The Alcatel 1 (2021) and Motorola Moto E7i Power represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The key difference lies in their processing power, with the Moto E7i Power boasting a more modern and capable chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Motorola Moto E7i Power is the clear winner. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor significantly outperforms the Alcatel 1 (2021)'s quad-core Mediatek MT6739, making everyday tasks smoother and more enjoyable. While both phones are limited, the E7i Power offers a better user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 25 | 2021, February 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 22 | Available. Released 2021, March 15 |
| 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) | 165.1 x 75.9 x 9.2 mm (6.5 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 134 g (4.73 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | - |
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 380 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.8 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Volcano Black, AI Aqua | Tahiti Blue, Coral Red |
| Models | - | XT2097-13 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 120 EUR |
alcatel 1 (2021)
- Potentially lower price point
- Compact and lightweight design (likely)
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Significantly slower processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
Motorola Moto E7i Power
- Faster and more efficient processor
- Improved multitasking performance
- 10W wired charging support
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by budget components
- Camera performance likely remains basic
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a stunning visual experience. Both utilize 28nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost reduction over display quality. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are not provided, but given the price point, expect basic LCD panels with limited color accuracy and viewing angles. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic cameras suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light performance will be poor. Any mention of a 2MP macro camera on either phone should be viewed with skepticism; these sensors rarely produce usable images. Image processing will likely be minimal, resulting in images lacking detail and dynamic range.
Performance
The Motorola Moto E7i Power’s Unisoc SC9863A is the standout performer here. While both chipsets are fabricated on a 28nm process, the E7i Power’s octa-core CPU (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) offers a significant advantage over the Alcatel 1 (2021)’s quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A55 architecture is more efficient and delivers better performance per clock cycle. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience. The E7i Power is likely to handle multitasking and light gaming better than the Alcatel 1.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto E7i Power includes 10W wired charging, a feature absent from readily available information regarding the Alcatel 1 (2021). While neither phone boasts a large battery capacity (specific mAh figures are unavailable), the more efficient Unisoc SC9863A processor in the E7i Power will likely result in slightly longer battery life during typical usage. The 10W charging will provide a slow but steady recharge, taking several hours to reach 100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 1 (2021) if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and only intend to use the phone for basic calling, texting, and very light app usage. Buy the Motorola Moto E7i Power if you prefer a more responsive experience, even for simple tasks, and appreciate the benefit of a more efficient processor for slightly better battery life during moderate use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto E7i Power struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
While the Moto E7i Power won't offer a flagship-level experience, its octa-core processor should handle Facebook and Instagram reasonably well. Expect some occasional slowdowns when multitasking or loading image-heavy content, but it will be significantly smoother than the Alcatel 1 (2021).
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known for overheating issues?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a low-power chipset designed for entry-level smartphones. Overheating is unlikely to be a significant concern, even during prolonged use. The 28nm process node isn't the most efficient, but the chipset's low clock speeds and core count minimize heat generation.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Both phones can run simple games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers, but the Motorola Moto E7i Power will provide a more consistent and enjoyable experience. The Alcatel 1 (2021)'s slower processor may result in noticeable lag and frame drops during gameplay.
