Alcatel 1V (2021) vs TCL 30 SE: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Alcatel 1V (2021) and TCL 30 SE are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 30 SE edges out the Alcatel 1V (2021) thanks to its superior processor, slightly better camera capabilities, and faster charging. While both are budget options, the TCL 30 SE provides a more polished and performant experience overall.

PHONES
Phone Names alcatel 1V (2021) TCL 30 SE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - 6002AHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC
4G bands2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6002A1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6002D2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM
Launch
Announced2021, February2022, February 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, AprilAvailable. Released 2022, April 20
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in)165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11 (Go edition)Android 12, TCL UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm
Triple-50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (6165H/6165H1 only)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radio (market/operator dependent)Unspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Gray, Atlantic BlueAtlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue
Models6002A, 6002D6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S
PriceAbout 100 EUR-

alcatel 1V (2021)

  • Simple and easy to use
  • Affordable price point
  • Decent battery life

  • Underpowered processor
  • Slow charging
  • Basic camera performance

TCL 30 SE

  • Better performance than Alcatel 1V
  • Faster charging
  • More versatile camera system
  • Slightly more modern design

  • Still a budget phone with limitations
  • Camera quality isn't exceptional
  • May lack premium features

Display Comparison

Both phones feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution, around 6.5 inches. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price point, but don't expect flagship-level vibrancy. The TCL 30 SE might have slightly better brightness, but it's marginal.

Camera Comparison

The TCL 30 SE generally has a more versatile camera setup, often including a macro lens and potentially a slightly higher resolution main sensor. While neither phone boasts exceptional camera quality, the TCL 30 SE's image processing might be a bit more refined. Expect decent daytime shots from both.

Performance

This is where the TCL 30 SE shines. Its Octa-core Helio G25 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the Alcatel 1V's Quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly better gaming performance on the TCL 30 SE. Both will struggle with demanding games.

Battery Life

Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the TCL 30 SE's 15W charging is faster than the Alcatel 1V's 10W, allowing for quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

The Alcatel 1V (2021) is a good choice for users prioritizing a simple, reliable phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing. The TCL 30 SE is better suited for those who want a bit more performance for social media, casual gaming, and photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference between the processors in these phones?
The TCL 30 SE has an Octa-core Helio G25, while the Alcatel 1V (2021) has a Quad-core Helio A22. The TCL's processor offers significantly better performance for multitasking and gaming.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer all-day battery life with moderate use. However, the TCL 30 SE charges faster thanks to its 15W charging support.