The Alcatel 1 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. The Alcatel 1 relies on an older, but established, Mediatek chipset, while the Moto E7i Power opts for a newer Unisoc processor and emphasizes battery life. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Motorola Moto E7i Power is the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the Alcatel 1’s quad-core Mediatek MT6739, making everyday tasks smoother. While both phones are limited, the E7i Power offers a more responsive 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, July. Released 2018, July | 2021, February 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | 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 |
|---|
| 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 8.1 Oreo (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 | Black, Blue, Gold, Pink | Tahiti Blue, Coral Red |
| Models | 5033X, 5033J, 5033T, 5033D, 5033G, 5033M, 5033X_EEA, 5033F, 5033E, 5033D_EEA, 5033Q, 5033O, 5033G_EEA, 5033EP, 5033XR, 5033F_EEA, 5033S, 5033D_RU | XT2097-13 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 120 EUR |
alcatel 1
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Compact size
- Outdated and slow processor
- Limited performance for multitasking
- Likely poor camera quality
Motorola Moto E7i Power
- Faster octa-core processor
- Improved performance for everyday tasks
- Potentially longer battery life with 10W charging
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera quality likely remains basic
- May be slightly more expensive than the Alcatel 1
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-quality display. Both are likely to utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions (likely 720p+). Given the price point, color accuracy and brightness will be limited. We can assume both will have significant bezels. Without specific display specs, it's difficult to differentiate, but the E7i Power's slightly higher price *might* indicate a marginally better panel.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Given the market segment, expect a primary sensor paired with a low-resolution depth or macro sensor. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the E7i Power’s slightly higher price point *could* suggest a marginally better primary sensor. Image processing will be basic on both, and low-light performance will be poor. The 2MP macro sensors on both devices are unlikely to provide useful results.
Performance
The Motorola Moto E7i Power’s Unisoc SC9863A is the clear winner here. Its octa-core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) significantly outperforms the Alcatel 1’s quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A55 architecture is also more efficient than the A53, meaning better performance per watt. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the E7i Power. While both chipsets are built on a 28nm process, the core count and architecture give the Unisoc a substantial advantage.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto E7i Power includes 10W wired charging, a feature not explicitly mentioned for the Alcatel 1 (though it likely has similar slow charging). While battery capacity isn't specified, the E7i Power's focus on 'Power' in its name suggests a larger battery. The Unisoc SC9863A’s more efficient architecture also contributes to better battery life. Expect the E7i Power to offer significantly longer screen-on time than the Alcatel 1, making it a better choice for users who prioritize all-day battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 1 if your primary need is an extremely affordable smartphone for very basic tasks like calls and messaging, and you prioritize simplicity above all else. Buy the Motorola Moto E7i Power if you want a slightly more modern experience with improved performance for social media, light browsing, and a longer-lasting battery, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto E7i Power handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A’s octa-core processor provides enough power to run Facebook, WhatsApp, and other common social media apps without significant lag. While it won’t offer a flagship-level experience, it will be noticeably smoother than the Alcatel 1 for these tasks.
❓ Is the Alcatel 1 suitable for a first-time smartphone user or someone who only needs basic phone functionality?
Absolutely. The Alcatel 1’s simplicity and extremely low price make it an ideal choice for users who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and very basic tasks. It’s a straightforward device with minimal features, which can be beneficial for those new to smartphones.
❓ Can the Motorola Moto E7i Power run multiple apps at the same time without slowing down?
The Moto E7i Power can handle some multitasking, but it’s limited. The octa-core processor allows for smoother switching between a few apps, but running many apps simultaneously will likely result in slowdowns. It's best suited for running one or two apps at a time.
