Alcatel will reportedly introduce as many as five new smartphones at MWC 2017, according to a new report which cites “reliable sources” for the information. The details on the five smartphones are largely non-existent, although it is being said that one of the smartphones will make use of a modular design. This will include swappable backs which when changed will add additional functionality. It is also being said that the smartphone will include a 13-megapixel rear camera along with a dual-tone LED flash. The only other suggested detail provided is that the modular smartphone will be powered by a MediaTek octa-core processor. It is currently unclear whether these will be the next-in-line Alcatel Idol smartphones (the timing would seem to suggest so) or whether they will be the latest additions to the new Alcatel A-series which was launched at CES 2017.
Interestingly, the report does suggest that this particular smartphone will cost at least 100,000 HUF in Hungary. Which roughly translates to a little under $350. At this price point, it does seem to be the case that this will certainly be a mid-range smartphone. Although, if it is mid-range and mid-priced smartphone and one that also offers modular functionality, then this could be an interesting proposition for those who are looking for a modular phone, at a more affordable price.
As mentioned, in terms of the other four handsets, there is virtually no information provided, other than the fact that there will be four more. In fact, the original report does seem to focus on ‘five models’, which could just as easily be interpreted as five different models of the same smartphone and not five different smartphones. Likewise, it is unclear as to how many of them will sport modular capabilities, as the reports simply makes the case that one of them certainly will. Therefore, there is every possibility that more than one of the five smartphones (or models of the same smartphone) will make use of a modular design. In either case, the two images below are said to be of the main rumored modular smartphone and are said to be showcasing one of the modular features that will be available. This particular backing is said to make use of LEDs to offer a ‘pulse’ effect when music is played. Much like you will find on various Bluetooth speakers that offer ‘party lighting’ features. The report does specifically namedrop the JBL Pulse line as an example, although there is no suggestion of whether this particular back will come from a known third-party audio company, like JBL.
