The smartphone market is segmented, and these two devices exemplify that. The Alcatel 3 (2025) aims for the ultra-budget conscious, while the Realme 12 Pro+ attempts to deliver a compelling feature set at a more competitive, but still accessible, price point. This comparison dissects the core differences between the Unisoc-powered Alcatel and the Snapdragon-equipped Realme, focusing on where each phone excels and who will benefit most.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and convenience, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset and 67W charging drastically outperform the Alcatel 3 (2025)'s Unisoc SC9863A1 and 10W charging. However, the Alcatel 3 (2025) remains a viable option for those on the tightest of budgets.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, May 21 | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June | Available. Released 2024, January 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 576 x 1280 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM), 950 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 15 (Go edition) | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
64 MP, f/2.8, 71mm, (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 67W wired, 50% in 19 min |
| Type | 5010 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Teal Blue | Submarine Blue, Navigator Beige, Explorer Red |
| Models | T451H | RMX3840, RMX3841 |
| Price | - | $ 465.00 / £ 299.00 / € 344.26 / ₹ 28,400 |
alcatel 3 (2025)
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Lightweight and potentially compact design
- Slow charging speed (10W)
- Underpowered chipset for demanding tasks
- Likely lower display quality
Realme 12 Pro+
- Fast 67W charging
- Powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset
- Bright and likely high-quality display
- Long battery life (13:24h active use)
- Higher price compared to Alcatel 3 (2025)
- May be larger and heavier than the Alcatel
- Software updates may be less frequent than flagship devices
Display Comparison
The Realme 12 Pro+ boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 802 nits. While the Alcatel 3 (2025)'s display specifications are not provided, it's reasonable to assume it falls considerably lower, impacting outdoor visibility. The Realme's panel likely benefits from better color accuracy and viewing angles, enhancing the overall visual experience. The lack of display details for the Alcatel suggests a cost-cutting approach, prioritizing functionality over premium features.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the Alcatel 3 (2025), a direct comparison is limited. However, given its price point, it's likely to feature a simpler camera system. The Realme 12 Pro+ likely features a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, enabling better image processing and low-light performance. While the Alcatel may suffice for casual snapshots, the Realme is expected to deliver more detailed and vibrant photos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 12 Pro+ utilizes the Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, built on a power-efficient 4nm process. This translates to superior performance and thermal management compared to the Alcatel 3 (2025)'s Unisoc SC9863A1, fabricated on a less efficient 22nm node. The Snapdragon's Cortex-A78 cores (2.40 GHz) offer a substantial performance uplift over the Alcatel's Cortex-A55 cores (1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz). This difference will be most noticeable in multitasking, app loading times, and gaming.
Battery Life
The Realme 12 Pro+ shines with its 67W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 19 minutes. This is a massive advantage over the Alcatel 3 (2025)'s slow 10W charging. While the Realme 12 Pro+'s battery capacity isn't specified, its active use score of 13:24h indicates excellent battery life, likely optimized by the efficient Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset. The Alcatel 3 (2025) will require significantly longer to charge and may not offer the same level of all-day endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 3 (2025) if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and your budget is under $150. Buy the Realme 12 Pro+ if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster charging, and the ability to handle more demanding applications like gaming or video editing, and are willing to spend around $250-$300.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A1 in the Alcatel 3 (2025) sufficient for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
While PUBG Mobile may be playable on the Alcatel 3 (2025), expect significant compromises in graphics settings and frame rates. The Unisoc SC9863A1 is an entry-level chipset and will struggle with demanding games. The Realme 12 Pro+'s Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 offers a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Alcatel 3 (2025) with its 10W charging?
With 10W charging, a full charge for the Alcatel 3 (2025) will likely take over 3 hours, potentially even closer to 4 hours, depending on the battery capacity. This is a significant drawback compared to the Realme 12 Pro+'s 67W charging, which can reach 50% in under 20 minutes.
❓ Does the Realme 12 Pro+ support features like 5G connectivity?
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset in the Realme 12 Pro+ inherently supports 5G connectivity, allowing for faster download and streaming speeds where available. The Alcatel 3 (2025) may or may not support 5G, depending on the specific model and regional availability, but it's less likely given its budget positioning.
