Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The Alcatel 1B (2022) and ZTE Blade L9 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Alcatel 1B (2022) edges out the ZTE Blade L9 thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and potentially better overall performance. While both are budget options, the 1B's chipset provides a noticeable advantage in everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 5031D, 5031G | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.1 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - 5031A, 5041J | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 31 | 2021, October 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 31 | Available. Released 2021, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.9 x 10 mm (5.78 x 2.83 x 0.39 in) | 137.5 x 67.5 x 10 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 143 g (5.04 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC7731e |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-400 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25 mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 5 MP (up-scaled to 8 MP) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24 mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) |
| Video | 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, GLONASS |
| 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 | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Atlantic Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | 5031D, 5031G, 5031A, 5031J | - |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 70 EUR |
alcatel 1B (2022)
- Slightly faster processor
- Potential dual-camera setup
- More modern chipset (Helio A22)
- Generally better performance for the price
- Basic display quality
- Limited camera capabilities
- Potentially less RAM/storage than some competitors
ZTE Blade L9
- Very affordable price point
- Decent battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Significantly slower processor
- Basic camera quality
- Outdated chipset (SC7731e)
- Limited features
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic LCD displays, probably around 6.0-6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The Alcatel 1B (2022) *might* have a slightly better panel, but differences will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both devices will be modest. The Alcatel 1B (2022) likely has a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth sensor), while the ZTE Blade L9 probably features a single 8MP main camera. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. Video recording capabilities will be basic.
Performance
Here's where the Alcatel 1B (2022) takes a lead. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, clocked at 2.0 GHz, is significantly faster than the ZTE Blade L9's Unisoc SC7731e at 1.3 GHz. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and slightly better gaming performance on the Alcatel.
Battery Life
Both phones likely pack batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. Battery life should be adequate for a full day of light use. The Alcatel 1B (2022) *might* have a slight edge due to its more efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
The Alcatel 1B (2022) is ideal for users prioritizing basic functionality, occasional social media use, and light multitasking. The ZTE Blade L9 is a good choice for those seeking a very affordable device primarily for calls, texts, and essential apps, and who are less concerned with performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What operating system do these phones use?
Both phones likely run a customized version of Android Go Edition, optimized for lower-powered hardware. Expect a streamlined experience with fewer pre-installed apps.
❓ How much storage do these phones offer?
Storage typically ranges from 32GB to 64GB, expandable via microSD card. The Alcatel 1B (2022) may offer slightly more storage options.