It's never a good sign when an accessory overshadows the device it comes with, but such is the case for the Alcatel One Touch Pop Mega. The phone itself is an unassuming Android phablet that is utterly average in every respect aside from battery life. The 6-inch display should sate big-screen fans, but the $249 (unlocked) price and clever Buddy accessory are the real draws for Straight Talk subscribers.

So what's the Buddy? It's basically a small companion phone. Pairing the Pop Mega with a Buddy (included for free) lets users enjoy a big screen on demand and an eminently compact feature phone for replying to texts or making a quick call. The Buddy won't be useful for everyone, but having the option for free is a nice addition. Otherwise, the Pop Mega is the most smartphone you can get for the least money on Straight Talk.  

Design, Call Quality, and Buddy

There's not much to say about the Pop Mega's design—it's about as basic and nondescript as phones come. Size is a given (6.39 by 3.32 by 0.34 inches and 6.42 ounces), but thankfully the rounded edges and grippy finish make it easy to find a comfortable and secure grip. One-handed use is a chore; my thumb can reach about a quarter of the display without shifting my grip. Power and Volume buttons are on the right edge, and the removable back reveals a sealed 3,400mAh battery.