The Alcatel 1V (2019) and Samsung Galaxy A10s represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both phones aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly affordable price point, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which device offers the better experience. This comparison will dissect those differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A10s is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, fabricated on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Alcatel 1V’s Unisoc SC9863A, leading to smoother multitasking and app loading. While both phones are limited, the A10s offers a more responsive experience.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - 5001D | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28 - SM-A107M/DS |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, Q4 | 2019, August 12. Released 2019, August 27 |
| 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) | 156.9 x 75.8 x 7.8 mm (6.18 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 153.2 g (5.40 oz) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~195 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~72.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 16GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@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, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical) - market dependant, accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2460 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Anthracite Black, Metallic Blue, Metallic Gold, Metallic Rose | Blue, Green, Red, Black |
| Models | 5001D, 5001A, 5001U, 5001T, 5001J, 5001D_EEA | SM-A107F, SM-A107M |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.25 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
alcatel 1v (2019)
- Extremely affordable price point
- Clean Android Go Edition experience
- Lightweight and compact design
- Significantly weaker performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Limited camera capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A10s
- More powerful Mediatek Helio P22 chipset
- Better power efficiency
- More refined software experience
- Slightly higher price
- Still limited in overall performance
- May include pre-installed bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, though specific details like peak brightness are unavailable. However, the A10s benefits from a slightly larger screen size, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience. The real difference lies in the chipset's ability to drive the display smoothly; the A10s' Helio P22 is better equipped for handling UI animations and video playback without noticeable lag.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are limited, but both likely feature a primary camera paired with a depth sensor. The Alcatel 1V’s camera is likely to be more limited in image processing capabilities. The A10s, benefiting from the Helio P22’s image signal processor (ISP), will likely produce more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. The presence of a dedicated ISP in the A10s chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, improving dynamic range and reducing noise.
Performance
The core difference between these phones is their chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A10s utilizes the Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762), built on a more efficient 12nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz using Cortex-A53 cores. The Alcatel 1V, conversely, employs the Unisoc SC9863A, a 28nm chip with an octa-core CPU split between 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 12nm process of the Helio P22 translates to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load. While both use octa-core CPUs, the A53 cores in the A10s are generally more performant than the A55 cores in the 1V, resulting in faster app launches and smoother multitasking. The A10s will handle moderately demanding apps and light gaming more effectively.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a crucial factor in this segment. While specific capacities aren't provided, both phones likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The A10s’ more efficient 12nm chipset will contribute to longer battery life, even with similar capacity. The A10s also likely supports a faster charging rate, reducing the time needed to replenish the battery. The Unisoc SC9863A in the Alcatel 1V, being a less efficient chip, will drain the battery faster under similar usage scenarios.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 1V (2019) if your primary need is an extremely affordable device for basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage – and you prioritize a clean, near-stock Android Go experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A10s if you prefer a slightly more powerful processor for smoother multitasking, a more established brand reputation, and a potentially wider range of software support, even if it comes at a small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc SC9863A in the Alcatel 1V struggle with multitasking?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is a very entry-level chipset. While it can handle basic tasks like calling and texting, it will likely exhibit noticeable lag when switching between multiple apps or running demanding applications. The 28nm process and less powerful Cortex-A55 cores contribute to this limitation.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A10s capable of playing popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile?
The Samsung Galaxy A10s can *run* PUBG Mobile, but not at high settings. Expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially with a lower frame rate to maintain a playable experience. The Helio P22 is not a gaming-focused chipset, and sustained gaming may lead to some thermal throttling.
❓ What is Android Go Edition, and how does it affect the Alcatel 1V's performance?
Android Go Edition is a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. It uses less storage space and data, and features optimized apps. While it improves performance on low-end hardware like the Alcatel 1V, it still can't overcome the limitations of the Unisoc SC9863A chipset.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A10s receive regular software updates?
Samsung's update schedule for the A10s has ended. While it initially received updates, it is unlikely to receive major Android version upgrades at this point. Security patches may still be available, but long-term software support is limited.
