Looking for an affordable smartphone? The Alcatel 1V series offers budget-friendly options, but which generation is right for you? We're pitting the 2021 and 2019 models against each other to determine which delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Alcatel 1V (2021) edges out the 2019 model thanks to its more efficient chipset and slightly improved performance. While both are budget phones, the 2021 version offers a more modern experience, making it the better 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 - 6002A | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 5001D/5001U/5001T |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6002A | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - 5001D |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6002D | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - 5001T |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February | 2019, September. Released 2019, Q4 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 149.1 x 72.2 x 8.9 mm (5.87 x 2.84 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 153.2 g (5.40 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~195 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~72.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 16GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm | 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 | HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio (market/operator dependent) | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical) - market dependant, accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 2460 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue | Anthracite Black, Metallic Blue, Metallic Gold, Metallic Rose |
| Models | 6002A, 6002D | 5001D, 5001A, 5001U, 5001T, 5001J, 5001D_EEA |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 80 EUR |
alcatel 1V (2021)
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly better performance
- Modern design (potentially)
- Likely better software support
- 10W charging is slow
- Limited camera capabilities
- Entry-level performance
alcatel 1v (2019)
- Lower price point
- Decent battery life
- Octa-core processor
- Less efficient chipset
- Slower performance
- Older design
- Likely limited software support
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 6.2 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness. The 2021 model *might* have slightly improved color accuracy, but it's unlikely to be a significant difference.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar on both, probably featuring a 13MP main sensor and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The 2021 model *might* have slightly improved image processing algorithms.
Performance
The 2021's Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the 2019's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The A22's smaller manufacturing process generally leads to better power efficiency and performance. While both are entry-level chips, the 2021 will handle everyday tasks and light multitasking more smoothly. Expect some lag on both devices with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 4000mAh. However, the 2021's more efficient chipset should translate to slightly better battery life. Both phones support 10W charging, which is relatively slow.
Buying Guide
The Alcatel 1V (2021) is ideal for users prioritizing a smoother experience and slightly better performance on a tight budget. The 2019 model remains a viable option for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and are less concerned with raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in performance between the two phones?
The Alcatel 1V (2021) has a more modern and efficient chipset (Mediatek Helio A22) compared to the 2019 model's Unisoc SC9863A, resulting in smoother performance and better power efficiency.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Alcatel 1V (2021) is expected to have slightly better battery life due to its more efficient chipset, although both phones have a similar battery capacity.
