Looking for an affordable smartphone? The Alcatel 1 (2021) and A5 LED are both contenders in the budget market, offering essential features without breaking the bank. But which one delivers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Alcatel A5 LED edges out the 1 (2021) thanks to its octa-core processor, offering noticeably better performance for everyday tasks and smoother multitasking. While both are budget options, the A5 LED's improved chipset makes it the slightly better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 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 | 2017, February. Released 2017, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 22 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137.6 x 65.7 x 9.8 mm (5.42 x 2.59 x 0.39 in) | 146 x 72.1 x 7.7 mm (5.75 x 2.84 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 134 g (4.73 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | - |
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6753 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Mali-T720MP3 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.8 | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@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; built-in antenna |
| 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 | Fingerprint (front-mounted, region dependent), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 2800 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Volcano Black, AI Aqua | Gray |
| Models | - | 5085I, 5085Q, 5085D, 5085Y, 5085A |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 200 EUR |
alcatel 1 (2021)
- Simple and easy to use
- Affordable price point
- Compact size (likely)
- Slow performance
- Limited storage
- Basic camera quality
- Outdated chipset
alcatel A5 LED
- Better performance than 1 (2021)
- Octa-core processor
- Potentially better battery life
- Slightly more modern design (likely)
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Camera quality is average
- Display quality is basic
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 5-6 inches with standard resolutions (likely 720p). The A5 LED *might* have slightly better color accuracy due to potentially more advanced panel technology, but this is difficult to confirm without specific display specs. Expect adequate viewing angles and brightness for indoor use.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, probably featuring a single rear camera in the 8-13MP range on both devices. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The A5 LED *might* have slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
This is where the A5 LED has a clear advantage. Its octa-core processor (Mediatek MT6753) significantly outperforms the 1 (2021)'s quad-core processor (Mediatek MT6739). Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the A5 LED. The 1 (2021) will feel noticeably slower, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have batteries in the 2500-3000mAh range. Battery life will depend heavily on usage, but the A5 LED's more efficient processor *could* potentially offer slightly better battery endurance, although this is not guaranteed.
Buying Guide
The Alcatel 1 (2021) is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and basic functionality, primarily needing a phone for calls, texts, and light web browsing. The Alcatel A5 LED is better suited for those who want a slightly more responsive experience, occasional gaming, and a bit more power for multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the processors in these phones?
The Alcatel A5 LED has an octa-core processor, while the Alcatel 1 (2021) has a quad-core processor. Octa-core processors generally offer significantly better performance.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Alcatel A5 LED is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor. However, neither phone is designed for demanding games.
