Looks like speculation that Alcatel's Idol 4S running Windows 10 Mobile going carrier-unlocked (GSM) after a T-Mobile exclusivity ended were true. As spotted on MSPU Microsoft has begun to make the rather powerful – and impressive – Windows 10 Mobile phone available for purchase in the US through their store.
Asking price is still the same $470, which includes the VR goggle package and 21MP rear camera.
Alcatel Idol 4S with Windows 10 Specs
| Category | Features |
|---|---|
| CPU | Snapdragon 820 | Quad Core CPU @2.15 GHz |
| Display | 5.5-inch FHD AMOLED Dragontrail 2.5D Glass |
| Memory | 64GB ROM 4GB RAM microSD |
| Camera | 21 MP rear camera 8 MP front-facing camera |
| Battery | 3,000 mAh Quick Charge 3.0 420Hrs Standby 15Hrs Talk |
| Continuum | Yes |
| VR | Yes |
| Windows Hello | Yes (Fingerprint) |
| Audio | Dual speakers with Hi-Fi surround sound |
| Dimensions | 153.9 x 75.4 x 6.99 mm |
| Weight | 152g |
| HD Voice | Yes |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Calling 1.0 |
| Bluetooth | BT 4.1 A2DP, OPP, HFP, AVRCP, PBAP |
The rest of the specifications and color ('Halo Gold') are all the same as well. In fact, it's likely the same device as our review unit, which was unlocked as well and worked brilliantly on AT&T with no issue.
Microsoft notes that the unlocked version should work on AT&T, T-Mobile, H20, Straight Talk, Cricket Wireless, MetroPCS, and select prepaid carriers.
Supporting Continuum, VR, and a handy fingerprint reader the Idol 4S is also one of the slimmest and nicest looking Windows phones we have seen.
In my full review of the Idol 4S, I had nothing but outstanding things to say about the hardware, design, execution, and price. While the Windows 10 Mobile ecosystem and app situation are well known and the Idol 4s's camera pales to a high-end Lumia, it is still the best option for the Microsoft fan who see little value in going to iOS and Android.
It's unclear if the Idol 4S will go on sale internationally, but we'll keep an eye out for any signs of more general availability. Let us know in comments if you plan to get one or jump into our IDOL 4S forums for more discussion!
