Due to its 5.5″ screen, it’s considered a phablet and functions well as such. While testing I found myself using it much more than my 10.1″ tablet (and I’m an avid tablet user who actually prefers a tablet to a smartphone). The large screen size is perfect for viewing web pages, casual gaming, and texting (my main activities). The Leagoo Alfa 1 is available in three colors: midnight black, galaxy white, and rose gold. Here’s a closer look at the Alfa 1 and all that it has to offer as a low-budget Android smartphone.
What’s in the Box
Inside the box, you’ll find the Leagoo Alfa 1 neatly packed along with:
Micro-USB charging cableEuro plug adapterWired earbuds with microphoneShort OTG cableScreen protectorTwo screen-cleaning wipesQuick start guide3000 mAh battery
Using the Alfa 1
If you’re already familiar with Android, specifically Android 5.1, then you will have no problems setting up and using this phone. It does have some added features from its own Leagoo OS 1.1, but these features are easy to learn and use. The video below will introduce you to Leagoo OS’s beautiful, flat design and some of its main features.
Mobile Networks
Setting up the phone was a breeze until it came time to activate my SIM card. The phone is unlocked to work with GSM and WCDMA networks worldwide. The carrier that I was using (Virgin Mobile) is CDMA, and after extensive research and numerous support tickets I found that this phone could not be used with Virgin Mobile or another popular CDMA network: Verizon Wireless. Luckily, I already wanted to switch carriers anyway, and since I plan on purchasing an unlocked smartphone in the near future, it just made sense for me to make the switch. So, I transferred my number to a compatible GSM network (this was the easiest option for me). To make a long story short, getting this phone working with your particular carrier may be a nightmare. Your best option will be AT&T, T-Mobile, or Straight Talk.
Style and Design
I’ve never been a fan of square edges on a phone, but I did fall in love with the rectangular design of this one. It does seem more feminine due to the look, especially with it being rose gold. Plus, you can’t deny how gorgeous the narrow bezel is. From the slightly curved back to the glowing home button, everything on the Leagoo Alfa 1 comes together to create a truly sleek smartphone. Speaking of the buttons, I love how the home button illuminates and has a “breathing” feature (can be disabled in settings) that allows it to constantly glow even when the screen is off. The menu button (on the left side) and back button (on the right side) only illuminate when you touch them and automatically go off when not in use after around ten to fifteen seconds. The titanium body of the phone is very strong and durable. It has a dotted design that looks like it is highly textured; however, it’s rather smooth to the touch. The phone itself is lightweight and fits nicely in my hand. Since I do have small hands and the phone is on the large side, I almost always have to use two hands to actually operate it. That doesn’t bother me, but I know that some people do like to have the ability to use their phone with one hand. The speaker, which is on the back of the phone, runs across the bottom and is a decent size. It may not be the best position for a speaker, though. It can get loud, but if you lay the phone flat or happen to have your hand covering the speaker on the back (while holding), it can really muffle the sound and decrease the volume. Of course, that’s nothing a Bluetooth speaker or headset can’t rectify if necessary.
Taking Pictures
The front-facing camera is in a good location on the right side while the rear-facing camera is in the center on the back of the phone; only the rear camera has a flash. The camera lens isn’t flush to the phone, but it doesn’t stick out too far, either. It’s barely noticeable and blends in well with the rest of the phone. The flash is right below it on a solid color panel. Sometimes the rear camera gets covered up by accident depending on how you hold the phone. I found the camera quality to be really good when in natural or bright lighting; images come out crystal clear as long as you keep your hand steady. There are some great features in the default camera app like color effect, scene mode, face beauty mode, motion track mode, anti-flicker, zero shutter delay, voice capture, face detection, smile shot, ISO, HDR, and much more. Taking pictures at night or in dimly lit areas aren’t so impressive. I had to do a lot of playing around with the flash and lighting to get decent shots in dark environments. I have a Samsung tablet with just an 8MP camera and an Amazing flash that can brighten up any nighttime or dark picture and make it just as sharp as those in bright lighting. However, this camera just doesn’t suffice when it comes to that. I don’t take a lot of selfies, but I’m more than pleased with the quality of pictures with the front-facing camera, again, in bright and natural lighting. There isn’t a flash on the front, so obviously you shouldn’t even attempt it in dark or dimly lit areas. Overall, I think the camera is amazing as long as you have ample lighting.
Android Apps
The Leagoo Alfa 1 comes with the Google Play Store pre-installed, so you can download apps just like you would any other Android phone. From there the possibilities are endless as long as apps are compatible with Android 5.1. In my experience with Chinese phones, I’ve found that even though some do have SD card support, you can’t always move apps to the SD card (there isn’t an option for it). Luckily, you can move apps from the phone to the SD card with this phone, which helps to free up space. I also love that the phone doesn’t come pre-installed with the rest of the Google apps gang. On the flip side, though, Leagoo does have a few of its own pre-installed apps that are kind of useless (at least, to me) and can’t be uninstalled such as Opera Max, BeautyMakeup (enhance photos), FM Radio, HotKnot (transfer files), Leagoo Launcher (can be replaced with another launcher), Leagoo Market, Sound Recorder, and Xender.
Pros and Cons
I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of this phone; there are so many more features to be discussed! Here are some Pros and Cons to give you a better idea of those useful (and not so useful) features.
Pros
There are plenty of supported gestures to help you get things done quicker. From motion to on-screen gestures (when the screen is off, you can draw letters to open specific apps), this phone has many.HotKnot allows you to easily exchange data when your screen touches another device also using HotKnot (reminiscent of Bump).Built-in USB and Bluetooth tethering and portable hotspot functionality.Smart Stay – similar to Samsung’s Smart Stay feature, enabling this will keep the screen on as long as you’re looking at it. If you look away for a certain amount of time, the screen will go off.Smart Window View – It seems that it will only work with a compatible phone case.Scheduled power on and off – There’s no need to get a third-party app to have your phone automatically turn off and back on at certain times and on certain days; it’s built right in.
Cons
Don’t mind occasional 2G or regular 3G connectivity? Great, but don’t expect 4G connectivity because it’s not supported on this device.Even though it has a 3000mAh replaceable battery, the larger screen uses up more of the battery, so the battery life isn’t as high as expected. With regular usage throughout the day, it will need to be charged every evening so that you’re ready for the next day.There aren’t any issues with lag unless you’re playing resource-heavy games, and that’s only every now and then; it’s not something that happens often, but it does happen.
Specifications
Dimensions: 156.2 x 76.6 x 7.9mm (L×W×H)Weight: 163gCPU: Quad Core 1.3Ghz CPU / 28nm Cortext A7 processorRear Camera: 13MP (Sony)Front Camera: 5MPDisplay Size: 5.5″Display Quality: HDTechnology: Multi-points capacitive touchPPI: 267 (1000:1 high contrast)Resolution: 1280 x 720SIM: WCDMA/GSM Dual SIM dual standbyGSM Frequency: 850/900/1800/1900MHzWCDMA Frequency: 850/1900/2100MHz or 900/2100MHzBattery Capacity: 3000mAhInternal Memory: RAM 2GB + ROM 16GBExternal Memory: Micro SD card (T-FLASH card), max 64GB
Final Thoughts
To my surprise, I can’t say enough good things about the phone. Sure, it’s no Samsung Galaxy, LG, Nexus, or Motorola Moto, but it looks great, has a brightly colored display, performs well, and won’t put a dent in your wallet. Leagoo Alfa 1
