The Alcatel 1v (2019) and Xiaomi Redmi 7A represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best experience for users prioritizing affordability and essential features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 7A is the better choice. While both phones are incredibly affordable, the Redmi 7A’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and better thermal management compared to the Alcatel 1v’s Unisoc SC9863A.
| 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, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - 5001T | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, Q4 | 2019, May 24. Released 2019, July 04 |
| 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) | 146.3 x 70.4 x 9.6 mm (5.76 x 2.77 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 153.2 g (5.40 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~195 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~72.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~74.4% 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 (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 16GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB 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 | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF - China
or
12 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF - Global, India |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 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, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio, built-in antenna |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2460 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Anthracite Black, Metallic Blue, Metallic Gold, Metallic Rose | Matte Black, Morning blue, Matte Blue, Matte Gold, Gem Red, Gem Blue |
| Models | 5001D, 5001A, 5001U, 5001T, 5001J, 5001D_EEA | MZB7995IN, M1903C3EG, M1903C3EH, M1903C3EI |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) |
alcatel 1v (2019)
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable for minimal smartphone use
- Less efficient Unisoc chipset
- Slower performance
- Likely limited software support
Xiaomi Redmi 7A
- More efficient Snapdragon 439
- Better performance for multitasking
- 10W charging support
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera quality is basic
- May still struggle with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are adequate for basic viewing. The lack of information prevents a detailed comparison, but the focus here is clearly not on visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, given the overall positioning of these phones, image quality will likely be acceptable only in well-lit conditions. The presence of a 10W charger on the Redmi 7A suggests a slightly more refined user experience, potentially extending to image processing capabilities, though this is speculative.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 7A’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm) is a significant step up from the Alcatel 1v’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 12nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 439 translates to better power efficiency and reduced heat generation. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 439 utilizes Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.95 GHz, offering a performance edge over the Alcatel’s mix of 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means the Redmi 7A will handle multitasking and app loading with noticeably less lag. The Unisoc chip, being older and on a larger node, will struggle more with demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Redmi 7A’s 10W charging is a small advantage, offering a slightly faster recharge time compared to what we’d expect from the Alcatel 1v. More importantly, the Snapdragon 439’s superior efficiency will result in longer battery life during typical usage, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 1v (2019) if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to compromise on performance and efficiency. It’s a functional device for very basic tasks. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 7A if you prioritize a smoother user experience, slightly better performance for multitasking, and a more efficient chipset that won’t overheat as quickly during prolonged use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 7A’s Snapdragon 439 handle basic games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Yes, the Snapdragon 439 is more than capable of running less demanding games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers without significant issues. While it won’t handle graphically intensive titles, it provides a smoother experience than the Unisoc SC9863A in the Alcatel 1v for casual gaming.
❓ How much of a difference will the 12nm process of the Snapdragon 439 make in real-world battery life?
The 12nm process node is significantly more efficient than the 28nm node used in the Unisoc SC9863A. This translates to less power consumption for the same tasks, resulting in noticeably longer battery life on the Redmi 7A, especially during prolonged use like web browsing or video playback.
❓ Is the Alcatel 1v a good choice for a first smartphone for a child or elderly person?
The Alcatel 1v could serve as a very basic first smartphone, but its limited performance might lead to frustration. The Redmi 7A is a slightly better option due to its smoother operation and more responsive interface, making it easier to learn and use.
