Looking for an affordable smartphone? The Alcatel 1 series offers budget-friendly options, but which model is right for you? We're pitting the Alcatel 1 (2021) against the newer Alcatel 1B (2022) to see which delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Alcatel 1B (2022) is the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster processor, more efficient 12nm manufacturing process, and likely improved battery life. While both are budget phones, the 1B offers a noticeable performance upgrade making it the better choice for most users.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 - 5031D, 5031G |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.1 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - 5031A, 5041J |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 25 | 2022, May 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 22 | Available. Released 2022, May 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137.6 x 65.7 x 9.8 mm (5.42 x 2.59 x 0.39 in) | 146.7 x 71.9 x 10 mm (5.78 x 2.83 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 134 g (4.73 oz) | 172 g (6.07 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 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8300 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25 mm (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, 24 mm (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 | 5.0, A2DP |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Volcano Black, AI Aqua | Prime Black, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | - | 5031D, 5031G, 5031A, 5031J |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 100 EUR |
alcatel 1 (2021)
- Extremely affordable
- Basic functionality for calls and texts
- Slow performance
- Outdated chipset
- Limited features
- Potentially shorter battery life
alcatel 1B (2022)
- Improved performance
- More efficient chipset
- Likely better battery life
- Slightly more modern design
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Basic camera quality
- Limited storage
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 6.2 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness. The 1B *might* have slightly improved color accuracy due to its newer design, but it's unlikely to be a significant difference.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely have a single rear camera, probably around 13MP. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The 1B *might* have slightly improved image processing due to its newer chipset, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
This is where the 1B shines. The MT6761 Helio A22 chipset with a 2.0 GHz CPU is a substantial upgrade over the 1.28 GHz MT6739 in the 2021 model. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and better overall responsiveness on the 1B. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
While specific battery capacities are often not prominently advertised for these models, the 1B's more efficient 12nm chipset should translate to better battery life compared to the 28nm MT6739 in the 2021 model. Expect all-day battery life with moderate usage on the 1B.
Buying Guide
The Alcatel 1 (2021) might be suitable for users with extremely limited budgets who primarily need a basic phone for calls and texts. The Alcatel 1B (2022) is recommended for anyone wanting a slightly smoother experience, better performance for light multitasking, and potentially longer battery life, all while remaining budget-conscious.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Alcatel 1 (2021) and 1B (2022)?
The main difference is the chipset. The 1B (2022) has a newer and more powerful MT6761 Helio A22 processor, resulting in better performance and likely improved battery life compared to the older MT6739 in the 2021 model.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding games. They are best suited for basic games and casual use. The 1B (2022) will handle simple games slightly better than the 2021 model.
