Alcatel 3 (2025) vs. Google Pixel 7a: A Deep Dive into Value and Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality, smooth performance, and software support, the Google Pixel 7a is the clear winner. Its Tensor G2 chipset and optimized software experience justify the price difference. However, the Alcatel 3 (2025) presents a compelling option for those on a strict budget who need basic smartphone functionality.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | alcatel 3 (2025) | Google Pixel 7a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, May 21 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 576 x 1280 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 15 (Go edition) | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | 5010 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Teal Blue | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | T451H | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | - | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
alcatel 3 (2025)
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially larger battery capacity
- Slow processor and limited performance
- Inferior camera quality
- Slow charging speeds
Google Pixel 7a
- Powerful Google Tensor G2 chipset
- Excellent camera with Google's computational photography
- Faster charging and wireless charging support
- Higher price compared to Alcatel 3 (2025)
- May not have expandable storage
- Potentially smaller battery capacity
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to an assumed lower brightness on the Alcatel 3 (2025) – typical for its price bracket. This brightness advantage translates to better outdoor visibility. While the Alcatel 3 (2025) likely uses an IPS LCD panel, the Pixel 7a’s OLED technology delivers superior contrast and color accuracy. We expect the Pixel 7a to have a higher resolution as well, contributing to a sharper image. Bezels are also likely thinner on the Pixel 7a, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a major differentiator. While specific sensor details are missing for the Alcatel 3 (2025), it’s safe to assume a basic configuration. The Pixel 7a leverages Google’s renowned computational photography algorithms, delivering exceptional image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The Tensor G2’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role in this, enabling features like Night Sight and Super Res Zoom. The Pixel 7a also excels in video recording, offering advanced stabilization and dynamic range. The Alcatel 3 (2025) will likely struggle to compete in these areas.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, fabricated on a 5nm process, features a prime core Cortex-X1 clocked at 2.85 GHz, alongside Cortex-A78 performance cores. This architecture is designed for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. In contrast, the Alcatel 3 (2025) utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A1, a 22nm chipset with slower Cortex-A55 cores. The Tensor G2’s superior process node and core design translate to significantly faster processing speeds and improved power efficiency, minimizing throttling during sustained workloads. The Pixel 7a also benefits from faster RAM (likely LPDDR5x) compared to the Alcatel 3 (2025).
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a had an endurance rating of 76 hours in older tests, suggesting good battery life despite a likely smaller capacity than some competitors. The 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support and 7.5W wireless charging provide convenient charging options. The Alcatel 3 (2025) is limited to 10W wired charging, meaning significantly longer charge times. While the Alcatel 3 (2025) might have a larger battery capacity to compensate for the less efficient chipset, the Pixel 7a’s optimized power management and faster charging capabilities offer a more practical user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 3 (2025) if you need a functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and your budget is under $150. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize a superior camera experience, faster performance for apps and gaming, and guaranteed software updates for years to come, even if it means spending significantly more.