Looking for an ultra-affordable smartphone? The Alcatel 1 series consistently delivers budget-friendly options. We're pitting the Alcatel 1 (2021) against the Alcatel 1B (2020) to see which offers the best bang for your buck. Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Alcatel 1B (2020) edges out the 1 (2021) thanks to its slightly faster processor and generally better software optimization, despite both being entry-level devices. Both offer basic functionality at a very low price point, making them suitable for essential tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 25 | 2020, January. Released 2020, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 22 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 137.6 x 65.7 x 9.8 mm (5.42 x 2.59 x 0.39 in) | 146.1 x 71.6 x 9.9 mm (5.75 x 2.82 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 134 g (4.73 oz) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | - |
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.8 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Volcano Black, AI Aqua | Prime Black, Pine Green |
| Models | - | 5002A, 5002D, 5002F, 5002I, 5002M, 5002X, 5002S, 5002R, 5002D_EEA, 5002H_EEA, 5002H, 5002B, 5002C, 5002W, 5002H_TR |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 80 EUR |
alcatel 1 (2021)
- Affordable price
- Decent battery life
- HD+ display
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
- Outdated chipset
alcatel 1B (2020)
- Slightly better performance
- Good value for money
- Clean Android experience
- Limited RAM
- Basic camera
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.5-inch HD+ display (720 x 1440 pixels). While the resolution is the same, the Alcatel 1B (2020) might have slightly better color accuracy due to its slightly newer panel. Viewing angles and brightness are typical for budget phones – adequate for indoor use but not ideal in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a single 8MP rear camera. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Alcatel 1B (2020) might have slightly better image processing due to software updates. Front cameras are likely 5MP on both.
Performance
The Alcatel 1B (2020) holds a slight advantage here. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 chipset, clocked at 1.3 GHz, offers a marginal performance boost over the Mediatek MT6739 (1.28 GHz) in the Alcatel 1 (2021). Both phones have 2GB of RAM, which is limiting, so expect some lag when multitasking or running demanding apps. The 1B's slightly faster processor helps mitigate this somewhat.
Battery Life
The Alcatel 1 (2021) typically comes with a 3000mAh battery, while the Alcatel 1B (2020) has a 3000mAh battery as well. Battery life is comparable, offering a full day of moderate use. Both phones support basic charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The Alcatel 1 (2021) is ideal for users needing a basic phone for calls, texts, and light app usage. The Alcatel 1B (2020) is a slightly better choice for those who want a bit more performance and a smoother experience, even with limited features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What operating system do these phones use?
Both the Alcatel 1 (2021) and Alcatel 1B (2020) run on Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android optimized for low-powered devices.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Both typically come with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
