alcatel 5: A Full Review With Detailed Specifications

This alcatel 5 review looks at a phone that arrived at a moment when tall screens were becoming normal on cheaper handsets. The alcatel 5 full specifications and detailed review for 2018 show a device built around a 5.7-inch display, a dual front camera, and a MediaTek chipset, rather than raw speed. It was announced in February 2018 and released in the same month, and that timing matters: it was an early 2018 budget phone, not a late-year refresh. In this alcatel 5 vs budget phones from February 2018 launch comparison, the selfie hardware stands out first, while the rest of the package stays practical and restrained.

The alcatel 5 release date was February 2018, and the phone is now discontinued. That status changes how it should be judged. It is not a current rival to new handsets, and it should not be judged by the standards of later years. As a classic 2018 handset, it is best understood as a snapshot of what a mid-range price bought at the time: a tall screen, a fingerprint reader, NFC, USB Type-C, and a camera system aimed at people who take more selfies than rear-camera photos. The alcatel 5 price was about 248 USD at launch, which placed it above the cheapest phones of its year and below the flagship tier.

Readers who want a close relative for comparison can start with The Complete alcatel 5v Review: Specs, Audio and Verdict, which covers a sibling model from the same alcatel family. The two phones share a family look and a similar focus on value, but the alcatel 5 keeps its own identity through its dual front camera and its particular mix of memory, screen, and battery choices.

Design and Build Quality

The alcatel 5 design is simple, rounded, and easy to hold. The front is dominated by the tall display, with slim side bezels for its year and a chin below the screen. The back is smooth plastic with a curved edge that meets the frame, and the fingerprint reader sits in the upper centre where an index finger rests naturally. There is nothing flashy about the shape, and that is part of its appeal: it was made to be used every day, carried in a pocket, and held for long calls and long video sessions.

The alcatel 5 design dimensions weight and build quality review starts with the numbers. The alcatel 5 152.3 x 71.1 x 8.4 mm body size makes it tall but narrow, so it fits the hand better than its screen size might suggest. The alcatel 5 dimensions help explain why the phone feels balanced: the height comes from the 18:9 screen, while the width stays close to older 5.2-inch phones. At 8.4 mm thick, it is neither unusually thin nor bulky, and the curved back helps it sit comfortably in the palm.

Build and Dimensions

The body uses a plastic back and a metal-look frame, a common mix for its price in 2018. It does not feel fragile, but it is not a rugged phone either. A case is a sensible addition, because the smooth back can be slippery and the screen is exposed. The power button and volume keys sit on the right edge, within easy reach, and the SIM and microSD tray sits on the left. The phone was sold in black and gold finishes, both of which keep fingerprints visible on the back after a day of use.

Grip and Pocket Fit

The narrow width is the main reason the phone works in one hand for basic tasks such as checking messages or changing a song. Reaching the top of the screen still needs a second hand or a shift in grip, which is normal for a tall phone. In a pocket, the slim profile helps, and the rounded corners stop it catching on fabric. The tall 18:9 screen is the feature that defines the shape, and the rest of the body is built around it.

Fingerprint Reader and Ports

The alcatel 5 fingerprint reader on the rear unlocks the phone quickly and works as a simple security step for everyday use. It is a capacitive sensor, so a clean, dry finger gives the best result, and it can be set up with more than one finger. The alcatel 5 fingerprint sensor and NFC features explained in this section show two useful extras for a phone of this price: the reader for fast unlocking, and NFC for contactless use where supported. The alcatel 5 NFC support is a clear point in its favour, because many rivals at the same price left NFC out.

The phone uses USB Type-C, which was still a welcome detail on a budget handset in early 2018. The port sits on the bottom edge, next to the speaker and microphone, and the 3.5 mm headphone jack sits on the top. That layout keeps wired headphones out of the way during calls and keeps the bottom edge clear for charging while the phone rests on a table.

Display

The alcatel 5 display is a 5.7-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels. That is HD+ rather than Full HD, and the pixel density is about 282 ppi. Text stays readable, icons look clean at normal viewing distance, and colours are natural rather than oversaturated. The alcatel 5 display quality 5.7 inch IPS LCD HD plus setup is a fair match for the price: it is sharp enough for reading, browsing, and social apps, while keeping power demand lower than a sharper panel would.

The alcatel 5 720p HD plus screen resolution and pixel density mean fine detail is softer than on a 1080p phone, and that difference shows when reading small text or looking closely at photos. In normal use, most owners will notice the tall shape more than the resolution. The alcatel 5 18 by 9 aspect ratio display for video playback gives more vertical space for feeds and web pages, and video fills more of the screen than on older 16:9 phones, with small black bars on some clips. The alcatel 5 screen uses 2.5D curved glass at the edges, which makes swipes from the side feel smooth.

The alcatel 5 2.5D curved glass display protection and feel is a small but real comfort detail. The glass curves gently into the frame, so the edge does not feel sharp under a thumb. Brightness is adequate for indoor use and for shaded outdoor use, but direct sunlight washes the panel out, as it did on most IPS screens of this class. Viewing angles are good, with only a mild shift in colour when the phone is tilted a long way. This HD display is best seen as a practical panel: it is large, bright enough for daily tasks, and easy on the battery.

For another take on a tall-screen alcatel from the same period, see alcatel 3v After a Week of Use: Review, Screen Quality and Full Specs. That model shows how the same screen idea was used at a lower price, and it helps put the alcatel 5 screen in context: a larger panel, a similar ratio, and a similar focus on everyday viewing rather than on the sharpest possible image.

Screen Quality in Daily Use

In daily use, the screen is comfortable for reading news, watching short videos, and scrolling through photos. White backgrounds look clean, and skin tones in photos look natural. There is no high refresh rate and no HDR support, and neither was expected at this price in 2018. The screen wakes quickly, touch response is steady, and the auto-brightness sensor adjusts in a smooth way rather than jumping between levels. For long reading sessions, the large panel reduces scrolling, which is one of the main benefits of the tall format.

Performance and Software

The alcatel 5 performance is built for everyday tasks rather than heavy work. The alcatel 5 performance test with MediaTek MT6750 octa core hardware shows a chip that handles calls, messaging, browsing, maps, and social apps without drama, but slows down when many apps are kept open or when a demanding game is running. The alcatel 5 chipset is the MediaTek MT6750, made on a 28 nm process, with four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.5 GHz and four more Cortex-A53 cores at 1.0 GHz. The alcatel 5 processor is therefore an octa core design that splits work between faster cores for active tasks and slower cores for background work.

The alcatel 5 specs for memory are 2 GB or 3 GB of RAM, paired with 16 GB or 32 GB of internal storage. The alcatel 5 3GB RAM 32GB storage model specifications describe the more comfortable version, because the extra RAM helps with switching apps and the extra storage leaves more room for photos and apps. The alcatel 5 16GB internal storage with 2GB RAM version is the base model, and it needs more care: after the system and preinstalled apps, free space is limited, so a microSD card is almost essential. The alcatel 5 microSD card expansion up to 128GB support gives that room, and it is useful for photos, music, and offline video.

The alcatel 5 RAM and alcatel 5 storage choices show the same trade-off as the screen: enough for the basics, with the higher version giving a smoother experience. App loading is steady rather than fast, and the phone can pause briefly when a large app starts. Multitasking works for two or three light apps, but keeping a browser with many tabs open alongside a camera app and a map app will lead to reloads. That behaviour is normal for 2 GB and 3 GB phones from 2018, and it is the main reason the 3 GB version is the better pick when both are available.

A useful point of comparison is alcatel 7 Complete Specifications: Every Detail, From Design to Battery Life, which shows how alcatel scaled the same ideas up to a larger phone with a bigger battery. The alcatel 5 sits below that model in size and battery, but it keeps the same practical approach: a tall screen, a fingerprint reader, and a focus on everyday use rather than on headline speed.

Chipset and Memory

The MT6750 is a 28 nm chip, and that older process means it uses more power under load than later, smaller chips. In light use, the difference is small, because the slower cores handle background tasks. In sustained use, the phone can feel warm near the top, but it does not become uncomfortable during normal browsing or video playback. The graphics unit is the Mali-T860MP2, which handles the interface and casual games well, and struggles only with newer, heavier 3D titles at higher settings.

Casual Gaming and Graphics

The alcatel 5 Mali T860MP2 graphics performance for casual games is adequate for puzzle games, card games, and lighter arcade titles at modest settings. Simple 3D games run, but frame rates drop when effects pile up, and loading times are longer than on faster phones. Keeping graphics settings low and closing background apps helps. This is not a gaming phone, and it was not sold as one, so the graphics result should be judged against other budget phones from early 2018, not against later gaming handsets.

Software and Updates

The alcatel 5 Android version at launch was Android 7.1 Nougat. The alcatel 5 Android Nougat software experience and user interface is close to stock Android, with a light alcatel layer, a simple launcher, and a small set of extra apps. Menus are clear, settings are easy to find, and the app drawer keeps the home screen tidy. The alcatel 5 software is simple to learn, which suits first-time smartphone owners and people who want a phone that stays out of the way.

The alcatel 5 software update status after Android 7.1 Nougat is limited, and buyers today should not expect a modern Android version. Security patches and major updates stopped long ago, which is normal for a discontinued budget phone from 2018. That matters for safety and for app support: some newer apps may need a newer Android version, and some banking or payment apps may refuse to run. Anyone buying a used unit should check which apps they need before paying, and should treat the phone as a secondary device, a media player, or a collector item rather than a primary daily phone.

Cameras

The alcatel 5 camera system is unusual for its price because the front gets more attention than the rear. The alcatel 5 review with dual selfie camera and MT6750 processor framing is fair: the selfie hardware is the headline, while the processor and the rest of the phone play a supporting role. The alcatel 5 dual front camera wide angle selfie phone review angle is the key to the whole device, because the second front lens changes group photos in a way a single front camera cannot.

The rear camera is a single 12 MP unit with a dual-LED dual-tone flash. The alcatel 5 rear camera 12MP photo quality in daylight is solid for its class: colours are natural, detail is good in bright light, and focus is quick enough for still subjects. In low light, detail drops and noise appears, and the flash helps only at close range. Video from the rear camera is usable for short clips and family moments, with steady results in daylight and softer results indoors.

The alcatel 5 dual LED dual tone flash rear camera features include a warmer and a cooler LED, which help skin tones look less harsh than a single white flash would. The flash is most useful for close portraits and indoor shots, and it is not a replacement for good light. The rear camera app is simple, with photo, video, panorama, and HDR modes, and it starts quickly enough for everyday snapshots.

For a sibling with a different camera balance, see The alcatel 3x (2018), Reviewed in Detail: Specs, Form Factor and More. That review shows how alcatel spread camera features across its 2018 range, and it makes the alcatel 5 choice clearer: this phone put its best camera idea on the front, where its target buyers would use it most.

Rear Camera

The 12 MP rear camera uses an f/2.2 aperture and autofocus, and it records 1080p video at 30 frames per second. In daylight, landscape and street photos keep good detail in the centre of the frame, with some softness at the edges. Colours lean natural rather than vivid, which suits editing later, and exposure is steady in mixed light. The camera struggles with fast-moving subjects and with high-contrast scenes, where bright skies can wash out while shadows stay dark. HDR mode helps in those scenes, but it needs a still hand and a still subject.

Front Dual Camera

The front system pairs a 13 MP main camera with a 5 MP wide-angle camera, plus an LED flash. The alcatel 5 13MP f2.0 front camera with 5MP wide angle setup is the detail to remember: the main lens has an f/2.0 aperture for brighter selfies, while the second lens has an f/2.4 aperture and a 120-degree field of view for group shots. The alcatel 5 selfie quality is best in daylight, where skin detail is clear and colours look warm, and the alcatel 5 front LED flash for low light selfie photos helps in dark rooms and at night, though it can flatten skin tones at close range.

Wide-Angle Group Selfies

The wide-angle second lens is the most useful camera feature on this phone. Switching to the wide lens fits more people into the frame without a selfie stick, and it also fits more background into travel photos. The wide lens has less detail than the main lens and shows some distortion at the edges, which is normal for a wide-angle phone camera, but the trade-off is worth it for group photos. A dual camera setup on the front was rare at this price in 2018, and it remains the reason this model is still remembered.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The alcatel 5 battery is a Li-Ion unit with a capacity of 3000 mAh, and it is non-removable. The alcatel 5 battery life test with 3000 mAh battery capacity expectations should be modest: a full day of light to moderate use is realistic, with calls, messaging, browsing, and some video, while heavy video or gaming will need a charge before the evening. The 3000 mAh size is average for a 5.7-inch phone from 2018, and the HD+ screen helps it last longer than a Full HD panel would.

Charging is through USB Type-C, and the alcatel 5 USB Type C charging and connectivity options include a standard charger in the box and support for charging from a computer or a power bank. There is no fast charging claim to rely on, so a full charge takes a couple of hours, and topping up during the day is the practical habit. The alcatel 5 non removable Li Ion battery replacement options are limited today: a worn battery needs a repair shop to open the phone, and a used buyer should check battery health by using the phone for a full day before deciding to keep it.

The alcatel 5 Bluetooth WiFi GPS connectivity specifications list is complete for its year: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS with A-GPS, NFC, FM radio, and USB Type-C with OTG support. The alcatel 5 USB port also handles data transfer, and the headphone jack handles wired audio. The alcatel 5 speaker quality and audio output for media is clear enough for calls and short videos, with a single loudspeaker that is loud at full volume but thin on bass, as is normal for a phone of this size. Headphones give a much fuller sound, and the jack keeps that option simple.

For a smaller alcatel from the same era, see The alcatel Tetra Explained: Review, Features and Detailed Specs. The Tetra shows the entry-level end of the range, while the alcatel 5 shows the step up: a larger screen, a dual front camera, NFC, and USB Type-C, all of which add up to a more complete everyday phone.

Charging and Everyday Connectivity

Everyday connectivity is steady: Wi-Fi holds a signal well indoors, Bluetooth pairs quickly with headphones and speakers, and GPS locks on in a reasonable time for navigation. NFC works for the uses supported in the region where the phone was sold, and the fingerprint reader pairs with it for a simple unlock step. The phone supports 4G LTE, 3G, and 2G, with a nano-SIM slot and a separate microSD slot, so storage and mobile data do not compete for the same tray space.

Full Specifications

The table below brings together the alcatel 5 specs in one place. It uses the verified launch facts for this model: February 2018 announcement and release, MediaTek MT6750, 5.7-inch HD+ display, 2 GB or 3 GB of RAM, 16 GB or 32 GB of storage, Android 7.1 Nougat, a 12 MP rear camera, a dual front camera, and a 3000 mAh battery. The alcatel 5 features in this table are the ones that define the phone, and they should be read together with the review above, not as a list of modern claims.

The alcatel 5 price in USD for 2GB RAM variant was the lower of the two launch prices, while the 3 GB version cost more and gave a smoother experience. The alcatel 5 discontinued status means prices today are second-hand prices, not launch prices, and they depend on condition, battery health, and whether the box and charger are included. The alcatel 5 second hand value and condition check before buying should cover the screen, the fingerprint reader, both front cameras, the charging port, and a full day of battery use. An alcatel 5 unboxing of a sealed unit is rare today, and alcatel 5 accessories such as a case and a screen protector are worth buying at the same time as a used phone, because they protect the curved glass and the smooth back.

Pros and Cons

The alcatel 5 is a balanced everyday package for its year, with a clear strength and clear limits. Its best idea is the dual front camera, and its weakest area is long-term software support. The list below keeps that balance in view, so a buyer can weigh the selfie hardware against the older Android version and the modest processor.

What Works Well

• Dual front camera with a 120-degree wide-angle second lens for group selfies.
• Large 5.7-inch 18:9 display that is comfortable for reading and video.
• Rear fingerprint reader and NFC, both useful at this price in 2018.
• USB Type-C and a 3.5 mm headphone jack in the same phone.
• MicroSD expansion up to 128 GB, which helps the 16 GB base model.
• Clean, simple Android 7.1 software that is easy to learn.

What Falls Short

• HD+ resolution is softer than Full HD, and small text shows the difference.
• MediaTek MT6750 performance slows down with heavy multitasking and demanding games.
• Android 7.1 is old, with no modern update path and limited app support today.
• 3000 mAh battery gives a full day of light use, but not much more under heavy use.
• Low-light rear camera photos lose detail and show noise.
• Non-removable battery makes replacement a repair-shop job.

FAQ

Is the alcatel 5 still worth buying in 2026?

It depends on the purpose. As a primary phone, it is hard to recommend, because the software is old and some newer apps may not run. As a secondary phone, a media device, or a collector item, it can still make sense if the price is low and the battery is healthy. The alcatel 5 discontinued model buying guide for collectors today is simple: check the screen, both front cameras, the fingerprint reader, and the battery, and pay only a second-hand price. A budget phone from 2018 can still be useful, but it should not be bought as if it were a current handset.

How long does the alcatel 5 battery last?

With light to moderate use, the 3000 mAh battery lasts a full day. That means calls, messaging, browsing, and some video, with a charge overnight. Heavy video, navigation, or gaming shortens that to well under a day, and an older, worn battery will last less. The rear fingerprint reader does not affect battery life in a meaningful way, and the HD+ screen helps the phone last longer than a sharper screen would. Charging takes a couple of hours with the standard charger.

Does the alcatel 5 have NFC and a fingerprint reader?

Yes. The phone has NFC and a rear-mounted fingerprint reader. The fingerprint reader unlocks the phone and is set up in the security settings, while NFC is used for the contactless features supported in the region where the phone was sold. Both features were useful extras at this price in early 2018, and they are part of why the phone felt complete for everyday use.

What is the alcatel 5 price today?

There is no new price, because the phone is discontinued. Second-hand prices vary by condition, battery health, memory version, and whether the box, charger, and accessories are included. The 3 GB RAM and 32 GB storage version is usually worth a little more than the 2 GB and 16 GB version, because it runs more smoothly and holds more apps. Buyers should compare the price with other used budget phones from the same year before paying, and should test the phone in person when possible.

The verdict is straightforward. The alcatel 5 was a sensible 2018 budget phone with a genuinely useful dual front camera, a large tall screen, and a practical set of extras that included NFC, a fingerprint reader, and USB Type-C. Its limits were clear even at launch: a modest chipset, an HD+ screen, and software that would age quickly. Today, those limits matter more, and the phone is best kept as a secondary device or a piece of 2018 phone history. For anyone who values wide-angle selfies and a simple, large-screen phone from that era, it remains an interesting and honest example of what alcatel offered at the time.