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Verdict
The Alcatel A7 is your typical mid-range Android smartphone; it offers a neat design, good screen, middle-of-the-road performance and a workmanlike camera.
It's not really lacking in any category, but predictably doesn't quite reach the lofty heights of a device which would cost you three or even four times as much.
The all-plastic design feels a little tacky in 2018, and the LCD screen doesn't pop like the OLED panels we're seeing on more and more handsets these days.
Performance wise, it's about on par with flagships from 2015, while the camera is reasonably straightforward and lacks special tricks like bokeh modes or dual-sensor shenanigans.
Despite its unremarkable nature, the A7 performs well enough, and the uncluttered UI will appeal to those who are put off by aggressive OEM skins.
Who's this for?
It may not turn heads, but the Alcatel A7 is the perfect device for casual smartphone users who don't want to have to sell a kidney or tie themselves into an expensive contract to get a decent handset.
As long as you don't demand too much of it, you're unlikely to be disappointed.
Should you buy it?
If you're shopping on a budget and don't like the look of other low-cost Android smartphones out there, then the Alcatel A7 is a worthy choice.
For £200 you're getting a lot of phone for your money; the A7 does everything to an acceptable standard without too many sacrifices, but if you're willing to invest a little more moolah then you might be better off looking at handsets like the OnePlus 5T, which offers flagship specs without hitting the insane price tags seen on the iPhone X and Galaxy S9.
If the Alcatel A7 hasn't quite taken your fancy, but its price tag is in your ball park, take a look at these alternatives.
Honor 9 Lite
The Honor 9 Lite has a lovely 18:9 display and more premium feel than the Alcatel A7, but its custom EMUI is a little overbearing and its camera has similar problems with low-light shooting.
- Read our Honor 9 Lite review
Sony Xperia L2
An excellent wide-angle selfie cam and large battery make the Xperia L2 a suitable alternative if you can put up with the average performance and 720p display, that is.
- Read our Sony Xperia L2 review
Moto G5
Coming in slightly cheaper than the Alcatel A7 is the Moto G5. It lacks NFC and isn't that powerful, but it does at least feel like a premium handset and boasts an excellent screen.
- Read our Moto G5 review
First reviewed: March 2017
