Alcatel One Touch unveiled at the CES 2013 the world's thinnest smartphone, as well as the first phablet that uses MediaTek's 1.2GHz quad-core chipset. The Idol Ultra is a sleek Android-powered handset that is just 6.45 mm thick, making it 15% thinner than Apple's iPhone 5. The quad-core CPU-powered device is the Scribe HD, which features a 5-inch HD IPS display, an 8-MP camera, 4G data, and Android Jelly Bean operating system. The third phone, the Idol, has similar features as the Idol Ultra, except that the Idol has thicker curves and less impressive set of components.
What Else You Need To Know
- The Idol Ultra is not currently slated for U.S. release due to FCC regulations, the Idol is slated for a third quarter release in the U.S., and the Scribe HD may come to the U.S. in mid-2013. All three phones are debuting in China later this month.
- The Scribe HD also sports 1GB RAM, enhanced functionality with an optional capacitive stylus, a front-facing camera that captures 720p video, 4GB built-in storage, a microSD card slot and a 2,500mAh battery.
- At just 6.45 mm thin and weighing 119 grams, the Idol Ultra packs in a 4.7-inch HD OLED screen, 8-megapixel camera, and 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, Android 4.1.
- An ultra-light smartphone weighing in at 110 grams and 8.15 mm thin, the Idol features a 1.2 GHz processor, 4.7-inch qHD IPS LCD display, 8-megapixel camera, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
Other sources
In its push to make the Idol Ultra as thin as possible, Alcatel omitted expandable storage from the unit, and with only 8GB built-in, media hungry individuals will need to rely on cloud services.- Brad Molen, Engadget
If you're more about the raw grunt (and covet the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 but can't afford it) then the One Touch Scribe HD may be more your cup of tea, especially if you like crayon-like styluses.- Gareth Beavis, TechRadar
- Engadget
-
Alcatel's affordable OneTouch Pop phone lineup revealed for Q1 arrival
All three Pop handsets will come in two different flavors: one that offers HSPA connectivity over the 900 / 2100MHz bands, and another that sports HSPA access over the 850 / 1900 / 2100MHz bands. In all cases, quad-band GSM is part of the mix.
- Engadget
-
Hands-on with the Alcatel One Touch Idol, the Ultra's younger sibling (video)
The simpler-named Idol is overshadowed by its flashier older sibling, but it inherits the same overall design language.
- Engadget
- Alcatel intros the One Touch Idol Ultra, the 'world's slimmest phone' at 6.45mm (hands-on video)
- Engadget
-
Alcatel reveals 5-inch One Touch Scribe HD smartphone (hands-on video)
With the One Touch Scribe HD, Alcatel is aiming to bring stylus functionality to those unable to afford Samsung's Galaxy Note II. The phone will sell in the ballpark of $400 and is set for US availability in Q3, complete with an optional flip cover.
- Phone Scoop
- Alcatel Claims Thinnest Smartphone Title
- Dialed In
- Alcatel One Touch Idol Ultra: Astonishingly thin
- Dialed In
- Alcatel One Touch Scribe HD hands-on: A 5-inch, quad-core Android
- BGR
-
Alcatel One Touch readies U.S. invasion with world’s thinnest smartphone and a colorful 5-inch phablet
The One Touch Scribe HD will then be released in the U.S. some time in the second quarter for a surprisingly affordable $397 before taxes and subsidies, and both the One Touch Idol and One Touch Idol Ultra will launch at a later point in time. The latter will cost $444 before taxes and subsidies, while pricing for the One Touch Idol has not yet been announced.
- Phone Arena
- Alcatel unveils One Touch Scribe series: 5-inch phones with a stylus for the masses
- Geeky Gadgets
- Alcatel One Touch Scribe HD Smartphone Announced
- More...