Smart products are a great way to enhance your life. With apps, accessories and Bluetooth technology your smartphone can become more than just a device to text with or post your vacation photos to Facebook.
There are so many phones and accessories to choose from though, and many are very expensive. Today I want to tell you about a smartphone and smart watch that have awesome features but won’t put you in the poorhouse to buy them. Even better the smartphone is unlocked meaning that you can use it with any GSM SIM Card provider you like. This is especially great for those who don’t want to enter into a contract with a specific carrier. It’s great when you can #LiveUnlocked.
I’ve been through numerous Android phones in the last couple of years ranging from high end flagship devices to basic no frills smartphones. There are features on all of them that I’ve liked, but I admit that the ones that have the higher end cameras and features appeal to me most. Well everything except the price tag of them!
When I was sent the ALCATEL ONETOUCH Idol 3 for review I was so excited to get my SIM card inserted and set it up for use. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and am very happy with this phone that gives the flagship ones a run for their money.
The ALCATEL ONETOUCH Idol 3 boasts a price tag of just $249.99 and a 1080 x 1920 display on a 5.5″ screen (it also comes in a 4.7″ screen if you prefer a smaller one). 2 GB of RAM and 16GB of storage (with expandability when adding SD card storage) put it on par to many of the big name smartphone sellers. Add to that a 13 MP rear facing camera and a 8MP front facing camera PLUS Dual Front Facing JBL Speakers. It’s already loaded with Android Lollipop, supports 4G LTE bands and has Adaptive Orientation, which means I you pick the phone up upside down, well you won’t even know it, because the screen will adapt to whichever way you are holding the phone. Put all of those features you have yourself an incredible smartphone for an incredible price.
The default music app is called Mix App, and uses integrated DJ tools to go beyond the normal music experience. It’s truly unique and allows you to create your own mixes and sound effects, beats, party sounds or ‘scratch’ using the turntables! There is even an equalizer so you can balance each track. It’s a lot of fun to play with.
I had a few issues with the reception of the phone when I first received it, mileage may vary with this one depending on what carrier you are with and your proximity to towers. A talk with my carrier and some changes to my APN and the phone was in good working order after that. Don’t be overly concerned if your Idol 3 phone shows different bar levels than other phones you may have used, each phone measures them differently which I found out after thinking my signal was dropping because the Idol 3 was showing less bars than a Samsung S4 in the same room. Interestingly enough we were both getting the same strength, it was just being reflected differently on the bar icon.
That being said after that small hiccup was fixed, I’ve been enjoying this phone a lot. It’s a snappy phone that is incredibly slim and looks wise can hold its own with the big boys, namely Apple and Samsung.
Having used the phone for a significant amount of time now, I can say that the JBL Dual Front Speakers are impressive. For a budget priced smartphone they pack a punch and provide exceptional sound quality. Likewise the included JBL earbuds are of high quality and will let your music listening and video viewing be done with fantastic sound.
At 13 MP the rear facing camera takes good photos when paired with sufficient light. Here’s a photo taken with the camera phone in a store with fluorescent lighting. It’s a pretty decent photo with the whites white, and the colors bright.
With lower light levels the camera is a bit lackluster but you can only ask for so much with a $250 unlocked phone – it’s worth the compromise in that area. Selfies though will take on a new quality with the 8 MP front facing camera, something that isn’t even standard on flagship phones.
Pretty good for a selfie isn’t it?! The included camera app has some great features including support for HDR and Panoramic photos as well as time laps for video photography.
Yep, it’s one superb phone for the price!
When you pair up the ALCATEL ONETOUCH Watch ($149.99) with the Idol 3 smartphone, you have yourself a dynamic duo.
I’ve been primarily using it as an activity tracker (although that’s not the only thing it does). Not only can I track my movement and exercise with this watch and the accompanying smartphone app ONETOUCH Move (available for both Android and iOS), but I can also monitor my heart rate.
You can also track your sleep cycles, get alerts of text messages, phone alerts, view the weather, take photos with a tethered phone camera, and yes even check the time (lol!) on the ALCATEL ONETOUCH Watch. Some features require that your phone via the app and the watch are connected via Bluetooth.
The sporty looking watch allows you to personalize the watch face as well as the background of it.
It comes in two colors (red/black and white) and two sizes (small/medium, medium/large). The watch on the battery lasts a long time but when it needs more power it is recharged through a USB feature on the end of the watch band that you can plug into any compatible USB port.
For budget conscious people that want the latest technology the ALCATEL ONETOUCH Idol 3 and Watch are a great buy. They really allow you to take advantage and #LiveUnlocked to use the smart technology and enhance your life.
BUY:
ALCATEL ONETOUCH Idol 3 and Watch are available at AlcatelOneTouch.us priced starting at $249.99 for the phone and $149.99 for the watch.
Connect with ALCATEL ONETOUCH on: * Instagram * Twitter * Vine * Pinterest * Youtube * Facebook * Google+
The Giveaway:
ALCATEL ONETOUCH wants one of EightyMPHMom’s readers the chance to #LiveUnlocked too! So they’re giving away an ALCATEL ONETOUCH Idol 3 Smartphone and ALCATEL ONETOUCH Watch (value of $399.98) to one lucky reader! Giveaway open to US addresses only. Ends 9/14/15. Prizing and samples provided by ALCATEL ONETOUCH.
*No purchase necessary. Open to residents of US only. Giveaway ends September 15, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. (PST). ONE ENTRANT PER HOUSEHOLD/IP Address! I check all entries – cheating will not be tolerated. Winner will be notified via email and needs to reply within 48 hours, or a new winner will be chosen. Please make sure you check your spam folder – I will not be responsible if you did not receive winning email notification. Winners name(s) will be displayed on the post, and will also be posted on Winners List shortly after drawing has occurred. Winners will be chosen randomly by Giveaway Tools. screenshots of winners available by request. Prize will be shipped directly from sponsor or their PR Agency unless otherwise noted. Eighty MPH Mom is not responsible for prizes lost in transit, although every attempt will be made for prize delivery.
**By entering this giveaway, you confirm that you have read and agree to my giveaway rules. Sponsor reserves the right to limit one prize per person/household (of this item/prize pack). Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of prize {though it is usually much sooner}. This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. Odds of winning: The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. All prizes will be awarded. Void where prohibited by law.
150 Responses
To love unlocked would be to live without strict rules and restrictions and ridiculous fees. That’s the dream life!
To live unlocked means there are no restrictions.
not having a contract
My oldest girls want a phone and thinking about it so being able to use whatever carrier I want is a plus and will help us out.
It means to have a no contract wireless plan
To #LiveUnlocked means a lot to me! It means not being tied into a contract that you can’t get out of. It also means to LIVE free – to have and enjoy all the freedoms we are so lucky to have!
It means I can take my phone and use it with any carrier.
To #LiveUnlocked. means to be free of contracts, of locked in plans, of commitments.
Living #LiveUnlocked means having choice of providers to suit my family needs, or being able to make changes to the service when I want or need to.
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To me #LiveUnlocked means not being tied down and living freely.
I would love to have that feeling of being not tied down and and be able to still be in the loop
To live unlocked means there are no restrictions and not being tied down to a cell phone plan!
No 2 year contract, no early termination fees. FREEDOM!!!
Unlocked = Peace of Mind <3
Living unlocked means no contract, no dumb rules!
To me #liveunlocked means to have freedom of choice!!!
#LivingUnlocked is no contract so no constant worry!
Living unlocked means that I don’t have to worry about spending money on contracts, and that’s money I can save.
it means not having a contract.
To live unlocked to me means to be free!
To me, it would mean to be able to go where I want, and still stay in touch with friends and family members.
It means to live without limitations and be able to keep in touch how you want.
To live free
The availability to choose freely.
I always want to be free to be present in the moment!
Free. Free from burden, responsibility, and fear.
It means to live free & have no contract.
No contracts is living unlocked
To live unlocked means there are no restrictions on minutes or data..
It means I can take my phone to other carriers!
No contract wireless plan.
It Means To Have Freedom!
It means be free, be advanced, be smart!
To live unlocked means freedom with your plan and not be forced to stay with a plan you do not like!
It means no contract!!
To #LiveUnlocked means to live contract free
I still use a basic flip cell phone. This would be a super up grade for me. I especially like being contract free.
Being free to pick whatever phone you want at any time!
I don’t have a cell phone yet – I’m afraid of getting stuck with an expensive plan I don’t like. Living unlocked would free me to, as my friends say, join this century!
To have freedom to persue my passions.
I can do what I want.
This might just be the greatest giveaway I have ever seen. The phone, the watch..so cool
Tell us in the comments what it means to you to #LiveUnlocked.
i would say freddom..we use to be free in america
To me, living #LiveUnlocked means that I’m not living with a phone contract.
Possible freedom from a cell phone.
#LiveUnlocked to me is no barriers, no impediments. Give me service where I need it on any device
To me it means to live free of unnecessary restrictions!
#LiveUnlocked means to be able to choose what carrier and plan is best for me and not be locked into something because of the phone I want. These look like good phones for a better price than most.
To me it means to have no restrictions. Thank you!
To #LiveUnlocked mean to have some control over my monthly cell phone bill. I like to bring my own device instead of financing to keep the bill low.
#LiveUnlocked means I want it all baby!
To live #liveunlocked means having more freedom and control of ones destiny
Living debt free would be to #liveunlocked to me!!! Maybe one day I will be! 🙂
I like to #liveunlocked by going by my own schedule and enjoy my life.
To live unlocked is freedom to choose what you want and not to be restricted.
To #LiveUnlocked is having freedom.
unlocked means no bossy carriers, no rules. Freedom from the power play out there!
Unlocked means not being tied to a service contract.
Freedom to go anywhere and stay in touch
TO BE FREE
To #LiveUnlocked. means to be free of contracts.
No rules. No waiting. Anytime and anywhere.
Living unlocked means not restricted by money or obligations
To live unlocked would be a dream no restrictions, no contracts, and no added fees.
To #LiveUnlocked means not being tied to any carrier and have freedom.
#LiveUnlocked means no contract.
#liveunlocked would mean that I have more money to spend on other things!
No boundries or restrictions equal living unlocked to me.
To me #LiveUnlocked means you have other options, and don’t have to be stuck with something you that doesn’t best fit your needs.
I like the idea of not having a contract. It makes me feel more in control of my purchasing power.
its means to me hat im not locked down or bound to anything which is awesome
like
I think I like the phone a lot more than the watch.
To live unlocked to me means no contracts or being locked into mandatory fees.
To live unlocked means to live life without restrictions.
To me, #LiveUnlocked means to travel around the world without having to worry about money.
It means that I won’t be stuck with one carrier.
The freedom of having no contract but still getting a great deal on data and text
to live unlocked is to be free of negative thought patterns and live in the now
To live unlocked means to live with freedom of choice.
To live unlocked to me means being free to do what you want when you want.
To #LiveUnlocked to me is to be free of contracts that I seem to get trapped in forever and paying a huge phone bill!
no contracts
It means to live free like a bird and travel around.
It means freedom and savings especially abroad!
#LiveUnlocked for me is having freedom with no pressure or stress
for me #LiveUnlocked means having the freedom to do what I want when I want where I want.
To #LiveUnlocked means that I can contact friends and family whenever I want to.
It means my cell phone provider isn’t the boss of me!
it means endless possibilities. things change and you need to adapt.
#LiveUnlocked is how I try to spend my every day, FREE!! 🙂
No holds barred, baby!
Living unlocked means shopping for cheap BYOD prices! Look at GIV mobile or H2O plans and look at what you are paying now, then you are going to want to live unlocked.
#LiveUnlocked to me means no strings attached.
Not locked into a contract and easier to shop best value
To #LiveUnlocked is pure FREEDOM!
To #Liveunlocked is to not be tied down and to be free.
To live unlocked means that you do not have to be locked into a contract and that you can use your phone on any carrier.
Live your life by your own standards and don’t let anything get in your way.
#LiveUnlocked means no contract no restrictions
To live life unlocked mean no restrictions, limitations or contracts. You have the freedom to choose for yourself.
To live unlocked would mean living life freely!
It means to have a no contract plan.
what it means to me to #liveunlocked is never being sorry to find a better rate on my plan. being able to find what works best for me
it means not being tied down to anything, being free of obligations
It means freedom
It means freedom.
It means to be free of contracts.
To live unlocked means to be free from the hassles of a contract!
It means being able to make changes when you need to without worrying about extra charges.
Being as flexable as my life demands
To #LiveUnlocked means to throw away the schedule and have some stress free time with your family and friends.
To #LiveUnlocked would be amazing no contracts
love contract free
Living unlocked means the freedom to be who you are!
It means that I can use my phone anytime
It means I have the choice to change my mind!
I love that there is no contract.
For me it means trying new thing like being 16 rather than 60
To live unlocked means to me, living life with technology and making your life better
To #Liveunlocked means no pressure to be under a contract for 2 years.
Thanks so much!
Have not won anything in years but will keep trying.
love the contract free
To #LiveUnlocked means not worrying about what others think or expect.
don’t have to have a contract
More expensive phones
For me #LiveUnlocked means having access to what I need when I need it
To live unlocked means freedom and less stess. Contracts make me fill trapped.
To live unlocked means there are no contracts.
to live unlocked is ti live free.
being an american 😉
It means I have freedom to choose.
#unlocked means freedom to me. Im able to be free and choose the way i want. Theres no strict rules for this.
Being unlocked means I have choices, not being bound to one plan. I love the option to use my phone as I wish.
stay connected 24/7
living unlocked would mean no contracts of restrictions.
To me, #LiveUnlocked means having the freedom to choose your carrier on your terms at the best price.
Yahhh No carrier restrictions. I love this feature
To live freely and enjoy life!
I love not having a contract!
Freedom is what it means to you to #LiveUnlocked.
To live unlocked means to be free
Being able to go anywhere.
I don’t have a phone and I would love to win this, I would love to be able to use a phone away from home
Cool, stylish and unlocked. Count me in, please. Thanks!
I guess it means to have no contract.
It means to live without being forced to stay with something longer than you need to. It means freedom.
It means freedom from a contract for me!
To live unlocked means not being tied down with a contract!
For me #LiveUnlocked means no contracts to read or adhere to. I can go with whatever carrier I want, whenever!