Go Play: Alcatel's Budget IP67 Compliant Smartphone

Are you looking for a budget smartphone that is IP67 (dust and water proof) compliant? IP67 specifications, a feature reserved exclusively for high end smartphones priced $600 or higher?

This sub $200 smartphone can survive five foot drops and can survive a 30 minute dip in three feet of water.  These qualities makes the Go Play stand out from other budget models that would crumple at the slightest mishap.

With its sub $200 price tag, you will have to settle for less than stellar specs and sub par camera and display, its ruggedness notwithstanding.  With the phone's volume rocker also doubling as the camera shutter button, the phone can take photos underwater without the use of a special phone case.  You could even start a new underwater selfie craze!

Underwater Selfie

The Go Play runs on a quad core 1.2GHz snapdragon 410 processor which isn't a lot of juice for running processor-intensive apps. The 8 megapixel rear camera though not spectacular, will ge the job done in decent light.  It runs android lollipop with very little bloatware.

In conclusion, a lot of budget smartphones are feel like they need a prayer to go the distance only to fall apart at the first sign of trouble.  That's not the case with the Go Play that is able to take an admirable amount of punishment and is still able to perform like nothing happened.  It won't wow you with its performance but its durability makes you feel like you got your money's worth. Parents looking for a phone to leave with the kids without the need to worry about the phones well being in their hands need not look further.   This phone makes a good choice for emplloyees on the field.

Specs

Carrier: Unlocked
Phone Display Size: 5 inches
Display Resolution: 1280 x 720
Form Factor: Candybar touch screen
OS: Android 5.0.2
CPU: 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 16GB
Memory Expansion Type: microSD card, up to 32GB
Bluetooth Type: Bluetooth 4.1
Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n
Size: 5.64 x 2.89 x 0.36 inches
Weight: 151.103 grams

Scoreboard

THE GOOD

• Water-resistant
• Withstands 5-foot drops
• Handy ViewMe app
• Better-than-average battery life

THE BAD

• Weak video camera
• Lackluster display
• Subpar performance