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PSA: Android Marshmallow finally on its way to the Alcatel IDOL 3

After an extended wait, Alcatel has today announced that it is finally rolling out Android 6.0 Marshmallow to last year’s popular budget device, the IDOL 3. The update is available starting today for ‘unlocked IDOL 3 devices’, presumably both the 5.5-inch and 4.7-inch models.

Alcatel hasn’t provided much info just yet on any new features the update may include aside from Google’s own additions, but if it does we’ll update this article to reflect that. As usual it will include features such as Google Now on Tap, Doze, and app permissions. The only variant that likely won’t see the update, at least for now, is the Cricket Wireless branded model.

If you’ve forgotten, the IDOL 3 is available both in 5.5-inch and 4.7-inch variants with IPS displays, spectacular front facing speakers, and affordable price tags. The larger costs just $249, although it is commonly seen on sale, while the smaller variant costs just $179.

The IDOL 3 is a bit of an older phone having been originally announced back at CES 2015, however with this update it’s easily a phone still worth your time. Other budget options on the market such as the Honor 5X haven’t even gotten the update yet, so this easily makes it a last minute addition to our recent best budget phones roundup.

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