The Alcatel 1v (2019) and Nokia 3.2 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices aim to deliver a functional Android experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through vastly different approaches to chipset design and manufacturing. This comparison dissects those differences to reveal which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Nokia 3.2 is the better choice. While the Alcatel 1v boasts an octa-core CPU, the Nokia 3.2’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 429, built on a more efficient 12nm process, delivers smoother performance and better battery life in real-world usage. The 10W charging is a welcome addition, absent on the Alcatel.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 5001D/5001U/5001T | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - 5001D | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - EMEA, APAC, MENA |
| 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 |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - 5001T | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, Q4 | 2019, February 24. Released 2019, May 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 149.1 x 72.2 x 8.9 mm (5.87 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) | 159.4 x 76.2 x 8.6 mm (6.28 x 3.00 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 153.2 g (5.40 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~195 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~72.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 504 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 16GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
or
8 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| 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 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical) - market dependant, accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted, 32/3GB only), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2460 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Anthracite Black, Metallic Blue, Metallic Gold, Metallic Rose | Black, Steel |
| Models | 5001D, 5001A, 5001U, 5001T, 5001J, 5001D_EEA | TA-1156, TA-1159, TA-1164 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.63 W/kg (body) |
alcatel 1v (2019)
- Octa-core CPU (potentially better multitasking, though limited by architecture)
- Lower initial cost (likely)
- May have wider carrier compatibility in some regions
- Less efficient 28nm chipset
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software support
Nokia 3.2
- More efficient 12nm Snapdragon 429 chipset
- 10W wired charging
- Qualcomm’s optimized software support
- Quad-core CPU (may struggle with heavy multitasking)
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May lack certain carrier-specific features
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The lack of detailed display specifications necessitates focusing on the chipset impact on UI smoothness. A more powerful chipset can compensate for a lower-resolution or less color-accurate display by rendering the interface more fluidly.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be minimal. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 429 generally provides better image processing capabilities than Unisoc’s equivalent in the SC9863A, potentially resulting in slightly more detailed and accurate photos, especially in good lighting conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both phones suggests these are largely marketing features with limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel 1v’s Unisoc SC9863A, fabricated on a 28nm process, features an octa-core CPU split between 1.6GHz and 1.2GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While eight cores sound impressive, the older 28nm node and Cortex-A55 architecture are less efficient than the Nokia 3.2’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 429. The Snapdragon 429, built on a 12nm process, utilizes four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8GHz. The A53 cores, while fewer in number, generally offer better single-core performance than the A55, crucial for responsive app launching and general navigation. The 12nm process also contributes to lower power consumption and reduced thermal throttling, meaning sustained performance will be higher on the Nokia 3.2.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the Nokia 3.2’s 10W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Alcatel 1v likely relies on slower charging speeds, extending the time required to reach a full charge. The Snapdragon 429’s superior power efficiency also translates to potentially longer battery life during typical usage, offsetting any potential capacity difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 1v (2019) if your absolute priority is having a higher core count on paper, and you primarily need a device for extremely light tasks like basic messaging and calls. Buy the Nokia 3.2 if you value a more responsive user experience, slightly better battery longevity, and the benefit of Qualcomm’s optimized software support, even with a quad-core processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 1v struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Alcatel 1v’s Unisoc SC9863A chipset, while having eight cores, is based on an older architecture and fabrication process. Expect noticeable lag when launching or switching between these apps, especially if multiple apps are running in the background. The Nokia 3.2 will offer a smoother experience.
❓ Is the Nokia 3.2 a good choice for mobile gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for gaming. The Snapdragon 429 in the Nokia 3.2 can handle very basic 2D games, but demanding 3D titles will likely be unplayable or suffer from severe frame rate drops. The Alcatel 1v will perform even worse due to its less efficient chipset.
❓ Does either phone support software updates beyond the initial Android version?
Software update support is limited on both devices. Nokia generally provides slightly better software support than Alcatel, but don't expect major Android version upgrades. Both are likely to receive only security patches for a limited time.
