The Alcatel 1v (2019) and Ulefone Note 7P represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing extreme affordability. Both devices aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which offers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, if basic, smartphone experience, the Ulefone Note 7P edges out the Alcatel 1v. While the Alcatel 1v's Unisoc chip utilizes a more efficient 28nm process, the Ulefone's Helio A22's higher clock speed and quad-core configuration translate to noticeably snappier performance in everyday tasks.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - 5001T | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, Q4 | 2019, May. Released 2019, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 149.1 x 72.2 x 8.9 mm (5.87 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) | 156.1 x 73.7 x 9.7 mm (6.15 x 2.90 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 153.2 g (5.40 oz) | 178.8 g (6.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~195 ppi density) | 600 x 1280 pixels (~232 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~72.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 92.3 cm2 (~80.2% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (16 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 16GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, 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 | - |
| Triple | - | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP
2 MP |
| 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, 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 3500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Anthracite Black, Metallic Blue, Metallic Gold, Metallic Rose | Black, Gold, Twilight |
| Models | 5001D, 5001A, 5001U, 5001T, 5001J, 5001D_EEA | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | - |
alcatel 1v (2019)
- Potentially better power efficiency due to 28nm process.
- Octa-core CPU (though slower cores).
- Likely more compact form factor.
- Slower CPU clock speeds.
- Less responsive user experience.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Ulefone Note 7P
- Faster CPU clock speeds for improved responsiveness.
- Quad-core CPU optimized for basic tasks.
- Potentially better app launch times.
- Less power-efficient chipset.
- May have shorter battery life under heavy use.
- Likely larger and heavier build.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature low-resolution panels (spec not provided, but typical for this segment). The key difference lies in the underlying chipsets; neither are capable of driving high refresh rates or complex display features. Expect basic 60Hz panels with limited color accuracy. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Given the price point, expect basic sensors and image processing. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution sensors. Any 'macro' cameras included are likely 2MP units offering minimal practical benefit. Image quality will be acceptable in ideal lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. The Alcatel 1v may benefit slightly from any software optimizations, but the core hardware limitations will be the primary constraint.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant factor. The Ulefone Note 7P’s Mediatek Helio A22, with its quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPUs, offers a clear advantage over the Alcatel 1v’s Unisoc SC9863A. While the Alcatel 1v utilizes an octa-core configuration, it splits its cores into two clusters of slower Cortex-A55 cores (1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz). This means the Ulefone will handle app launches and multitasking with greater fluidity. The Helio A22’s 16nm process, while less efficient than the Unisoc’s 28nm, allows for higher clock speeds, resulting in better single-core performance. This translates to a more responsive user experience, especially for less demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Alcatel 1v’s Unisoc SC9863A, fabricated on a 28nm process, theoretically offers better power efficiency than the Ulefone Note 7P’s 16nm Helio A22. However, the Ulefone’s less complex CPU architecture and potentially larger battery capacity (spec not provided, but likely similar) could offset this advantage. Expect both devices to deliver a full day of light use – primarily calls, texts, and occasional web browsing. Charging speeds will likely be slow on both, given the lack of fast charging support.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 1v (2019) if you absolutely need the most power-efficient processor for extended battery life during very light use, and are comfortable with a potentially slower overall experience. Buy the Ulefone Note 7P if you prioritize responsiveness for basic tasks like web browsing and social media, and are willing to accept slightly reduced battery longevity. Both are best suited for first-time smartphone users or as emergency backup devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Ulefone Note 7P struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Ulefone Note 7P can run these apps, expect a somewhat sluggish experience. The Helio A22 is designed for basic tasks, and these apps can be resource-intensive. Closing other apps beforehand will help improve performance. The Alcatel 1v will likely perform even worse.
❓ Is the Alcatel 1v a good choice for someone upgrading from a feature phone?
The Alcatel 1v is a viable option for a first-time smartphone user, but be prepared for a very basic experience. It's best suited for calls, texts, and light web browsing. The slower processor may be frustrating for those accustomed to more powerful devices.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Neither phone is suitable for playing demanding mobile games. While simple 2D games might be playable at low settings, more complex 3D titles will likely be unplayable or suffer from severe lag and frame rate drops. The Helio A22 has a slight edge, but it's still not a gaming phone.
