Alcatel, which we’ve always struggled to take seriously due to its association with the “entry level” PAYG market, has today confirmed its commitment to Android – saying it’ll be launching a pay-as-you-go smartphone featuring Google’s OS later this year.
Also, Alcatel’s UK and Ireland boss William Patterson told Mobile Today it would offer more than it competitors, bringing an “aspirational feature set” to the SIM-free, contract-less smartphone arena. Here’s the quote:
“We will have an Android product this year. The way we position our product, we bring aspirational feature sets and design to new price points. We have always done prepay and think there is an opportunity to change with Android”
That’s fighting talk, William!
This isn’t Alcatel’s Android phone – it’s the Alcatel OT-800, an existing non-Android Alcatel device. The OT-800 has a 2megapixel camera, Bluetooth and FM radio, so isn’t a million miles away from smartphone status. This model sells for around £60, to give you an idea of the sort of prices the company charges.
Motorola’s latest flagship dual-core Android monster is a massive, original powerhouse, that’s a big improvement on previous MOTOBLUR mobiles – but still isn’t a total winner.
A slim and glamorous phone from Sony Ericsson, with the sharpest display around. It’s no powerhouse and the screen’s not the biggest out there, but we don’t mind. Because it’s cute.
LG’s first glasses-free 3D phone is a heavy, fat monster, with a clever 3D effect that works rather well. As a smartphone, though, it’s heavy and underwhelming.
A very shiny thing from Sony Ericsson, with a 3.7″ screen and Android 2.3.3 inside. But is it exciting enough to win fans in today’s spec-obsessed market? Can man live on one core alone?
INQ’s Android phone is an interesting “boutique” piece of hardware, packed with unique interface customisations that go far beyond the headline Facebook integration. We like it a lot.
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