Over the last couple of weeks, almost all Lumia handsets sold out on the US Microsoft Store, which even led Microsoft to remove the listings for the Lumia 650 and 735 last week. But while the Lumia brand is obviously on the way out, third-party manufacturers are expected to take a front seat on the company’s Windows Phone shop this year. So, while the $799 HP Elite x3 may be a bit too expensive for die-hard Windows Phone fans as of today, we’re happy to report that the unlocked version of the Alcatel Idol 4S is now available to purchase on the US Microsoft Store.
Back in November, this premium Windows 10 Mobile handset launched as a T-Mobile exclusive in the US, with the $469 package including a VR headset to use with a selection of built-in apps (a first for a Windows phone). The US Microsoft Store currently sells the premium handset for $470 (VR goggle package included) and you can find the full list of specs below:
- Snapdragon 820 Processor
- 5.5-inch FHD AMOLED Display with 180-degree angle viewing
- 4GB of RAM
- 64GB of storage with support for Micro SD Expansion
- 21 MP Rear facing camera and 8 MP front facing camera
- Dedicated camera button
- GSM network: 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS 2/4/5, LTE2/4/12
- 3,000 mAh battery with support for Quick Charge 2.0
- Support for Continuum
- Support for VR
- Support for Windows Hello via Fingerprint sensor
- Dual Speakers with Hi-fi surround sound.
According to the Store listing, this unlocked GSM version is compatible with US carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, H20, Straight Talk, Cricket Wireless, MetroPCS and select prepaid carriers. Overall, the Alcatel Idol 4S seems to be an affordable high-end Windows Phone with solid specs, though it’s worth noting that its Full HD AMOLED display is not as good as the QHD screens found on the Lumia 950XL or the HP Elite x3. Sound off in the comments if you think this handset could be a good purchase for Windows Phone fans this year.
