The alcatel 3x (2019) Up Close: Battery Life, Screen Quality and the Full Spec Sheet

The alcatel 3x (2019) arrived in a crowded budget segment where a large screen, a triple camera and a big battery were the main selling points, and this review looks at what the phone actually offers on paper. Announced in September 2019 and released in the fourth quarter of that year, it was aimed at buyers who wanted a roomy display and a versatile camera without paying a mid-range price. The alcatel 3x 2019 full specifications and key features show a device built around practical choices: a 6.52-inch display, a MediaTek Helio P23 chipset, up to 6GB of RAM and a 4000 mAh battery. For readers comparing phones from the same brand and the same period, the alcatel 3v (2019) Complete Specifications: Every Detail, From Everyday Performance to Key Features gives a useful point of comparison, because that model sat close to this one in the 2019 line-up.

At a price of around 150 EUR, the alcatel 3x 2019 price around 150 euros in Europe placed it firmly in budget territory, yet its spec sheet reads like a phone trying to punch above that price. It has three rear cameras, a dedicated microSDXC slot, a rear fingerprint sensor and a 3.5mm headphone jack, all features that budget buyers in 2019 valued. This article works through the design, the battery, the screen, the performance, the cameras and the complete spec sheet, so you can judge whether it still makes sense as a spare phone, a first smartphone or a simple everyday device. The alcatel 3x review below stays with verified specifications and the context of its release era, rather than pretending the phone was something it never claimed to be.

Design and Build

The alcatel 3x design is straightforward and practical. The front is glass, while the back and frame are plastic, a common combination for a phone at this price in 2019. It measures 164.9 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm and weighs 178 g, so it is tall and fairly light for its size, with the tall 20:9 screen shaping the whole feel of the device. The alcatel 3x 2019 design dimensions weight and build quality are consistent with a budget phone that prioritises screen size over premium materials. The alcatel 3x 2019 plastic frame with glass front panel keeps the weight down, and the rear fingerprint sensor sits where an index finger naturally rests. The alcatel 3x 2019 178 gram weight in the hand is easy to carry for long stretches, although the tall body means one-handed reach to the top of the screen takes a stretch. The alcatel 3x dimensions are worth checking if you prefer compact phones, because this is a large handset by any measure.

In the Hand

Holding the phone, the first thing you notice is the height. The 6.52-inch display dominates the front, with slim bezels for the era and a small notch for the selfie camera. The plastic back is smooth and curved at the edges, which helps the grip, and the triple camera module sits in the upper corner with the fingerprint sensor below it. The alcatel 3x build feels solid enough for daily use, and a case is still a sensible addition because the plastic back can pick up scratches over time. The alcatel 3x colors available at launch were dark and muted tones that suited the understated design, and the overall look is plain rather than flashy. If you are coming from a smaller phone, the size takes a day or two to get used to, but the light weight keeps it comfortable in a pocket or a bag.

Buttons sit on the right edge, with the power key and volume rocker within easy reach, and the 3.5mm jack sits on the top edge. The alcatel 3x 2019 headphone jack and microUSB port details matter here: this phone uses microUSB rather than USB-C, which was still common at this price in 2019, and it keeps the wired headphone jack that many buyers still wanted. The dual SIM tray has a dedicated slot for a microSDXC card, so you do not have to choose between a second SIM and extra storage. Readers who like the brand’s simpler models may also want to read the alcatel 1v (2019) in Depth: Review, Usability and Full Specifications, which covers a smaller and cheaper phone from the same year.

Battery Life

The alcatel 3x battery is one of its strongest points on paper. The alcatel 3x 2019 battery life with 4000mah battery is helped by a power-efficient chipset, a 720p display and a large cell, a combination that usually stretches a charge further than a smaller battery paired with a sharper screen. The alcatel 3x 4000mAh battery should comfortably cover a full day of calls, messaging, browsing and video for most users, with lighter users likely to see time left over at bedtime. The alcatel 3x 2019 battery endurance in everyday normal use is the kind of steady, unremarkable strength that matters most in a budget phone: it does not need topping up in the middle of the afternoon. The alcatel 3x charging is limited to 10W, so a full charge from empty takes a while, and overnight charging is the most practical routine.

Charging and Everyday Endurance

There is no fast charging here beyond the basic 10W rate, and no wireless charging, so expectations should be set accordingly. The alcatel 3x 2019 charging speed with 10W charger means a quick top-up before leaving the house adds only a modest amount of charge, and the microUSB port is slower to plug in than the reversible USB-C port found on later phones. On the other hand, the large battery means you will need that top-up less often. Video playback, social apps and web browsing are all light loads for the Helio P23, and the 720p panel draws less power than a 1080p panel of the same size. Standby drain should be modest on Android 9.0 Pie, and the phone is a sensible choice for anyone who values a full day of use over rapid charging. For a different take on a later budget model from the same brand, see the alcatel 1B (2020) Review: The Good, the Bad and the Audio.

Screen Quality

The alcatel 3x display is a 6.52-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, which works out at around 269 ppi, and an aspect ratio of 20:9. The alcatel 3x 2019 screen quality on 6.52 inch display is good for video and reading, because the tall panel shows more of a web page or a feed at once, and the size makes films and games feel roomy. The alcatel 3x 6.52 inch display is the centrepiece of the phone, and it suits the way most people use a budget device: browsing, watching video and messaging. The alcatel 3x 2019 display resolution 720 by 1600 pixels is not the sharpest on the market, and fine text can look slightly soft if you hold the phone close, but at a normal viewing distance the picture looks clean and the colours are natural for an IPS panel.

Outdoor Visibility and Viewing Angles

IPS LCD panels have a reputation for steady viewing angles, and this one follows that pattern. The alcatel 3x 2019 IPS LCD panel viewing angles and colours stay consistent when the phone is tilted, so sharing a video with someone sitting next to you works well. Brightness is adequate for indoor use and for shaded outdoor use, though direct sunlight will wash the picture out, as it does on most budget LCD phones of this era. The tall 20:9 shape is handy for split-screen multitasking and for reading long articles, while video with a standard 16:9 frame leaves black bars at the sides. There is no high refresh rate here, so scrolling looks ordinary rather than extra smooth, but that is expected at this price. The screen is the main reason to choose this phone over a smaller budget rival, and it is also the feature that defines the whole experience.

Performance and Software

The alcatel 3x performance comes from the MediaTek MT6763V Helio P23, a 16 nm octa-core chipset with four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and four more at 1.5 GHz, paired with a Mali-G71 MP2 GPU. The alcatel 3x 2019 performance with Helio P23 chipset is suited to everyday tasks: messaging, email, web browsing, social apps and light games run well, while heavier 3D games need lower graphics settings. The alcatel 3x 2019 gaming performance with Mali G71 MP2 is modest but usable for casual titles, and the 16 nm process helps keep heat and power use under control. The alcatel 3x Helio chipset is not a flagship part, and it was not meant to be, but it is a balanced choice for a phone that costs around 150 EUR.

Memory options are 4GB of RAM with 64GB of storage, or 6GB of RAM with 128GB of storage. The alcatel 3x 2019 RAM options 4GB and 6GB give buyers a real choice: the 4GB model handles everyday multitasking, while the 6GB model keeps more apps in memory and feels smoother when switching between them. The alcatel 3x RAM in the higher model is the one to pick if you plan to keep the phone for a long time. The alcatel 3x 2019 storage options 64GB and 128GB models both accept a microSDXC card in a dedicated slot, so storage can grow without giving up the second SIM. The alcatel 3x storage is therefore flexible, and the dedicated slot is a genuine advantage over phones that force a shared tray. The alcatel 3x 2019 microSDXC slot for extra storage space is ideal for photos, offline video and music.

On the software side, the phone launched with Android 9.0 Pie. The alcatel 3x 2019 Android 9 Pie software experience is close to stock Android, with the usual Pie features such as adaptive battery, gesture navigation options and a clean app drawer. The alcatel 3x software is simple and easy to learn, which suits first-time smartphone owners and buyers who do not want a heavy custom skin. The alcatel 3x Android version is now old, so modern apps may demand newer versions and security updates have long since ended, and that is an important point for anyone planning to use the phone as a daily device today. As a spare phone, a media device or a handset for basic tasks, the software still does the job, but buyers should go in with their eyes open about its age.

Cameras

The alcatel 3x camera system is a triple rear setup, which was a headline feature for a budget phone in 2019. The alcatel 3x 2019 triple camera setup with ultrawide lens combines a 16 MP wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture and PDAF, an 8 MP ultrawide camera with an f/2.2 aperture, and a 5 MP depth sensor. The alcatel 3x ultrawide lens adds a wider field of view for landscapes, buildings and group photos, while the depth sensor helps the portrait mode separate the subject from the background. The alcatel 3x portrait mode is driven by that 5 MP depth sensor, and the alcatel 3x 2019 depth sensor for portrait mode photos is the part of the system that makes background blur possible. The alcatel 3x 2019 wide camera aperture f1.8 low light performance benefits from the brighter aperture, although a budget sensor still struggles in very dark scenes.

Triple Rear Camera in Practice

In daylight, the 16 MP main camera should produce clear, well-exposed photos with natural colours, which is what most buyers will use most of the time. The alcatel 3x 2019 ultrawide camera field of view photos capture much more of a scene than the main camera, at the cost of some detail at the edges, which is normal for an ultrawide lens at this price. The depth sensor does not take photos on its own, but it supports the portrait effect, and results are best with a clear subject and good light. The phone records video at 1080p at 30fps from the rear camera, which is adequate for clips to share with family and friends. The alcatel 3x video recording is steady enough for casual use, though there is no 4K option and no advanced stabilisation.

Ultrawide and Depth

The ultrawide camera is the most fun part of the system. It lets you fit a whole building, a wide landscape or a large group into one frame without stepping back, and it gives photos a different look from the main camera. The depth sensor works behind the scenes in portrait mode, and the best results come from keeping the subject still and the background uncluttered. Neither camera will match a modern mid-range phone, but together they give the alcatel 3x a flexibility that single-camera budget phones of the same era lacked.

Video Recording

The alcatel 3x 2019 video recording at 1080p 30fps is the limit for this phone, and it is a sensible limit for the chipset and the storage on offer. Clips look clean in good light, with natural colours and acceptable detail, and the 1080p files are easy to share and do not fill the storage quickly. Low-light video is softer and noisier, as expected, and the lack of 4K keeps the phone simple rather than ambitious. For everyday family video and short clips for social apps, the recording quality is fit for purpose.

Selfie Camera

The front camera is an 8 MP unit. The alcatel 3x selfie camera is fine for video calls and for selfies in good light, and the alcatel 3x 2019 selfie camera quality in daylight should be clear enough for social profiles and messaging. The alcatel 3x selfie performance drops in dim indoor light, where photos become softer, so the best selfies come from facing a window or stepping outside. There is no dedicated selfie flash listed in the spec sheet, so low-light selfies rely on the screen as a light source where the software supports it. For a tablet-sized companion from the same brand, the Living With the alcatel 3T 8: Review, Form Factor and Complete Specs covers a very different form factor.

Full Specifications

The table below gathers the alcatel 3x specs in one place, so you can check any detail quickly. The alcatel 3x 2019 model numbers 5048Y 5048A and 5048I cover the regional variants of the same phone, and the alcatel 3x 5048Y variant is the one most often listed in European shops. The alcatel 3x 2019 difference from alcatel 3X 2020 model is important: the 2020 phone is a different device with a Helio P22 chipset and a 48 MP main camera, so the two should not be confused when shopping for a used handset or a spare part. The alcatel 3x 2019 long term value as budget phone rests on its large screen, its triple camera and its 4000 mAh battery, rather than on raw speed.

The alcatel 3x connectivity covers the essentials for a 2019 budget phone. The alcatel 3x price was set at around 150 EUR at launch, which explains the plastic build and the 10W charging. The alcatel 3x 2019 fingerprint sensor on the back is quick and reliable in everyday use, and the alcatel 3x weight of 178 g keeps the large handset comfortable to carry. The alcatel 3x microSD support uses a dedicated slot, so extra storage never costs you the second SIM. The alcatel 3x 2019 LTE Cat4 connectivity and dual SIM support handles calls and mobile data on two lines, while Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS cover home networking, accessories and navigation. The alcatel 3x 2019 Bluetooth WiFi and GPS connectivity features are standard for the class, and the presence of a 3.5mm jack and a dedicated microSDXC slot rounds out a practical connectivity and expansion package. The alcatel 3x fingerprint sensor on the back is the main biometric option, and it is quick and reliable in everyday use. The alcatel 3x dual SIM support is handy for separating work and personal numbers, or for using a local SIM while travelling.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The large 6.52-inch display is the headline strength, followed by the 4000 mAh battery and the triple rear camera with an ultrawide lens. The dedicated microSDXC slot, the rear fingerprint sensor, the headphone jack and the choice of 4GB or 6GB of RAM all add practical value, and the price of around 150 EUR kept the phone within reach of budget buyers. The light 178 g weight and the clean Android 9.0 Pie software make it easy to live with as an everyday handset.

Cons

The 720p resolution is soft for a screen of this size, charging is limited to 10W over microUSB, and there is no USB-C port. Performance is modest for heavy games, the plastic build feels plain next to glass-backed rivals, and Android 9.0 Pie is now old, so software support has ended. Low-light camera results are limited, and the phone should not be confused with the later alcatel 3X (2020), which has different hardware.

FAQ

When was the alcatel 3x (2019) released?

It was announced in September 2019 and released in Q4 2019. The launch price was around 150 EUR, and the model numbers for the regional variants are 5048Y, 5048A and 5048I.

How good is the alcatel 3x (2019) battery life?

The 4000 mAh battery, the efficient Helio P23 chipset and the 720p display combine for solid all-day endurance in normal use, with lighter users likely to finish the day with charge to spare. Charging is limited to 10W, so a full charge takes a while and overnight charging is the practical choice.

Does the alcatel 3x (2019) have a triple camera?

Yes. The rear camera is a triple setup with a 16 MP wide camera, an 8 MP ultrawide camera and a 5 MP depth sensor, plus an 8 MP selfie camera, and video recording is 1080p at 30fps.

Is the alcatel 3x (2019) the same as the alcatel 3X (2020)?

No, they are different phones. The 2019 model uses the Helio P23 chipset and a 16 MP main camera, while the 2020 model uses the Helio P22 chipset and a 48 MP main camera, so buyers should check the model year and the model number before buying a used handset. For a later model from the same brand, the Getting to Know the alcatel 1V (2020): Review and Detailed Specs covers the alcatel 1V (2020) in detail.

The alcatel 3x budget appeal is clear: a big screen, a big battery, a triple camera and a low price, with the trade-offs plain to see in the 720p panel, the 10W charging and the older software. As a spare phone, a first smartphone or a simple device for calls, messaging and video, it still has a place, and the full spec sheet above gives you everything needed to compare it with the other budget phones of its era.