Looking for an affordable smartphone? The Alcatel 1B (2022) and 1SE (2020) are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? We'll break down their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Alcatel 1B (2022) edges out the 1SE (2020) thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and newer design. While both are budget options, the 1B offers a bit more performance for a similar price, making it the better overall choice 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 5031D, 5031G | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.1 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - 5031A, 5041J | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 31 | 2020, October 28. Released 2020, October 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 31 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.9 x 10 mm (5.78 x 2.83 x 0.39 in) | 159.2 x 75.2 x 8.7 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25 mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24 mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 161 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 12 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 10 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Atlantic Blue | Agate Greeen, Power Gray |
| Models | 5031D, 5031G, 5031A, 5031J | 5030F, 5030U, 5030D_EEA, 5030F_EEA, 5030D, 5030E, 5030A, 5030E_TCL, 5030I, 5030M |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.33 W/kg (head) 0.51 W/kg (body) |
alcatel 1B (2022)
- Slightly better performance
- Newer design
- AI camera features
- Decent battery life
- Camera quality still limited
- Plastic build
- Limited storage options
alcatel 1SE (2020)
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Slower performance
- Older design
- Camera quality is basic
- Can feel sluggish
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.2-inch HD+ display, offering a decent viewing experience for their price range. The 1B might have slightly improved color accuracy due to being a newer model, but the difference is likely minimal. Expect similar brightness and viewing angles on both.
Camera Comparison
The Alcatel 1SE (2020) typically features a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor, while the 1B (2022) often includes a 13MP main camera and an AI camera. Image quality on both is acceptable for the price, but don't expect stellar results. Low-light performance will be a challenge on both devices. The 1B's AI features might offer slightly improved scene recognition.
Performance
The Alcatel 1B (2022)'s Mediatek Helio A22 chipset (12nm) provides a noticeable performance boost over the 1SE's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 1B's quad-core CPU, while not a powerhouse, handles everyday tasks more smoothly. The 1SE can feel sluggish at times, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
The Alcatel 1SE (2020) generally has a 4000mAh battery, providing decent all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Alcatel 1B (2022) also features a 4000mAh battery. Battery optimization improvements in the 1B's software could potentially lead to slightly better endurance.
Buying Guide
The Alcatel 1B (2022) is ideal for users who prioritize a little extra performance for basic tasks like browsing and social media. The Alcatel 1SE (2020) remains a decent option for those on an extremely tight budget and primarily need a phone for calls and messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Alcatel 1B (2022) is slightly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset, although neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Both typically offer 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. Storage options may vary by region.
