Alcatel Idol 4 VR Edition - €99.99

WarZoneBrother

Hey,

So I have been trying to buy a phone for a while now, considering Motorola let me down and cancelled my G4 Plus I saw this phone today with €100 off it comes with a free VR Headset so maybe somebody else might be interested in it too...

Of course, as usually I am having issues ordering...

Online only offer on Three.ie

http://www.three.ie/

MiskyBoyy

Link:http://www.three.ie/online/voice/prepay/alcatel-idol-4-vr-edition/?src=p

TerrorFirmer

Excellent deal for that price. Just bought one as I've been meaning to switch to 3 shortly. For €100, nice 8 core phone with a 1080p screen, hard to go wrong.

Reviews are pretty good but say poor battery (at least it has fast charge) and despite being bundled as a 'VR' phone it's bad at VR due to low end GPU.

All in all though, really happy, many thanks to the OP for posting!

WarZoneBrother

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

Excellent deal for that price. Just bought one as I've been meaning to switch to 3 shortly. For €100, nice 8 core phone with a 1080p screen, hard to go wrong.

Reviews are pretty good but say poor battery (at least it has fast charge) and despite being bundled as a 'VR' phone it's bad at VR due to low end GPU.

All in all though, really happy, many thanks to the OP for posting!

I was planning on testing the VR and maybe selling it, if it can be sold and works with other phones (I assume it does)... I'd imagine it will be nothing like the PS VR but will be good to compare the both...

TerrorFirmer

I don't think it can be, think like the Gear VR it's designed specifically for the phone, most of the phone VR headsets are universal though. I'm sure it's fine for a sample of VR, just that it's not powerful enough to drive a lot of the cool VR stuff available on mobile.

The Gear VR with the S6 is an amazing piece of kit, some of the stuff on it is actually better than Oculus Rift/PS VR due to the 1440p screen on the phone (cinema app/netflix app particularly)

Highcontrast1

mmm, in the market for a new phone and was willing to wait for the Nokia 5 to launch but might get this instead.

WarZoneBrother

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

I don't think it can be, think like the Gear VR it's designed specifically for the phone, most of the phone VR headsets are universal though. I'm sure it's fine for a sample of VR, just that it's not powerful enough to drive a lot of the cool VR stuff available on mobile.

The Gear VR with the S6 is an amazing piece of kit, some of the stuff on it is actually better than Oculus Rift/PS VR due to the 1440p screen on the phone (cinema app/netflix app particularly)

Ohh right, ohh well still the phone spec for the price seems too good to turn down, wish they shipped on a Saturday... Does anyone know if 3 do deliver on Saturday I ordered a sim card but it arrived via post so I assume the phones get delivered with a courier?... If so anyone know which courier it is, got a parcel today from Nightline only ordered the item yesterday they are very good it seems...

mexicanking

Would anyone know if it is a dual sim and the ram. 3 usually dont sell dual sim.

WarZoneBrother

mexicanking wrote: »

Would anyone know if it is a dual sim and the ram. 3 usually dont sell dual sim.

http://www.androidcentral.com/alcatel-idol-4-4s-specs

Seems to be dual nano sim and there seems to be 2/3GB RAM ... Not sure of the amount on the one on the Three site but will probably be 2GB?..

B00MSTICK

I'm due a new phone and was going to wait for the Moto g5 or Nokia 5/6 but hard to see past the €99 price tag.
It has 2GB of RAM according to online chat FYI

mexicanking

I someone ever gets it, I will really appreciate if you could let me know if both the sim slots are active. Thanks.

sweetie

Would this be at least as good as the Smart Ultra 6?

TerrorFirmer

sweetie wrote: »

Would this be at least as good as the Smart Ultra 6?

Very similar, though this has a worse battery and slightly smaller screen.

B00MSTICK

B00MSTICK wrote: »

I'm due a new phone and was going to wait for the Moto g5 or Nokia 5/6 but hard to see past the €99 price tag.
It has 2GB of RAM according to online chat FYI

Update: Went instore and the 3GB model is on offer... Time to pick up a sim to port me thinks...

eoinfitzokk

What's the cheapest sim to use to port anybody know?

DopeTech

Anyone know is this network unlockable?

WarZoneBrother

B00MSTICK wrote: »

Update: Went instore and the 3GB model is on offer... Time to pick up a sim to port me thinks...

That's what I had to do, taught buyganecredit takes all credit but doesn't support meteor which is what he gave me so 7 euro wasted..

Ohh well was tempted to buy it for 200 a few days before...

WarZoneBrother

eoinfitzokk wrote: »

What's the cheapest sim to use to port anybody know?

If you get Vodafone SIM you can port and use credit to buy PSN vouchers .... I bought meteor 2 euro for SIM ... Most networks free sim you have to top up by so much too I think ...

ErinGoBrath

I'm with meteor sim only, I assume id need to get this unlocked to use it?

DopeTech

B00MSTICK wrote: »

Update: Went instore and the 3GB model is on offer... Time to pick up a sim to port me thinks...

Can you please check when you buy it if it is network locked? If it's dual/hybrid sim it probably isn't.

Pablo1802

It's a great deal but the phone cannot be unlocked with external unlocking services. Only Three or relevant network can provide unlocking code for this phone in Ireland which is version 6055P with no DUAL sim functionality.

DopeTech

Can I ask anyone on Billpay or payg that has topped up by more than €130 to request the unlock code or does it have to be the number that is ported in needs to have been topped up by more than that amount. Thinking of buying it today for someone else that is on another network. I myself am on payg an d have topped up by more than €130, I see it says the account holder is the only person that can request it. Would they allow me unlock it without topping the new number up by 130 do you think?

WarZoneBrother

FrostyJim wrote: »

Can I ask anyone on Billpay or payg that has topped up by more than €130 to request the unlock code or does it have to be the number that is ported in needs to have been topped up by more than that amount. Thinking of buying it today for someone else that is on another network. I myself am on payg an d have topped up by more than €130, I see it says the account holder is the only person that can request it. Would they allow me unlock it without topping the new number up by 130 do you think?

Good question I just realised I got a SIM with my number before buying this phone, didn't think of this however as I had to buy a SIM to port and will not be using the new 3 SIM for this phone will be using my current 3 SIM that I bought 2 weeks ago instead...

podgeandrodge

Pablo1802 wrote: »

It's a great deal but the phone cannot be unlocked with external unlocking services. Only Three or relevant network can provide unlocking code for this phone in Ireland which is version 6055P with no DUAL sim functionality.

No way around this? Have you a link to more info on this please thanks.

Pablo1802

There is no official comment on this. I've tried to get unlocking code and it was not found on alcatel database.

DopeTech

WarZoneBrother wrote: »

Good question I just realised I got a SIM with my number before buying this phone, didn't think of this however as I had to buy a SIM to port and will not be using the new 3 SIM for this phone will be using my current 3 SIM that I bought 2 weeks ago instead...

As long as you don't use the sim that they gave you with the phone they will allow you nominate another SIM/number to gain the credit history on. That's what I was told on online chat . They will only take into account the topup made after the phone purchase date so if you have topped up before it won't be counted.

Presumably name on account would have to match also.

So in theory if you are with another provider you could move to 3 for 7 months topping up 20 every 28 days, get your unlock and then move wherever you want.

witnessmenow

Bought this online yesterday

I got a sim card from Tesco (E5) and ported that pretty much straight away.

I tried to get in store but they "only had one left and think it was sold", which was an odd response!

For porting your new number you need to be able to get a code from a text message so it will need to be in a phone. There is an option when buying online asking how much credit you want to buy, you don't need to choose either option.

In total it cost me E100 + E5 for the sim card. Be interesting to see what its like.

It was good timing as the battery on my phone has turned to mush (3h from 100% -> 1%)

EDIT: This site claims it can unlock this phone
https://sim-unlock.net/sim-lock/3/Unlock_by_code_for_Alcatel_phones/

I am three anyways so I probably wont be bothered trying it

TerrorFirmer

Ordered mine Friday, got it this morning. Initial impressions - externally well finished, a lot more 'premium' than you'd expect from a phone of this price. It's the 3GB ram model also, and in the box is included a protective back cover and screenguard. Also comes with JBL branded earphones, which is a decent plus.

The VR Headset is good, and because it's tailor made for the Idol 4, it fits perfectly and should offer a much better experience than the universal VR headsets. Only charging it now, but it's already at 60% after about 30 minutes thanks to the fast charge.

Although I haven't yet tried the phone, so far all indications are pointing towards an excellent bargain

WarZoneBrother

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

Ordered mine Friday, got it this morning. Initial impressions - externally well finished, a lot more 'premium' than you'd expect from a phone of this price. It's the 3GB ram model also, and in the box is included a protective back cover and screenguard. Also comes with JBL branded earphones, which is a decent plus.

The VR Headset is good, and because it's tailor made for the Idol 4, it fits perfectly and should offer a much better experience than the universal VR headsets. Only charging it now, but it's already at 60% after about 30 minutes thanks to the fast charge.

Although I haven't yet tried the phone, so far all indications are pointing towards an excellent bargain

Was it just me, or did you get a shock when looking for the phone :P ..

Mine arrived today also, seems the dual sim thing is just 1 slot for sim card and one slot for micro sd... Not sure what that means though, but yeah for the price definately worth it my phone would be on 100% and sometimes would just power off after nothing so nice to have a new phone with such good spec and cheap...

ErinGoBrath

Bought one of these without realising I can't use it as a mobile hotspot on 3.

Only hope now is someone unlocking it?

Raging didn't check the t&cs first

beauf

WarZoneBrother wrote: »

...seems the dual sim thing is just 1 slot for sim card and one slot for micro sd... Not sure what that means though,.....

In some models of this phone (not the one Three sell) the SD Card slot doubles as a second sim slot.

So you could have a work sim and personal sim in the same phone.

DopeTech

ErinGoBrath wrote: »

Bought one of these without realising I can't use it as a mobile hotspot on 3.

Only hope now is someone unlocking it?

Raging didn't check the t&cs first

Who says you can't? I've tethered from time to time on 3pay with no issues.

beauf

It might depend on the plan are on. I've had problems with that in the past, can't remember which sim it was now.

ErinGoBrath

FrostyJim wrote: »

Who says you can't? I've tethered from time to time on 3pay with no issues.

Contracts from 2012 onwards are not allowed tether according to the t&cs of all you can eat

EDIT: Appears it's just not supported, once you're within the acceptable use allowance it's ok

DopeTech

ErinGoBrath wrote: »

Contracts from 2012 onwards are not allowed tether according to the t&cs of all you can eat

Yes but they don't seem to enforce it. At least not yet anyway.

Ordered one of these phones this evening, should be here Wednesday. Does anyone know who they use to deliver?

TerrorFirmer

Nightline, I think.

TerrorFirmer

Their customer service is awful. Trying to sort a number port, on hold for 45 minutes on the contact line and the online chat guy was worse than useless, keep bringing me around in circles for 30 minutes with huge delays in between replies and was ultimately zero help, felt like talking to an automated script.

WarZoneBrother

ErinGoBrath wrote: »

Bought one of these without realising I can't use it as a mobile hotspot on 3.

Only hope now is someone unlocking it?

Raging didn't check the t&cs first

I bought this for hotspot for my PS4 and everything is working fine?... I am prepay and top up by 20 a month for all you can eat data and I have had no issues...

Keith186

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

Their customer service is awful. Trying to sort a number port, on hold for 45 minutes on the contact line and the online chat guy was worse than useless, keep bringing me around in circles for 30 minutes with huge delays in between replies and was ultimately zero help, felt like talking to an automated script.

They were never great at customer service when I had them before but they're getting hammered now with all the cancellation calls causing delays. Still, that doesn't explain how they take 30 minutes once you get chatting to them though...

Should have one of these delivered for the missus tomorrow. Scheduled her number to port today though as they didn't give any delivery info until it was too late.
If you order before 4pm Mon-Thur you should get next business day delivery, otherwise it's two business days in case anyone else is going through with it.

podgeandrodge

witnessmenow wrote: »

EDIT: This site claims it can unlock this phone
https://sim-unlock.net/sim-lock/3/Unlock_by_code_for_Alcatel_phones/

I have become a guinea pig and used above service for €5.99. No choice really as got the phone for a relative assuming I could unlock it. Otherwise they are moving to Three

Will post when I get a response, site confirms it can do it, but not optimistic.

ErinGoBrath

podgeandrodge wrote: »

I have become a guinea pig and used above service for €5.99. No choice really as got the phone for a relative assuming I could unlock it. Otherwise they are moving to Three

Will post when I get a response, site confirms it can do it, but not optimistic.

Mixed reviews online! Let us know how you get on, I'm in the same boat

ErinGoBrath

Looks like tethering is ok within acceptable use, they just won't support any issues with it.

Based on 3 reps replies in here:
http://www.boards.ie/ttfthread/2057550522/3

WarZoneBrother

ErinGoBrath wrote: »

Looks like tethering is ok within acceptable use, they just won't support any issues with it.

Based on 3 reps replies in here:
http://www.boards.ie/ttfthread/2057550522/3

Acceptable use must be very high because I used my hotspot on my HTC one m8 and downloaded about 50-100Gb off the hotspot...

CollinTheCrisp

Hey just checking to make sure here. I'm already with three and I don't want change my number, am I correct in assuming I'm not eligible for this deal?

podgeandrodge

CollinTheCrisp wrote: »

Hey just checking to make sure here. I'm already with three and I don't want change my number, am I correct in assuming I'm not eligible for this deal?

Get a Tesco sim and "move" that. You'll have a phone then that should accept your three sim. I think!

WarZoneBrother

podgeandrodge wrote: »

Get a Tesco sim and "move" that. You'll have a phone then that should accept your three sim. I think!

You will need to insert new sim into a phone to confirm number also... Meteor sim cards may be 2euro not sure if you have to buy credit...

Tesco sim seems to be 5euro or maybe I'm wrong... I Loving the style of the phone

witnessmenow

Yeah Tesco Sim is fiver, not sure if comes with any credit. My phone broke before I got a chance to check (wont charge enough to turn on, pretty good timing for the new phone!)

I'm really hoping it comes today!

WarZoneBrother

witnessmenow wrote: »

Yeah Tesco Sim is fiver, not sure if comes with any credit. My phone broke before I got a chance to check (wont charge enough to turn on, pretty good timing for the new phone!)

I'm really hoping it comes today!

You probably would have got an email about delivery if it was to arrive today...

witnessmenow

WarZoneBrother wrote: »

You probably would have got an email about delivery if it was to arrive today...

You scared me!
I checked my mail I had nothing from them, then I remembered I ordered using my non main email address (as I think 3 might already have my main).

Got a dispatch notice yesterday , nothing more since and the tracking doesn't seem to work

B00MSTICK

Whats the verdict on the battery life for those who have one?

I still haven't pulled the trigger - cheapo Chinese devices with their crazy good specs are calling to me too but I think this is a more sensible option.

TerrorFirmer

From using the phone, it's good. Nice sharp screen, excellent responsiveness, very snappy for normal use.

The VR - it's OK if you use Google Cardboard and apps from Google Play (I recommend Var's VR Player or Android Dreams as pretty good demo's of mobile VR) but Alcatel's own VR app and some of the default content is really sub-par and doesn't work very well at all.

Headset itself is pretty OK and good for watching movies on in particular. Battery life is, as expected, not very good, but the fast charge somewhat helps.