Looking for an affordable phone? The Alcatel 1 (2021) promises budget-friendly basics, while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 brings durability and ruggedness to the table. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 is the clear winner, offering significantly better performance, a more modern chipset, and rugged durability. While the Alcatel 1 (2021) is cheaper, the XCover 5's superior features and build quality justify the price difference 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 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, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 22 | Available. Released 2021, March 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137.6 x 65.7 x 9.8 mm (5.42 x 2.59 x 0.39 in) | 147.1 x 71.6 x 9.2 mm (5.79 x 2.82 x 0.36 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) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810H compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | - |
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.8 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, charging connector pins |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Volcano Black, AI Aqua | Black |
| Models | - | SM-G525F, SM-G525F/DS, SM-G525N |
| Price | About 60 EUR | £ 61.49 / € 74.89 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) |
alcatel 1 (2021)
- Extremely affordable
- Lightweight design
- Basic functionality
- Outdated chipset
- Low-resolution display
- Poor camera performance
- Limited storage
Samsung Galaxy XCover 5
- Rugged and durable design
- Better performance
- Larger and higher-resolution display
- Modern Android experience
- 15W charging
- Higher price point
- Design can be bulky
- Camera not flagship-level
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 boasts a larger 6.5-inch display with a higher resolution (1080 x 2340) compared to the Alcatel 1 (2021)'s smaller, lower-resolution screen. The XCover 5's display is also brighter and offers better viewing angles, making it more enjoyable for media consumption and everyday use. The Alcatel 1 (2021) prioritizes affordability, resulting in a less impressive display.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 features a more capable camera system, likely offering better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. While specific megapixel counts aren't the only factor, the XCover 5's newer processor and image processing capabilities give it an edge. The Alcatel 1 (2021)'s camera is adequate for basic snapshots but lacks detail and features.
Performance
Here's where the XCover 5 truly shines. Its Exynos 850 chipset and octa-core processor provide a substantial performance boost over the Alcatel 1 (2021)'s aging Mediatek MT6739. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the XCover 5. The Alcatel 1 (2021) struggles with demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones offer decent battery life, but the XCover 5's more efficient chipset and 15W wired charging provide a slight advantage. While the Alcatel 1 (2021) likely has a comparable battery capacity, the XCover 5 manages power more effectively.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Alcatel 1 (2021)? Users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize affordability above all else and don't need high performance or ruggedness. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5? Those needing a durable phone for outdoor work, construction, or anyone prone to dropping their devices. It's also a good choice for those wanting a more modern Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Alcatel 1 (2021) good for gaming?
No, the Alcatel 1 (2021)'s chipset is not powerful enough for demanding games. It can handle basic games, but expect low frame rates and lag.
❓ How durable is the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5?
The XCover 5 is designed to be rugged, with MIL-STD-810H certification for shock, vibration, and dust/water resistance. It's built to withstand harsh conditions.
