The Alcatel 1 and Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The key differentiator lies in their chipsets, impacting everything from app loading times to multitasking capabilities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Infinix Smart 6 Plus is the clear winner. Its Helio G25 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process and featuring an octa-core CPU, offers a significantly smoother experience than the Alcatel 1’s aging MT6739. While both phones are limited, the Infinix provides a more usable daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, July. Released 2018, July | 2022, July 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, August 03 |
| 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) | 172.6 x 77.7 x 8.7 mm (6.80 x 3.06 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 134 g (4.73 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.8 | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gold, Pink | Tranquil Sea Blue, Miracle Black |
| Models | 5033X, 5033J, 5033T, 5033D, 5033G, 5033M, 5033X_EEA, 5033F, 5033E, 5033D_EEA, 5033Q, 5033O, 5033G_EEA, 5033EP, 5033XR, 5033F_EEA, 5033S, 5033D_RU | X6823C, X6823 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 100 EUR |
alcatel 1
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Compact and lightweight
- Outdated and slow processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor performance with modern apps
Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India)
- More powerful and efficient processor
- Smoother multitasking experience
- Better suited for light gaming and social media
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera quality likely to be basic
- May be slightly more expensive than Alcatel 1
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-quality display. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions (likely 720p+). However, display details are not provided. The focus here is on the internal hardware, as display quality is often a secondary concern for these devices. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar – basic. Both phones will likely feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be limited, especially in low-light conditions. The Infinix Smart 6 Plus *might* benefit from slightly better image processing capabilities due to its more modern chipset, but don't expect flagship-level results. Any 2MP macro or VGA sensors on either device should be considered marketing filler.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant difference. The Infinix Smart 6 Plus’s MediaTek Helio G25 (MT6762G) is built on a 12nm process, offering improved power efficiency compared to the Alcatel 1’s 28nm MediaTek MT6739. Crucially, the G25 is an octa-core processor (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) versus the Alcatel 1’s quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to a substantial advantage in multitasking and handling more demanding apps. The G25’s higher clock speeds and additional cores will result in faster app launch times and smoother scrolling. The MT6739 will struggle with even moderate workloads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given the power efficiency of the Helio G25, the Infinix Smart 6 Plus is likely to offer comparable or better battery life than the Alcatel 1, even with a similar battery size. The 12nm process node contributes to lower power consumption, extending usage time between charges. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both will likely support slow charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 1 if you absolutely need the cheapest possible smartphone for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and occasional light web browsing. It’s a functional device for those with minimal smartphone requirements. Buy the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) if you want a more responsive experience, even for light multitasking, and appreciate the benefits of a more modern chipset. It’s a better choice for users who occasionally use social media or streaming apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 6 Plus handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G25 chipset in the Infinix Smart 6 Plus is significantly more capable than the MT6739 in the Alcatel 1. It should handle apps like WhatsApp and Facebook with reasonable smoothness, even with multiple apps open. The Alcatel 1 will likely struggle with these apps, especially over time as the system becomes cluttered.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The octa-core Helio G25 and its 12nm process provide a tangible improvement in responsiveness compared to the quad-core MT6739. You'll notice faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more fluid overall experience on the Infinix Smart 6 Plus. The Alcatel 1 will feel sluggish in comparison.
❓ Can the Infinix Smart 6 Plus handle any mobile games?
While not a gaming phone, the Helio G25 can handle some light mobile games at low to medium settings. Expect playable frame rates in less demanding titles. The Alcatel 1 will struggle with even basic games due to its limited processing power.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Both phones are adequate for calls and texts. However, the Infinix Smart 6 Plus offers a more future-proof experience, even for basic use. The Alcatel 1's aging processor may become increasingly frustrating over time, even for simple tasks.
