14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft remains completely tight-lipped on everything regarding the future of the Lumia brand, but in the meantime, the company keeps supporting partners planning to launch devices running Windows 10 Mobile and thus contributing to expanding the ecosystem.
Alcatel is one of the companies that believe in Windows 10 Mobile, and the firm recently launched the IDOL 4S with Windows, a device that we already reviewed and which comes with flagship specs.
After several months of exclusive availability with T-Mobile branding, the new Alcatel IDOL 4S is now up for grabs unlocked and straight from the Microsoft Store.
The phone is available for $479 in the Microsoft Store, but the unlocked version continues to be exclusive to North America. There’s still no word on plans to bring it to Europe in the coming months.
Windows 10 Mobile, the perfect choice
While you can read everything about the phone in our Alcatel IDOL 4S review, let’s spend some time looking into something that officials of TCL, Alcatel’s parent company, say in a statement.
“Windows 10 Mobile offers one of the most unique and feature-rich user experiences available on a smartphone today, and by combining these elements with the design, performance and VR experience found in IDOL 4S, we’re able to offer end users something unmatched in the market today,” said Steve Cistulli, President and General Manager for TCL Communication (TCT), North America.
“Bringing IDOL 4S with Windows 10 to the Microsoft Store ensures that virtually every Windows 10 Mobile fan can enjoy this unique and powerful smartphone experience.”
Judging from these words, Windows 10 Mobile is one of the best mobile operating systems on the market, but it’s no secret that the platform still struggles to remain relevant in a world dominated by Android and iOS.
Right now, market research firms put Windows 10 Mobile at less than 1 percent share, while Android leads the charts with more than 80 percent. iOS is the runner-up with some 15 percent market share.