Alcatel has announced the new Alcatel Idol 3 4.7 Android smartphone, which will go on sale in the U.S. and Canada on Friday, August 14.

While the price tag of the device suggests that it might be a budget smartphone, the phone has impressive specs, such as the latest version of Android, Android 5.0.2 Lollipop as well as stereo front-facing speakers.

The design of the device is also rather nice for a phone of its price point, looking quite sleek and classy, reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy S6. All of these features for only $179.99 on Amazon. Not bad.

Other features found on the device include a 4.7-inch IPS display with a 1280 by 720 pixel resolution, as well as a Snapdragon 410 1.2 GHz processor, 1.5 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage and an Adreno 306 400 Mz graphics processor. The device also includes a micro SD card, allowing the user to expand the storage by up to 32 GB.

As far as the camera goes, the device includes a 13 megapixel rear-facing camera that makes use of autofocus and a 5 megapixel front-facing camera for the Snapchatters among us.

With its solid specs and design in addition to its low price point, the device will be going up against the better-known Motorola Moto G, which has been hailed as one of the best budget smartphones on the market. The Idol 3 4.7 is a little sleeker, however, it also has a smaller battery, suggesting that it might not last as long on a single charge.

The Idol 3 4.7 is given its name because of its screen size, with the 4.7-inch display differentiating the device from its larger sibling, simply called the Idol 3. The Idol 3 was released earlier this year to generally positive reviews, featuring similar specs as its smaller brother with a larger screen and better processor.

Companies are increasingly releasing budget smartphones in an attempt to cater to developing countries and lower-income areas. These smartphones, however, are including better and better specs, as is the case with the Moto G and the Idol 3 4.7.

Those worried about security will also be pleased to hear that the Alcatel Idol 3 4.7 will receive a patch to for Stagefright the first time it is turned on. Stagefright is being touted as one of the worst security scares to hit Android phones, with a hacker only needing the user's phone number in order to send a malicious MMS that could compromise the smartphone.

Via: Slashgear