Software-wise, the Ultra uses a mostly vanilla Android 4.1 build, though Alcatel appears to have added a few tiny tweaks to it: the icons have a curvacious shape that brought back memories of MeeGo, and there's a quick settings bar along the top of the notification menu.

ENGADGET: Alcatel intros the One Touch Idol Ultra, the 'world's slimmest phone' at 6.45mm (hands-on video)

Part of the reason can be attributed to the curvacious backs that offer a more natural feel, Another factor to the phones' overall comfort was the somewhat gritty plastic battery cover, which kept nasty fingerprints away and still made the devices feel like they'll be able to hold up well over time.

ENGADGET: T-Mobile myTouch and myTouch Q coming August 8th for $50, we go hands-on