Looking for an affordable smartphone? The Alcatel 1L Pro (2021) and Alcatel 3L (2021) are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value for your money? We'll break down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Alcatel 3L (2021) edges out the 1L Pro due to its more efficient chipset and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the 3L's Helio P22 provides a smoother experience, making it the preferable choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - USA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 25 | 2021, January 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, Q2 | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.4 x 74.8 x 9.7 mm (6.16 x 2.94 x 0.38 in) | 165.6 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.52 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (only single sim model) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Grey, Twilight Blue | Jewelry Blue, Jewelry Black |
| Models | - | 6056D |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 330 EUR |
alcatel 1L Pro (2021)
- Large Display
- Affordable Price
- Basic Functionality
- Weak Processor
- Limited Performance
- Potentially Shorter Battery Life
alcatel 3L (2021)
- Better Performance
- More Efficient Chipset
- Slightly Better Battery Life
- Modern Design
- Slightly Higher Price (than 1L Pro)
- Basic Camera Features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.5 inches, but the 3L might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially better panel technology. Expect HD+ resolution on both, suitable for everyday viewing but not ideal for demanding visual tasks.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a primary rear camera around 13MP. However, the 3L's more powerful processor could lead to slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Expect basic camera features on both.
Performance
The Alcatel 3L's Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) chipset is significantly more efficient and powerful than the 1L Pro's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the 3L. The 1L Pro will likely struggle with more demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 4000mAh. The 3L's more efficient chipset should translate to better battery life, potentially lasting a full day with moderate use, while the 1L Pro might require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
The Alcatel 1L Pro (2021) is ideal for users prioritizing a larger screen and basic functionality on a very tight budget. The Alcatel 3L (2021) is better suited for those needing a bit more performance for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming, and appreciate a slightly more modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and the Mediatek Helio P22?
The Mediatek Helio P22 is a more modern and efficient chipset, offering significantly better performance than the Unisoc SC9863A. It's built on a smaller manufacturing process (12nm vs 28nm), resulting in improved power efficiency and faster speeds.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding games. The Alcatel 3L (2021) will handle lighter games better than the 1L Pro (2021), but don't expect high frame rates or smooth performance in graphically intensive titles.
