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Alcatel MyFlip 2 (A406DL) Review: Now with an SOS Key

Enjoy our Alcatel MyFlip 2 (A406DL) review to find out what’s new with this model. Find out if it’s the right flip phone for your everyday need.

Alcatel MyFlip 2 Review

Alcatel MyFlip 2 (A406DL) was released in 2020. This new iteration of Alcatel’s much-loved flip phone comes with an improvement worth paying attention to.

If you’re new to flip phones and considering buying one, you should consider this instead of the original Alcatel MyFlip. One of the improvements here is the newest OS, KaiOS 2.5.4.

But that’s not all. Alcatel MyFlip 2 now also comes with an emergency button. We guessed it is trying to keep up with competitors that offer SOS keys. For a certain demographic of users, having an emergency button on their phone is essential.

Let’s see more into the phone’s new specs and features for details. This Alcatel MyFlip 2 (A406DL) review will give you the information you need.

Key Specs

Alcatel MyFlip 2 (A406DL) specifications:

  • Weight: 121g
  • Dimensions: 104.9 x 53 x 19mm
  • OS: KaiOS 2.5.4
  • Screen size: 2.8-inch
  • Resolution: 320 x 240
  • CPU: 1.1Ghz Quad-core, Qualcomm Snapdragon 210
  • RAM: 512MB
  • Storage: 4GB
  • Battery: 1,350mAh, Removable
  • Rear camera: 2MP

Design

Alcatel MyFlip 2
Alcatel MyFlip 2

Alcatel MyFlip 2 still features the same old flip phone design just like the previous version. At the dimension of 104.9 x 53 x 19mm, this phone is still as compact as ever. It’s also not heavy at all at 121g.

This flip phone comes in black color and textured exterior. Though small, don’t worry about slipping it out of your palm due to the rugged body. In the front, you will see the external display.

The SOS key lies above the screen along with the camera. You can configure this key to contact certain numbers when you press them. This is one important addition to Alcatel MyFlip 2.

When flipped open, there are the display at the top part and the keyboard at the bottom. On the top, you’ll also find the speaker.

The keyboard comes with tactile keys. Each key is big and comfortable to press. There’s a nice separation between them. Meanwhile, fonts and numbers are printed big for an easy read. The keyboard comes with a backlight so you can use your phone while in the dark.

Read also: Alcatel MyFlip 2 User Manual

Display

Alcatel MyFlip 2 Display

Alcatel MyFlip 2 still uses the same 2.8-inch display as in the previous version. It is a multi-color LCD TFT screen with a resolution of 320 x 240. This display spec is considered average among flip phones.

It’s not too small for a phone whose main purpose is for callings and some texting. You can see information displayed clearly on it. Color contrasts and brightness look pretty good. The icons look easily recognized although they are small. However, you can’t ignore roughness due to low pixels. It’s something you will have to get used to with a flip phone.

You won’t get just one display because there’s another one at the front. The external display of Alcatel MyFlip 2 is also worth mentioning. This phone’s external display functions as a notification screen. 

You can see the time, battery level, and incoming message notification. All without having to open the phone. It adds convenience and simplicity, which in line with a flip phone’s purpose.

Camera

Alcatel MyFlip 2 Camera

Alcatel MyFlip 2 features a very humble 2MP camera. It serves as the main and the only camera you can find on this phone. There isn’t a front camera. As a result, this phone is not for making video calls.

It’s safe to say that the camera on Alcatel MyFlip 2 is just an accessory. It’s there because users will need to snap a picture once in a while. The manufacturer decided to put the bare minimum in terms of the camera as it is not a priority.

It’s not surprising to see low quality pictures come out of the camera. The results can be decent on a bright sunny day. However, don’t try to snap something when it’s dark. Especially when this phone also doesn’t come with an LED flash.

Usually, taking pictures here is more for practical reasons than pure photography. Buyers already know that it’s not a phone you’d go for snapping high-quality pics.

Additionally, you can still use the camera for recording videos. The results will be in 480p videos with 30fps frame rates.

Read also: LG K31 Rebel (L355DL) Review

Storage

Alcatel MyFlip 2 Back View

This device only provides a 4GB storage space for its users. A small space but enough to store hundreds of contacts data. Therefore, Alcatel MyFlip 2 still provides decent capacity relative to its purpose as a basic phone. Since apps come in a small size too, it’s hard to use up all that 4GB capacity.

If you want to store larger files, Alcatel MyFlip 2 offers SD card compatibility as a solution. Users can insert an SD card with up to 32GB capacity. That way there will be extra space to save pictures, music, or documents.

Performance

Alcatel MyFlip 2 runs on a 1.1Ghz Quad-core, Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor. The processor works with 512MB RAM. It’s a low-performance CPU for entry-level phones and smartphones. This CPU is designed to provide 4G LTE while being compatible on low-spec devices.

As you might have guessed, speed is not a priority. As long as you can call or text with ease, this phone doesn’t need a better CPU to run everyday tasks. It’s also pretty smooth dealing with app interaction. You can open an app quickly although you may notice a slight delay.

You can only do one thing at a time with this phone. Since you can’t multitask here, therefore a small RAM will do just fine. Browsing is a bit of a struggle because we think the browser is a bit inadequate. It’s good for an occasional Google search, but not more complicated than that.

Alcatel MyFlip 2 uses KaiOS 2.5.4 as its OS. It’s a newer version and comes with several improvements. The user interface is still as friendly as before. You can spot some commonly used apps on the Home screen, like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube.

It supports Google Assistant, which comes as a pre-loaded feature. If you think the keypad or the screen is too small, you can use voice commands instead when doing a certain task. Accessibility features are also the good thing we like in this Alcatel MyFlip 2 (A406DL) review.

Apart from the Assistant, users can also utilize the Real-Time-Text (RTT.) This phone is hearing aid compatible. That way you can still stay connected despite a limitation. The most important upgrade is the SOS button. You can customize it depending on your need.

All in all, Alcatel MyFlip 2 is a reliable phone with decent performance. It doesn’t come with the mind-blowing speed of a smartphone, but quick enough to cater to everyday tasks. For some users, that’s all they need.

Connectivity

If you are wondering, yes, Alcatel MyFlip 2 supports 4G LTE. The most important connectivity features on a phone today is simply the ability to access fast networks. In this case, Alcatel MyFlip 2 delivered the demand successfully.

The call quality on this phone is pretty good, although we blamed the speaker for the rough output. There’s no HD Voice that can smooth the audio output. But overall, the connection itself is seamless. 

You can also do a bit of internet surfing here. However, patience is needed when using this phone’s browser. On the other hand, streaming on YouTube is a task you can do easily, especially there’s a pre-installed app for that.

Additionally, there are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as alternatives for wireless networks. Local data transfer is available with a MicroUSB port. You will also find FM radio on this phone alongside a headphone jack.

This phone is GPS-enabled. Although it won’t be the kind of GPS you’d encounter on a smartphone. The GPS works more as an assistant to the SOS key. It will help determine your location when the emergency button is triggered.

Battery

The battery on Alcatel MyFlip 2 is a 1,350mAh lithium cell. For a phone this tiny size, Alcatel MyFlip 2 doesn’t need a lot of energy. However, durability is still an important thing to consider.

With a capacity mentioned above, the phone claims it can reach 6.8 hours of Talktime in 4G. Standby time is almost 14 days without a single charge. But make sure to remember, if 4G is running in the background, those standby times might as well be just a myth. A couple of days is the best, most realistic durability you can achieve with this phone.

Is the Alcatel MyFlip 2 a good phone?

Alcatel MyFlip 2 comes with several improvements with its specs. The good news is, the price is still affordable. You can get this phone for $19.99. It’s a price that’s pretty much the same as the previous version.

To summarize this Alcatel MyFlip 2 (A406DL) review, get this phone if you like the older Alcatel MyFlip and need the emergency button. The phone also comes with Google Assistant now, making it easier to navigate with a voice command. For users who have physical limitations, this phone can be your reliable handheld.

Alcatel MyFlip 2 (A406DL) Pros

  • 4G LTE
  • SOS key
  • Newer OS
  • External screen

Alcatel MyFlip 2 (A406DL) Cons

  • Poor camera
  • Small storage
  • Low performance

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