The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking essential features without breaking the bank. Today, we pit two contenders against each other: the Alcatel 1V (2021) and the TCL 305. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same core chipset, resulting in similar performance. The TCL 305 likely edges out the Alcatel 1V due to potentially better software support and a slightly more refined design, though both are solid choices for users prioritizing affordability above all else. It's a close call!
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - 6002A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 6102D |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6002A | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6102D |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6002D | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6102А |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February | 2022, January 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April | Available. Released 2022, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.2 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 |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | 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, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (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 | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio (market/operator dependent) | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | 6002A, 6002D | 6102D, 5164D |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 200 EUR |
alcatel 1V (2021)
- Affordable
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Decent battery life
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
- Potentially shorter software support
TCL 305
- Slightly more modern design
- Potentially better software support
- Affordable
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with a standard resolution (720 x 1600). Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness. The TCL 305 *might* have a slightly more modern display panel with better color accuracy, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed reviews.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely to be similar, with a primary rear camera around 13MP and a secondary depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The TCL 305 *could* have slightly better image processing software.
Performance
Identical chipsets (Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22) and CPUs (Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) mean performance will be virtually the same. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks, but multitasking and demanding apps will struggle. Don't expect gaming prowess from either device.
Battery Life
Both phones offer 10W wired charging and likely have a battery capacity around 4000mAh. Expect a full day of moderate use from either device, but charging will take a while.
Buying Guide
The Alcatel 1V (2021) is ideal for users needing a basic, reliable phone for calls, texts, and light social media use. The TCL 305 is a better fit for those who want a slightly more modern design and potentially longer software updates, even within the budget category.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
No, neither phone is suitable for demanding games. The Helio A22 chipset is designed for basic tasks, not gaming.
❓ How long will the software updates be for these phones?
Software support is typically limited on budget phones. The TCL 305 *might* receive slightly longer updates, but don't expect major Android version upgrades.
❓ Which phone has better call quality?
Call quality is likely to be similar on both phones, as it primarily depends on the network connection and microphone quality, which are not significantly different between these models.