phone's quad HD screen and thought, “let's ship it in a VR headset and bundle a bunch of VR software.”
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/10/2016
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Phandroid Archive.org version
If the Alcatel Idol 4S was judged against mid-range devices from HTC, Samsung LG and Sony, it would stand head and shoulders above the competition. The problem is that we have flagship-level devices from Xiaomi, OnePlus and ZTE which are also selling for $400. While most of these devices have a compromise or two, they all feature much faster processors and RAM.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/09/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Phandroid Archive.org version
If the Alcatel Idol 4S was judged against mid-range devices from HTC, Samsung LG and Sony, it would stand head and shoulders above the competition. The problem is that we have flagship-level devices from Xiaomi, OnePlus and ZTE which are also selling for $400. While most of these devices have a compromise or two, they all feature much faster processors and RAM.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/09/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Engadget Archive.org version
The Alcatel Idol 4S’ biggest selling point is not what came in the box, but the box itself, which doubles as a VR headset. The $350 (pre-order price) device comes with its own VR viewer so you can immediately start exploring immersive content when you get it.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/30/2016
Rating: Total score: 82%
Source: Android Authority Archive.org version
So there you have it, our in-depth review of the Alcatel Idol 4S and it’s clear that Alcatel has certainly made some huge strides since the Idol 3. In a bid to create an excellent smartphone that is still affordable, Alcatel did have to cut a few corners but this is to be expected and for the most part, it doesn’t quite detract away from the experience.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/22/2016
Rating: Total score: 90% performance: 85% display: 83% mobility: 90% workmanship: 84%
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
The Alcatel Idol 4S is a sleek Android phone with a beautiful display and lots of useful accessories for the price. At $400, it's a relatively affordable way to get into VR, especially compared with buying a Gear VR and a pricey Samsung phone to go with it. But you will be making some compromises. You can't push the phone as hard as the OnePlus 3 when it comes to high-end gaming, and it doesn't have the same camera performance and minimally altered UI you get with a OnePlus phone.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 07/22/2016
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Tom's Guide Archive.org version
Good battery life, booming speakers and a lush screen — all in an attractive design — alone would make the $399 Alcatel Idol 4S a strong unlocked phone deal. But on top of that, you get a VR headset bundled with the phone. Although Alcatel's included VR headset isn't as good as the Samsung Gear VR, it's still a nice add-on that makes this phone an even better value. Plus, it comes with a phone case and a screen protector. The OnePlus 3, also $399, offers better performance, but it has a lower-resolution display and doesn't last as long on a charge. When you put it all together, Alcatel's Idol 4S is a worthy option and one of the best unlocked phones on the market.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/21/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Stuff TV Archive.org version
That screen is gorgeous, the speakers are so insanely loud you don’t need Bluetooth to get the party started, and even though it doesn’t have the fastest CPU around, it still makes Android feel snappy. VR is a nice little bonus, even if it can’t quite keep the frame rates high enough for the latest games. We’re not ready to call it a sleeper hit just yet, but don’t be surprised if it ends up shifting huge numbers - and not just in Alcatel’s native France. Maybe this time next year we'll be proclaiming its successor the heir to the OnePlus 3's throne...
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/20/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: T Break Archive.org version
It looks like Alcatel has once again proved that a great smartphone can be affordable. The premium design is appealing, the camera is great, and you get a large battery for long-lasting connectivity. As a bonus, you get a JBL in-ear headphones, a cover case, and a 2.5D glass protector for free in the package. The introduction of the VR headset within the Alcatel Idol 4s package marks the beginning of virtual reality experience on mid-range smartphones.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/17/2016
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 90% performance: 80% features: 85% workmanship: 90%
Foreign Reviews
Source: Android Mag DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/26/2017
Rating: Total score: 94% price: 85% performance: 100% features: 100% display: 100% mobility: 60% workmanship: 100% ergonomy: 80%
Source: Android Mag DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/28/2016
Rating: Total score: 94% price: 85% performance: 100% features: 100% display: 100% mobility: 60% workmanship: 100%
Source: Smartphone Magazin - Heft 06/2016
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 09/01/2016
Rating: Total score: 94%
Source: Billiger-telefonieren.de DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/02/2016
Source: Verivox DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/02/2016
Rating: Total score: 82% features: 70%
Source: Connect - Heft 09/2016
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 08/01/2016
Rating: Total score: 87%
Source: WinFuture DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/19/2016
Source: Android Mag DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/08/2016
Source: Netzwelt DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/10/2016
Rating: Total score: 78% features: 90% mobility: 70% workmanship: 90%
Source: Curved DE→EN Archive.org version
Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 06/03/2016
Source: n-tv DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/26/2016
Source: Android Magazin - Heft 3/2016
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 05/01/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Android Pit DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/01/2016
Source: FAQsAndroid ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/24/2016
Rating: Total score: 78% price: 70% display: 85% mobility: 70% workmanship: 90%
Source: Xataka ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/25/2016
Rating: Total score: 77% performance: 80% display: 83% workmanship: 75%
Source: 4G News PT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/29/2016
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 85% performance: 85% display: 85% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%
Source: Les Mobiles FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/25/2016
Rating: Total score: 86%
Source: CNet France FR→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Nice design; good cameras; impressive screen; comfortable Boom Key button. Negative: Mediocre processor; disappointing VR experience.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/06/2016
Source: Galaktyczny PL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/16/2016
Rating: Total score: 93% display: 90% mobility: 95% workmanship: 90%
Source: Spiders Web PL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/16/2016
Source: CZC CZ→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Nice design; excellent ergonomy; decent speakers; good price; high performance. Negative: Poor cameras.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/30/2016
Source: Moj Android SK→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Good design; quality display; powerful performance; long battery life. Negative: Uncomfortable shutdown key; mediocre cameras; relatively high price.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/25/2016
Comment
Model: The Alcatel Idol 4S is an Android based smartphone. Its design looks stunning with Gorilla glass on the back and Dragontail glass on the front with anodized aluminium edge. The smartphone comes pre-installed with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system, features a 1.8 GHz Cortex-A72 quad core & 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 quad core processor, an Adreno 510 graphic card, 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage. The storage capacity can be expanded by up to 256 GB thanks to a MicroSD slot. The smartphone comes with a capactive 5.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, which offers good colors, deep blacks, good vibrancy, and good viewing angles.
In addition, the smartphone comes with a 16 MP camera on the rear with f/ 2.0, dual-LED dual tone flash, phase detection autofocus and features like geotagging, face detection, touch focus, HDR and panorama. The 8 MP front camera features a LED flash. The rear camera can record videos at 2160p resolution at 30 fps and the front camera can record videos at 1080p resolution. The smartphone is available in 4 different colors; Gold, Rose Gold, Metal Silver and Dark Gray. It weighs 149 g and its non-removable 3000 mAh battery can last up to 13 hours based on talk time.
Qualcomm Adreno 510: Integrated graphics card based on the Adreno 500 architecture, like the Adreno 520 in the Snapdragon 820. Performance should be on average similar to the old Adreno 330 in the Snapdragon 801. Supports DirectX12, OpenCL 2.0, OpenGL ES 3.1 + AE.
Only some 3D games with very low demands are playable with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
652 MSM8976: Upper middle class ARM based SoC with 8 CPU cores (64 Bit Cortex A72 and A53 mixture) and a Adreno 510 GPU.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
5.50":
It is a very small display format for smartphones. You should by no means be mis-sighted and you will generally see very little on the screen and only have a small resolution available. In return, the device should be very small and handy.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.Alcatel:
Alcatel is a French telecommunications company originally founded in 1898. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of cell phones, fixed-line phones, networking and communications solutions, and other telecommunications products. Alcatel is headquartered in Paris, France, and operates worldwide.
The telecommunications equipment manufacturer merged in 2006 to form Alcatel-Lucent. Various business units were sold to other companies, so the Alcatel brand name is used by different companies nowadays. The brand names "Alcatel One Touch" and "Alcatel Idol" are used by the Chinese company TCL for smartphones and tablets.
79.15%: This rating is not earth-shattering. This rating must actually be seen as average, since there are about as many devices with worse ratings as better ones. A purchase recommendation can only be seen with a lot of goodwill, unless it is about websites that generally rate strictly.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.