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Alcatel 3, 3V, and 3X hands-on

By John Velasco

Updated: Jan 11, 2023, 3:26 AM

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Alcatel didn't hold back anything during its MWC 2018 press conference, where they announced a slew of brand new devices. Positioned as the mid-tier in its lineup, the trio that makes up the new Alcatel 3 series offer considerable value when you factor in their designs and features. Specifically, the Alcatel 3, 3X, and 3V seem to follow the same principles, as they feature 18:9 FullView displays, fingerprint sensors, and facial recognition technology with Face Key. We spent a little bit of time checking out the trio of devices, which surprisingly enough will appeal to cost-conscious buyers who want a little bit of premium in their phones.

Starting off with the Alcatel 3, the most inexpensive one out of the bunch at 150 euros, we're astounded by its beautifully curved lines and metallic-like finish. It's so polished looking that reflections are quite prominent whatever way you look at its rear casing. While it undoubtedly can look pristine, it's the kind of finish that quickly attracts fingerprints and smudges – albeit, it's swell to see that a low-cost phone like this can look so good! Its main standouts include its 5.5-inch 1440 x 720 IPS display and its cost of only 150 euros.

Moving onto the Alcatel 3X, positioned in the middle of this new lineup at 180 euros, it's differentiated by its larger 5.7-inch 1440 x 720 IPS display and dual cameras (13MP and 5MP) for super wide-angle captures. What's interesting, though, is that despite being price higher than the Alcatel 3, the 3X's design seems to be slightly inferior in terms of its finish. Rather than the shiny and polished looks we find in the 3, the 3X simply has a patterned plastic covering. Sure, it's not likely to smudge as the 3, but it just doesn't embody the same higher quality look and feel of its sibling.

And lastly, we have the Alcatel 3V, which is priced at the top of the totem pole at 190 euros. Aggressively priced, it combines the same metallic-esque finish of the Alcatel 3 with an impressive looking 6-inch 2K (2160 x 1080) display and a dual-camera system that breaks down to a 12MP main camera combined with a 2MP secondary depth one – delivering those real-time bokeh effect for creamy looking backgrounds. Out of the bunch, it definitely feels the most substantial! That's a good thing, obviously, seeing that its price point does make it tempting.

Luckily, the most impressive out of the bunch, the Alcatel 3V is available in select markets right now – while the Alcatel 3 and 3X will be launching in March and April respectively. There's no word on whether we'll see any of them arrive stateside, so if you're interested in any of them, importing will most certainly be your best option!