TCL Idol X+ announced; 2.0GHz octa-core awesomeness for $330

TCL, the Chinese wing of popular manufacturer Alcatel, have announced the hyped and much-awaited Idol X+ for the Chinese market.

As can be made out from the name, the Idol X+ is the beefed up version of the existing Idol X smartphone. It now comes with Mediatek’s latest, the 2.0GHz variant of the 8 core MT6592 chipset along with 2GB of RAM, a 13 mega-pixel f/2.0 rear shooter, and a 2,500mAh battery instead of the 2,000mAh that we saw on the Idol X. Display size and resolution stays the same at 5-inches of 1080p.

One exciting thing (which also adds to the value proposition of the device) is what TCL call a ‘Boom band’, which is essentially a wearable Bluetooth accessory that pairs up with your fitness app and doubles up as a proximity alarm, notifying you if you’re certain distance apart from the phone.

At ￥1,999 (~$330), the TCL Idol X+ is a serious bargain, leaving international tech junkies wanting. No word if the Idol X+ will see release in other markets via Alcatel, but people in China can buy one at JD.com starting 15th January.