Alcatel 3 (2019) Hands-On Preview

What is the Alcatel 3 (2019)?

The 2019 update to the Alcatel 3 looks like a budget phone done right. It's design is on-trend thanks to a tear-drop notch display and impressive screen-to-body ratio of 88%. It's got a gradient finish back like we've seen on devices from OPPO and Huawei. And this is all backed up by hardware that sounds like it should punch above the phone's budget price-tag.

Key specifications for the Alcatel 3 include a 5.9-inch HD+ display, a Snapdragon 439 processor, either 3GB of RAM with 32GB of storage or 4GB of RAM with 64GB of storage, a 13MP + 5MP rear-camera setup, and a 3,500mAh battery.

Alcatel 3 (2019) first impressions

The Alcatel 3 might be a budget smartphone, but it doesn't look like one. Alcatel has done well in emulating the vibe of top-tier smartphones with the big, almost bezel-less display and trendy gradient finish back. The only design element that would potentially give the Alcatel 3 away as a budget smartphone is the sizeable chin under the display. It's roughly akin to what we were seeing on flagship devices at the start of last year, but higher-end manufacturers have just done a really good job of chipping away at those black bars.

Feel is a bit of the different story. Other than the glass screen, the Alcatel 3 is largely plastic. It doesn't come off as cheap, but it doesn't have the same kind of heft you get with a glass or aluminium device. But if you prefer a lighter device, this might not be a problem.

In terms of hardware, the Alcatel 3 has the kind of specs you'd expect in a budget phone, but performed well at day-to-day tasks. It won't wow anyone with its speed, but it wasn't frustrating either. A 32GB starting point in terms of storage is very welcome however, as many sub-$300 phones still only ship with 16GB. However, I'd really love to see Alcatel bring the 64GB configuration to Australia - especially if the company can do so around $250.

The display itself is lovely. While it isn't the sharpest panel around, it's vibrant. You don't get the same washed out look that you see on many other budget phones.

Camera is the main compromise the Alcatel 3 makes, but that's not too surprising. It's a little slow to shoot, and photos are a bit soft and lack dynamic range. They'll do in a pinch though.

All in all, the Alcatel 3 is a promising device. Budget phones keep getting better - they look nicer and they run faster - and the Alcatel 3 is the perfect example of this. As smartphone prices continue to rise to new heights, it's reassuring to see more affordable devices make fewer and fewer compromises. After all, everyone deserves a good smartphone.

Alcatel 3 (2019) pricing and availability

Concrete pricing and availability for the Alcatel 3 have yet to be confirmed, but an Alcatel Australia spokesperson told us that we can expect to see it around the middle of the year priced somewhere around $250.

Alcatel Australia contributed funding toward WhistleOut's trip to Barcelona for Mobile World Congress.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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