Alcatel V3 Ultra Review: A Unique Display and Stylus, But Is That Enough?
Alcatel is back in India’s smartphone market, and it’s making some bold choices. Priced at ₹19,999, the Alcatel V3 Ultra brings features rarely seen in the budget category. With a stylus, a matte paper-like display, and a clean Android interface, this phone is trying to stand out. But does it really have what it takes to compete in the crowded under-₹20K segment?
Let’s explore whether the V3 Ultra is worth your attention — or better left off the list.
A Design That Tries Something Different
Alcatel gives the V3 Ultra a fresh look. Its Hyper Blue variant mixes matte and glossy textures in an eye-catching way. The phone feels solid in hand without being too heavy, even though it weighs 196 grams.
There’s a practical touch to the layout. You get a USB-C port, a headphone jack, and dual speakers with DTS 3D Surround. The right side houses the power button, volume rocker, and a special slider for NXTPAPER mode — which also doubles as a fingerprint scanner.
Interestingly, it also supports eSIM, which is rare in this price range. That brings flexibility, especially for users who like to keep work and personal numbers separate.
The Stylus: A Surprising and Welcome Addition
What sets the V3 Ultra apart is the stylus. Yes, it’s included in the box, and yes, it works quite well. The response time is good, and it supports drawing, note-taking, and even signing PDFs.
Alcatel includes a protective case that docks the stylus neatly, so you don’t lose it. While it doesn’t offer the same precision or features as Motorola’s higher-end stylus phones, it still adds solid value — especially at this price point.
Display: Truly One of a Kind
The 6.78-inch FHD+ NXTPAPER display is the V3 Ultra’s standout feature. It uses anti-glare AG etched glass, offering a matte finish that feels like paper. For readers and long-time phone users, it’s far more comfortable on the eyes compared to typical glossy screens.
You get a 120Hz refresh rate and good sharpness despite the matte coating. Alcatel even includes four display modes: Regular, Max Ink, Ink Paper, and Color Paper. Each mode adjusts the screen for reading, grayscale use, or soft color tones.
The physical slider to switch display modes is a smart addition. It brings quick access, and it works well for users who read a lot or prefer less strain on the eyes.
Still, it’s not perfect. Brightness struggles under harsh sunlight, and some users might find the color tones less vibrant compared to AMOLED panels. It’s a trade-off — comfort over flash.
Clean Android Experience, But Update Concerns Remain
Out of the box, the V3 Ultra runs Android 14. It feels smooth and free of unnecessary apps or bloatware. This is great for users who prefer a clean UI.
But here’s a concern — Android 16 is already available, and Alcatel hasn’t shared any clear update roadmap. If you care about future-proofing your phone, this lack of commitment could be a dealbreaker.
Performance: Good for Daily Use, Not for Power Users
The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, along with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. There’s also virtual RAM expansion available. For everyday tasks like messaging, video streaming, or social media scrolling, the experience stays fluid.
In benchmark tests, the performance sits on the average side. Gaming is okay for light titles like Subway Surfers or Call of Duty Mobile on medium settings. However, heavy apps or games like Lightroom and Farlight 84 make the device warm and slow.
The V3 Ultra isn’t built for intense performance. If you’re a gamer or a heavy user, you’ll feel the limitations.
Cameras: Looks Good on Paper, But Results Disappoint
A triple rear camera setup with a 108MP main sensor sounds great — but results tell another story. Daylight shots appear oversaturated, and details are often soft. The HDR mode struggles and can overexpose parts of the photo.
In low light, the performance dips further. The Super Night Scene mode adds noise instead of detail. The 8MP ultrawide lens is okay for casual use, but edges tend to blur. The 2MP macro lens feels more like a filler than a useful feature.
The 32MP selfie camera also underperforms. Photos look filtered and lack natural texture. If you care about camera quality, other phones in this range — like those from iQOO or Samsung — perform better.
Battery Life Is Decent, But Charging Feels Slow
With a 5010mAh battery, the Alcatel V3 Ultra easily lasts a full day. Moderate users may even stretch it to a day and a half. That’s a big plus.
Charging, however, could be better. The 33W fast charger takes around 80–90 minutes to fully charge the battery. It’s not slow, but some phones in this segment now offer 44W or 67W charging — and they pull ahead.
Final Verdict: A Phone for a Specific User
The Alcatel V3 Ultra brings something different to the table. Its paper-like display and stylus support make it stand out in a sea of similar budget phones. The clean software experience also gives it a boost.
But it does come with trade-offs. The camera quality is average, software updates are uncertain, and performance is just passable. Fast charging also feels a bit dated.
If your priority is reading, eye comfort, and using a stylus on a budget, the Alcatel V3 Ultra might just fit your needs. For everyone else, especially those looking for a more all-rounder experience, other options in the ₹20,000 bracket might offer better value.
