Microsoft And T-Mobile Announce $470 Alcatel Idol 4S Windows 10 Mobile VR Flagship
As we reported previously, the Alcatel Idol 4S is no slouch in the specs department, bringing with it a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor with 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, microSD slot with support for up to 128GB, 5.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display, 20MP primary camera with Sony IMX230 sensor, 8MP selfie camera with a wide-angle lens, dual multi-directional speakers, a USB-C charging port, fingerprint sensor and a 3000 mAh battery which Microsoft says is good for up to 20 hours of talk time. As you might expect given its beefy specs, the Idol 4S of course supports Windows Hello and Continuum (with the use of a supported dock).
What makes the Idol 4S stand out among other Windows 10 Mobile devices, however, is the fact that T-Mobile will be including a free Alcatel VR headset (and other goodies) in the box for customers:
The headset is designed so that the phone snaps into the goggles for an user-friendly virtual reality experience where you can play three dimensional games or watch 360 degree videos. When you buy an IDOL 4S, you’ll also receive a free 45-day trial for Hulu Plus, an additional 30-day trial for Groove Music and a free copy of the Windows 10 Mobile game Halo: Spartan Assault.
Alcatel’s VR headset is similar in concept to the Samsung Gear VR, which means that you simply slip the Idol 4S into the device to begin your virtual reality session.
The Idol 4S makes a compelling case for itself — for Windows 10 Mobile fans at least— when you consider that it is priced at just $469.99. That’s compared to the Hewlett-Packard Elite x3 which is priced at $799 (with an included dock for Continuum). The specs for these two phones largely lineup, but the Elite x3 has the advantage of a larger display (5.96 inches versus 5.5 inches), QHD display and larger 4,100 mAh battery.
