Alcatel 1V (2021) vs TCL 305: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

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?
Phones Images

🏆 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!

PHONES
Phone Names alcatel 1V (2021) TCL 305
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - 6002AHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 6102D
4G bands2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6002A1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6102D
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 - 6102А
Launch
Announced2021, February2022, January 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, AprilAvailable. Released 2022, February
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-A53Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11 (Go edition)Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB 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", 1.12µm5 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
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioFM radio (market/operator dependent)FM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired10W wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Gray, Atlantic BlueSpace Gray, Atlantic Blue
Models6002A, 6002D6102D, 5164D
PriceAbout 100 EURAbout 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.