Alcatel is getting ready to launch a new smartphone for a price that should entice plenty customers. They have named it the Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 and it has just hit our mailbox. Is this the phone that will finally put Alcatel in the radar for US geeks?

I haven’t used it enough to tell you that much, but it has definitely surpassed my expectations. First things first. Let’s take a look at the specs.

Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 specs

Android 5.0 Lollipop

Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor

5.5-inch 1920x1080p display

2 GB of RAM

16 GB of internal storage

13 MP rear-facing camera with LED flash

8 MP front-facing camera

Dual front-facing speakers

2910 mAh battery

140.7 grams

152.7 x 75.14 x 7.4 mm

I can honestly say I was impressed by the Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3, and not only because of the awesome press box I got. This phone feels and looks very good for a $280 gadget. Manufacturers have improved their game in the affordable smartphone market, and I can honestly say that Alcatel has finally caught up with the likes of Motorola and Xiaomi in this department.

Sure, it’s not made of metal, but it’s a $280 phone! Sure, its performance is not pristine, but it’s a $280 phone! Now, I won’t go as far as recommending it just yet, but I am pretty close to.

I have only had the phone for less than a day, so we won’t go into detail on the phone’s prowess and software, but do stay tuned for our full review. It’s looking to be a promising one.