The Alcatel 1 (2021) and Nokia C1 Plus represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users who need basic connectivity at the lowest possible price. Both devices run Android Go Edition, optimized for limited hardware. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best experience for essential tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a marginally smoother experience, the Nokia C1 Plus is the better choice. Its quad-core CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz provides a slight performance advantage over the Alcatel 1 (2021)'s 1.28 GHz processor, making everyday tasks feel a bit more responsive. However, the differences are minimal.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International, APAC |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Saudi Arabia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 25 | 2020, December 15. Released 2021, January 29 |
| 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) | 149.1 x 71.2 x 8.8 mm (5.87 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 134 g (4.73 oz) | 146 g (5.15 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | - |
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | - |
| 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 1GB 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 | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.8 | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 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 |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Volcano Black, AI Aqua | Blue, Red |
| Models | - | TA-1312 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 70 EUR |
alcatel 1 (2021)
- Potentially lower price point
- Efficient Mediatek MT6739 chipset
- Android Go Edition for optimized performance
- Slower CPU clock speed (1.28 GHz)
- Likely limited RAM capacity
- Basic camera performance
Nokia C1 Plus
- Faster CPU clock speed (1.4 GHz)
- Slightly more responsive user experience
- Android Go Edition for optimized performance
- Potentially higher price point
- Limited RAM capacity
- Basic camera performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are expected to feature low-resolution panels, typical of this price bracket. Specifics like brightness nits and color accuracy are unavailable, but users should anticipate a basic viewing experience suitable for essential tasks. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. The lack of detailed display specs suggests neither phone is geared towards media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be extremely limited. Details are scarce, but it's highly probable both feature basic sensors. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading; image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing, which is likely minimal in this segment. Users should expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions for casual snapshots, but poor performance in low light. The absence of OIS or advanced features further limits their photographic capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU. The Nokia C1 Plus features a quad-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz, while the Alcatel 1 (2021) utilizes the Mediatek MT6739 with a quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. While both are entry-level, the 1.4 GHz clock speed of the Nokia C1 Plus suggests a slight edge in processing power. The MT6739, built on a 28nm process, is known for its efficiency but limited performance headroom. RAM details are missing for both, but it's safe to assume both will have 1-2GB, impacting multitasking capabilities. Neither device is suitable for demanding games or applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for either device. However, given their low-power chipsets and basic displays, both should offer at least a full day of standby time and moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely to be slow, requiring several hours for a full charge. The efficiency of the Mediatek MT6739 (28nm) in the Alcatel 1 (2021) might offer a slight advantage in battery longevity under similar usage patterns, but this is speculative without concrete data.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 1 (2021) if you need a phone primarily for calls, texts, and very light app usage, and are seeking the absolute lowest price point. Buy the Nokia C1 Plus if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience for basic multitasking and app loading, and value a marginally faster processor for a small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C1 Plus handle WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger smoothly?
The Nokia C1 Plus, with its 1.4 GHz CPU, should handle WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger adequately for basic use. However, expect some lag when switching between apps or loading media. It's designed for light social media usage, not heavy multitasking.
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739 in the Alcatel 1 (2021) sufficient for playing simple games like Candy Crush?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6739 can handle simple, less demanding games like Candy Crush. However, don't expect high frame rates or smooth performance in more graphically intensive titles. The focus of this chipset is efficiency, not gaming prowess.
❓ How much storage space is available on these phones, and can it be expanded?
Storage details are not provided. However, both devices likely come with limited internal storage (8-16GB). It's highly probable that both support microSD card expansion, allowing users to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps. Check the product specifications for the maximum supported microSD card size.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run, and will they receive updates?
Both phones run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. Updates are unlikely to be frequent or guaranteed, as these are entry-level devices. Expect limited security patches and potentially no major Android version upgrades.
