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Google Nexus 5
It's more than a year old now, but for £300 the Nexus 5 still looks a better buy than the Alcatel OneTouch Idol Alpha, if you can get hold of one.
It has a slightly bigger, full 1080p resolution display, a much faster processor, double the RAM, supports LTE, and boasts the very latest version of Android.
The only thing, beyond the design, that the Idol Alpha has to tempt you is the 13MP camera, compared to the 8MP camera on the Nexus 5.
Alcatel's interface does not really add any value over stock Android and you could snag all of the preinstalled apps for free in the Play Store. In every other measurable way the Nexus 5 is better.
- Read the full Nexus 5 review
OnePlus One
In terms of specs the OnePlus One, with its 5.5-inch 1080p display and Snapdragon 801 chipset with a 2.5GHz quad-core processor backed by 3GB of RAM, is in a different class.
In terms of price it's actually cheaper than the Alcatel OneTouch Idol Alpha at just £229 for the 16GB model.
The OnePlus One also boasts a 13MP camera, a 5MP front-facing camera, support for LTE, the latest version of Android KitKat, and the hugely customizable CyanogenMod.
The main detractor for many potential customers of the OnePlus One, apart from the invite system, is a lack of trust for the brand and maybe a concern about aftercare if something goes wrong.
Alcatel certainly has a longer track record, but it doesn't have a great reputation, so I really can't see a reason to pick it over OnePlus.
- Read the full OnePlus One review
Samsung Galaxy S4
It may be old news, but sometimes yesterday's flagship is a better bet than today's mid-ranger and you can pick up a Galaxy S4 for around the same price as the Alcatel OneTouch Idol Alpha. It boasts a 5-inch 1080p display, a quad-core processor rated at 1.6GHz, and 2GB of RAM.
You also get a 13MP camera, 2MP front-facing camera, and an incredible array of extras from Samsung. The Idol Alpha has a more premium feel and a more arresting look, but the S4 is a better phone.
- Read the full Samsung Galaxy S4 review
