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Time of India
14-07-2025
- Time of India
Alcatel V3 Ultra review: A ‘Note'-worthy comeback
Rating -- 3.5/5 Alcatel is returning to the Indian smartphone market, and it's doing so with an offering in the budget segment. While the Indian smartphone space is crowded with brands focusing on performance and cameras, Alcatel is taking a different approach. With a dual-mode matte display that can switch between colour and black-and-white (much like an e-reader), and a bundled stylus at no extra cost, the Alcatel V3 Ultra aims to carve out a niche of its own. The smartphone carries a price tag of Rs 19,999 (onwards). Is the V3 Ultra just another smartphone fighting for attention, or does it manage to make a place for itself? Let's find out. Design and display by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Book Your Daily Profit By 11 AM With This Superclass By Mr. Bala TradeWise Learn More Undo Alcatel V3 Ultra doesn't try too hard to look different, yet it manages to stand out. With flat 2.5D edges and a weight of around 196 grams, the phone feels sturdy but not bulky. We received the Hyper Blue variant for review, and it's quite eye-catching—thanks to its mix of matte and glossy finishes on the back and a subtle starry shimmer that catches the light. The circular camera module adds a bit of flair without going overboard (though we have this camera module design on multiple smartphones). On the right edge are the volume up and down buttons. Below them is the power button which doubles as a fingerprint sensor, followed by Nxtpaper shortcut slider (we'll discuss its functionality shortly). On the top-left edge is the SIM card tray. At the bottom are the USB Type-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, mic and speakers. There's also a stylus tucked neatly into the case which, notably, is included in the box. It can be used for doodling, note-taking, or simply navigating the screen. It's passive—no Bluetooth or battery—but works well enough for casual use. But the real star here is the display. Alcatel V3 Ultra features a 6.78-inch Nxtpaper panel that brings something truly unique to the table—a dual-mode screen. With a simple flick of the Nxtpaper slider on the side, the display transforms from a vibrant colour mode into a matte black-and-white interface, similar to what you'd see on a Kindle or other e-reader. This isn't just a gimmick—it's genuinely useful if you like to read on your phone. The matte finish makes the screen easier on the eyes, especially for long reading sessions. It also cuts down glare and resists fingerprints far better than regular glossy panels. If you're someone who reads a lot on your phone, or just wants a distraction-free mode for writing or browsing, this feature might become your new favourite. The 1080 x 2460 resolution ensures decent sharpness, and the 120Hz refresh rate helps make scrolling feel smooth, whether you're in colour or monochrome mode. While colours in standard mode are not the most vibrant (partly due to the matte coating), the trade-off is worth it for the versatility and eye comfort. Overall, this is one of the few phones in the sub-Rs 20,000 category that dares to do something different with its display—and pulls it off quite well. Performance Alcatel V3 Ultra is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, paired with Android 14 layered with Alcatel's custom UI. On paper, this is a mid-tier chipset that's designed more for efficiency than raw power—and that shows in everyday use. In daily tasks like texting, calling, browsing social media, or watching YouTube, the phone performs well. App switching is mostly smooth, and scrolling feels fluid thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. Even casual games like Subway Surfers run just fine. The user interface is clean and relatively light, which helps keep things moving without unnecessary bloat. Alcatel V3 Ultra Unboxing & Hands-on | Dual Display Mode, Sleek Design & More! However, the phone does struggle under pressure. Try multitasking with several heavy apps or playing graphically demanding games and you'll notice occasional stutters or frame drops. It's not unusable, but it's clear that this device isn't made for power users or gamers. During our testing, the phone also got noticeably warm while charging or using GPS outdoors. That said, we didn't face any major overheating or performance throttling. If your usage revolves around basic day-to-day activities with the occasional burst of creativity or entertainment, the V3 Ultra holds its own. But if you're expecting flagship-level speed or heavy gaming performance, you'll probably need to look elsewhere. Camera On paper, Alcatel V3 Ultra boasts a 108MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide, and a 2MP macro lens. At the front, there is a 32MP camera for selfies. While the specs sound impressive, real-world results are fairly average. Photos taken in daylight are passable but often lack sharp details and tend to soften skin tones. Low-light and indoor shots struggle with clarity, and the front camera delivers grainy selfies even under good lighting. The macro lens, like on most phones in this segment, is mostly forgettable. Simply put, the V3 Ultra's cameras are fine for casual shots and social media, but if photography is a priority, this phone won't blow you away. Battery life The smartphone houses a 5,010mAh battery, which sounds promising on paper. In everyday use, it mostly delivers. During our testing, we found that the phone comfortably lasts a full day with moderate use - social media, messaging, some video streaming, and occasional camera use. In our experience, the phone gave around 10 to 12 hours of screen time, depending on how often we used the colour vs black-and-white display modes. The monochrome mode, in particular, helps stretch the battery life significantly, especially during reading or long browsing sessions. The box comes with a 33watt charger which takes about an hour and some minutes to go from 0% to 100%. Verdict At Rs 19,999, Alcatel V3 Ultra dares to be different in a segment crowded with lookalikes. Its dual-mode matte display is genuinely refreshing, the bundled stylus adds value, and the clean UI makes day-to-day use pleasant. However, with average cameras and a processor that's not meant for heavy lifting, it won't suit those chasing top-tier performance. If you're someone who values eye comfort, reads a lot, or simply wants a phone that doesn't follow the crowd—this one might just earn a place in your pocket. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
The Hindu
25-06-2025
- The Hindu
Alcatel V3 Ultra Review: For design-savvy and reader-first audience
The Indian smartphone market has been witnessing a shift in its mass segment. The 20K segment is brimming with feature-packed budget phones from competitive brands like Motorola, Oppo, Redmi, etc. It will be interesting to see if the French consumer electronic brand Alcatel is able to make a place for itself after its re-entry in the market via licensing route with NxtCell. Featuring in this review is the V3 Ultra from the V3 series. A budget smartphone with a cool display, a design that breaks the monotony and a smooth stylus, let's find out if these features make this smartphone an attractive pick for consumers. Design The Alcatel V3 Ultra embraces a candybar form with a flat 2.5D glass design and measures just under 8mm in thickness. At 196g, it manages to stay fairly comfortable to hold even during long usage. The Hyper Blue variant I tested has a unique appeal — glossy meets matte in a surprisingly elegant way. While some may find it a bit flashy, it does break the monotony of matte-only finishes seen in many other budget devices. What really adds a design twist here is the side button layout. The power button sits neatly alongside the right edge, accompanied by a volume rocker and the Nxtpaper shortcut slider — a feature not commonly found in phones, doubles up as a fingerprint sensor. On the left is the SIM + microSD card tray, and support for eSIM brings rare flexibility in this price bracket. A USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and dual speakers with DTS 3D Surround finish off the bottom edge. Stylus Bundled in the box is a smooth, responsive stylus — a feature we typically don't expect under ₹20K. Whether it's doodling, signing PDFs, or simply navigating the UI, the stylus experience is genuinely useful. It docks into the back of the protective case, making it easy to carry. (For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today's Cache) Compared to the Motorola Edge 60 Stylus variant, which offers slightly better latency and stylus-based features, the V3 Ultra stylus still holds its ground for regular use. It's a thoughtful addition that boosts the phone's creative appeal. Display Alcatel V3 Ultra's 6.78-inch FHD+ Nxtpaper display (1080 x 2460 pixels) is its biggest USP. Built with anti-glare AG etched glass and IPS paneling, the screen looks and feels like paper. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate and is surprisingly sharp and smooth despite its matte texture — a first in this category. Alcatel offers four display modes, each tailored for different use-cases: Regular, Max Ink (for deep reading sessions), Ink Paper (an E-ink-like grayscale interface), and Colour Paper (for reduced glare with soft colour tones). The intuitive slider on the side lets you toggle between modes quickly, making it ideal for readers and long-screen users. Compared to the shiny glass slabs flooding the market, this panel feels comfortable, distinctive, and thoughtful. But not all is perfect. Brightness levels under direct sunlight are just average, and certain users might find the muted icon contrast a bit jarring, especially coming from AMOLED screens. Still, for eye comfort, this display is a winner. OS Alcatel ships the V3 Ultra with Android 14 out of the box — a clean, near-stock Android experience with no bloatware in sight. While this minimal approach helps keep things fluid, Android 16 is already out, and Alcatel hasn't yet offered clarity on long-term software updates. That's a red flag for those hoping for a future-proof buy. Performance The V3 Ultra is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset paired with up to 8 GB RAM (plus 8GB virtual RAM expansion) and 128 GB storage. While this processor is quite dated in 2025, it still performs fine for daily tasks — browsing, YouTube, emails, and even some light multitasking felt lag-free. The UI is fluid, thanks to the clean software, and there's no excessive animation to slow things down. On Geekbench, the phone returned a Single-Core Score of 702 and a Multi-Core Score of 1914, which makes it look average. The GPU score of 1400, though not stellar, handles casual gaming like Subway Surfers or COD Mobile (on medium settings) without serious frame drops. That said, this isn't a phone for gamers or power users. It does get slightly warm with extended use, and intensive apps like Lightroom or Farlight 84 are best avoided unless you're okay with some lag. Camera Despite the big 108 MP + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro rear camera setup and a 32 MP selfie camera on paper, the V3 Ultra's camera output is underwhelming. Daylight shots are soft, oversaturated, and lack dynamic range. HDR tries to fix this but ends up blowing highlights more often than not. Low-light photography struggles as well — Super Night Scene mode adds noise rather than detail. The 8MP ultrawide sensor is usable but suffers from edge distortion. The macro lens is more of a checkbox addition than a functional tool. Even the 32 MP selfie camera, which could've redeemed the setup, delivers soft, filtered results. In fact, one rarely feels inclined to open the camera app, which is disappointing at this price point when brands like Samsung, iQOO and Realme are pushing much better imaging systems. Battery The phone comes packed with a 5,010 mAh battery. Light to moderate users will easily get through a day and a half without charging, and heavy users can still expect a full day of screen time. However, the 33 W charger, though faster than older 18 W standards, takes around 80–90 minutes for a full charge — slightly behind some Realme and Redmi phones that offer 44 W or even 67 W fast charging in this price segment. Verdict Alcatel V3 Ultra is a bold offering targeting the design-savvy and reader-first audience. With its matte Nxtpaper display, practical stylus, and a clean UI, it brings some genuinely unique elements to the mid-range segment. But in a market flooded with all-rounders that offer superior performance, better cameras, and faster charging at similar prices, the V3 Ultra feels like a niche pick. It's ideal for someone who wants to reduce screen glare, focus on reading, and enjoy the luxury of a stylus — not for someone expecting flagship-grade performance. So, can Alcatel reclaim its spot in India's hyper-competitive mid and budget space? Maybe not just yet — but it's certainly made us look its way again. Alcatel V3 Ultra starts at ₹19,999.
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First Post
10-06-2025
- First Post
Alcatel returns with the launch of V3 series of smartphones in India: Key features, price, availability
Popular French brand Alcatel re-entered the phones segment in India with the launch of the V3 Series. The lineup includes three smartphones: V3 Ultra, V3 Pro and V3 Classic, to cater to different budgets and use cases. The USP of this series is the patented NXTPaper Display technology (powered by TCL) that claims to reduce eye strain and provides various viewing modes on the fly. This technology offers a 4-in-1 display mode that can combine vibrant colour reproduction with paper-like readability and eye comfort across all lighting conditions. Designed to adapt to diverse user needs, the display features four viewing modes - Regular mode, Ink Paper mode, Colour Paper mode and Max Ink mode, which can be toggled on the fly with just a click for a personalised viewing experience whether you are reading or watching videos. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In addition to the display, each of the phones in this series are NFC enabled, which let you tap and pay with the phone using your preferred and permissible payment methods. You also get eSIM functionality on the V3 Ultra. Both these features are typically available in more expensive phones and it's good to see them in this price band. Let's take a quick look at what the new phones bring to the table. More from Tech What if chatbots do the diplomacy? ChatGPT just won a battle for world domination through lies, deception A quick look at the key features of the Alcatel V3 Ultra smartphone Alcatel V3 Ultra As you may have guessed, the V3 Ultra is the flagship model of this series. And continuing on features generally limited to premium smartphones, this one offers stylus compatibility. The company also bundles one along for taking notes, sketching and on-the-go productivity. The phone features the aforementioned 6.8-inch Full HD+ 120 Hz patented NXTPaper display with dynamic light adaptation for optimal brightness and colour temperature. The company bundles a stylus and a case with the V3 Ultra We got our hands on the phones for a few minutes and the display implementation does look interesting. The lighting at the venue wasn't optimal to test the dynamic adaptation part but switching display modes was easy. The standard mode does look vibrant and colours pop nicely. We will reserve our opinion on the colour accuracy once we have the phone for review. As for the other three modes, they turn the display into something that resembles an ink paper display, or simply put, something like an ebook reader display (think Kindle). In the short span of time, it was hard to pinpoint the subtle differences between the three modes. The V3 Ultra has a lively Full HD display with 120 Hz refresh rate Moving on, all three V3 series phones are powered by a Mediatek Dimensity 6300 SoC. The V3 Ultra gets either 6 GB or 8 GB RAM options along with 128 GB internal storage. There is no 256 GB variant of the phone available yet; probably an oversight by the company that may be corrected in the near future. However, all V3 series phones support expandable memory up to 2 TB using a microSD card. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Alcatel V3 Ultra gets a triple-camera system at the back comprising a 108MP main sensor, 8MP ultra-wide shooter and a 2MP macro camera. It boasts of features like horizon lock and ultra-steady video capture. A 32MP front camera with built-in filters should excite the selfie enthusiasts. The Alcatel V3 Ultra has triple cameras at the back headlined by a 108MP unit Keeping the phone powered is a 5020 mAh battery, and the company bundles a 33W fast charger to juice it up briskly. The phone runs Android 14 currently, with Android 15 update expected shortly. The company has also committed to 3 years of Android updates for this device. The Alcatel V3 Ultra is priced at Rs 19,999 and available in Hyper Blue, Champagne Gold and Ocean Grey colour options. Alcatel V3 Pro and V3 Classic Both these phones are also powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chip and are graced with the NXTPaper display, however, with a lower HD+ resolution. The 120 Hz refresh rate has been retained. Interestingly, the Alcatel V3 Pro does have an 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage variant which its flagship sibling lacks. The V3 Classic gets 128 GB storage with 4 GB and 6 GB RAM options. These phones also have a larger 5200 mAh battery but come with a slower 18W charger in the box. Just like the Ultra, these two run bloat-free Android 14 with 3 more Android updates promised. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The patented NXTPaper display is a very interesting addition to the V3 series phones Both phones have 50MP primary cameras, and while the Pro gets a 5MP ultra-wide camera, the Classic has a depth sensor to aid the primary shooter. You get 8MP front cameras on both devices. Both these phones are NFC enabled, which is great at this price point, especially for the Classic, but they lack eSIM support. The Alcatel V3 Pro is priced at Rs 17,999 and is available in Matcha Green and Metallic Grey colour options. The Alcatel V3 Classic comes in Halo White and Cosmic Grey starting at Rs 12,999. All three 5G-ready Alcatel phones are now available via Flipkart with special launch offers during the initial sale period. The company plans to enter the tablets segment in India shortly where the NXTPaper Display tech can be put to even better use. Stay tuned for more details.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Alcatel re-enters India, bets big on high-growth sub-₹30,000 segment
French brand Alcatel has re-entered the Indian smartphone market through a partnership with Nxtcell India , aiming at the high-growth Rs 12,000 – Rs 30,000 price segment. To stand out in the crowded mid-range market, the company is betting on its proprietary NxtPaper display technology , designed to offer a paper-like visual experience and reduce eye strain—positioning it as ideal for reading and long screen time. Alcatel recently launched three 5G smartphones : the V3 Classic 5G starting at ₹12,999, V3 Pro at ₹17,999, and the top-end V3 Ultra at ₹19,999. The V3 Ultra also includes a stylus and features the NxtPaper display, reinforcing its appeal for users who want to turn their smartphones into a more comfortable reading and productivity device. 'We want to make Alcatel as one of the first brands from India to go global. To start with, we will serve nearby markets and then later on, we will go to select international markets as well,' NxtCell India Chief Business Officer Atul Vivek told ETTelecom. Padget Electronics , a subsidiary of Dixon Technologies , will manufacture the devices. NxtCell holds brand authorisation for Alcatel in the Indian market. When asked about shipment targets, he mentioned it's difficult to precisely quantify shipment volumes. "However, we have already established a manufacturing capacity of 2 million units, which is scalable up to 3 to 4 million, depending on the market response and demand. From a capacity and investment standpoint, we're well-prepared and fully geared for a successful launch," Vivek said. He said India remains one of the world's largest and most dynamic smartphone markets, with a massive base of users ready to upgrade from older devices. 'There's a strong appetite for fresh designs, new innovations, better cleaner software experiences where many current players fall short. We see that as a clear opportunity.' "We are not just launching phones, we are building a brand that respects local preferences, partners with local ecosystems and delivers lasting value to Indian consumers," he said. Elaborating on the NxtPaper technology, he said, it's a four-in-one hardware-based display solution, not just software-driven. The screen can switch to an e-ink-like mode, significantly reducing blue light exposure, which is much easier on the eyes. This is where we saw a clear market gap and chose to differentiate ourselves with this innovative, patented technology. NxtCell has partnered with TCL, one of the global leaders in display technology, and signed a technology transfer pact for Alcatel smartphones . 'We are here in India for the long haul. We have already established a local manufacturing setup and are in the process of building robust distribution networks across the country. Our clear vision is to become one of the top three smartphone players in India within the next three years and everything we are doing is aligned toward achieving that goal,' Vivek adds. 'Our goal is to give existing users a compelling reason to upgrade their current devices and to appeal to young, first-time buyers looking for an international design experience combined with patented, cutting-edge technology. Alcatel is poised to be a viable and aspirational choice for both. And we believe Alcatel will offer a refreshing alternative in the market,' he said.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Alcatel re-enters India, bets big on high-growth sub-₹30,000 segment
French brand Alcatel has re-entered the Indian smartphone market through a partnership with Nxtcell India , aiming at the high-growth Rs 12,000 – Rs 30,000 price segment. To stand out in the crowded mid-range market, the company is betting on its proprietary NxtPaper display technology , designed to offer a paper-like visual experience and reduce eye strain—positioning it as ideal for reading and long screen time. Alcatel recently launched three 5G smartphones : the V3 Classic 5G starting at ₹12,999, V3 Pro at ₹17,999, and the top-end V3 Ultra at ₹19,999. The V3 Ultra also includes a stylus and features the NxtPaper display, reinforcing its appeal for users who want to turn their smartphones into a more comfortable reading and productivity device. 'We want to make Alcatel as one of the first brands from India to go global. To start with, we will serve nearby markets and then later on, we will go to select international markets as well,' NxtCell India Chief Business Officer Atul Vivek told ETTelecom. Padget Electronics , a subsidiary of Dixon Technologies , will manufacture the devices. NxtCell holds brand authorisation for Alcatel in the Indian market. When asked about shipment targets, he mentioned it's difficult to precisely quantify shipment volumes. "However, we have already established a manufacturing capacity of 2 million units, which is scalable up to 3 to 4 million, depending on the market response and demand. From a capacity and investment standpoint, we're well-prepared and fully geared for a successful launch," Vivek said. He said India remains one of the world's largest and most dynamic smartphone markets, with a massive base of users ready to upgrade from older devices. 'There's a strong appetite for fresh designs, new innovations, better cleaner software experiences where many current players fall short. We see that as a clear opportunity.' "We are not just launching phones, we are building a brand that respects local preferences, partners with local ecosystems and delivers lasting value to Indian consumers," he said. Elaborating on the NxtPaper technology, he said, it's a four-in-one hardware-based display solution, not just software-driven. The screen can switch to an e-ink-like mode, significantly reducing blue light exposure, which is much easier on the eyes. This is where we saw a clear market gap and chose to differentiate ourselves with this innovative, patented technology. NxtCell has partnered with TCL, one of the global leaders in display technology, and signed a technology transfer pact for Alcatel smartphones . 'We are here in India for the long haul. We have already established a local manufacturing setup and are in the process of building robust distribution networks across the country. Our clear vision is to become one of the top three smartphone players in India within the next three years and everything we are doing is aligned toward achieving that goal,' Vivek adds. 'Our goal is to give existing users a compelling reason to upgrade their current devices and to appeal to young, first-time buyers looking for an international design experience combined with patented, cutting-edge technology. Alcatel is poised to be a viable and aspirational choice for both. And we believe Alcatel will offer a refreshing alternative in the market,' he said.
