The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Alcatel 3 (2025) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R represent two distinct approaches to delivering value. The Alcatel aims for affordability with a tried-and-true, if older, chipset, while the Redmi Note 13R leverages a newer Qualcomm platform and faster charging to appeal to users prioritizing performance and convenience. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4nm process, provides a substantial performance advantage over the Alcatel 3 (2025)'s Unisoc SC9863A1, and the 33W charging is a game-changer for convenience. While the Alcatel may be slightly cheaper, the Redmi Note 13R offers a far superior user experience.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, May 21 | 2024, May 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June | Available. Released 2024, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 576 x 1280 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 15 (Go edition) | Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5010 mAh | 5030 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Teal Blue | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | T451H | 2406ERN9CC |
| Price | - | About 180 EUR |
alcatel 3 (2025)
- Potentially lower upfront cost.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- May be more readily available in certain regions.
- Significantly slower processor.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Less future-proof chipset.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset.
- 33W fast charging for quick top-ups.
- Better long-term software support potential.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing.
- Potential for more bloatware.
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the price points, both likely feature LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. However, the Redmi Note 13R, being a newer device, may benefit from slightly improved color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of high refresh rates is expected in this segment. Bezels are likely comparable, with both aiming for maximizing screen real estate within their respective budgets.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it's difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given Xiaomi’s history, the Redmi Note 13R likely features a more sophisticated image processing pipeline and potentially a larger main sensor. The Alcatel 3 (2025) will likely rely on software enhancements to compensate for a potentially less capable sensor. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and should not be a deciding factor for most users.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Alcatel 3 (2025)’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The 4nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon offers significantly improved power efficiency and thermal management, translating to less throttling during sustained tasks. The CPU architecture also favors the Redmi Note 13R; its 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 cores provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance compared to the Alcatel’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means faster app loading times and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi Note 13R. The Unisoc chip is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the Redmi Note 13R’s 33W wired charging is a major advantage. The Alcatel 3 (2025) is limited to 10W charging, meaning significantly longer charge times. Even with a comparable battery capacity, the Redmi Note 13R will offer greater convenience due to its faster charging speed. A full charge on the Alcatel could take upwards of 3 hours, while the Redmi Note 13R could achieve a full charge in under 90 minutes.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 3 (2025) if your absolute priority is the lowest possible upfront cost and you primarily need a phone for basic communication tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R if you value smoother performance for apps and multitasking, faster charging to minimize downtime, and a more future-proof platform for software updates and app compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A1 in the Alcatel 3 (2025) struggle with popular apps like TikTok or Instagram?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A1 is a relatively low-end chipset. While it can run these apps, you may experience noticeable lag, slow loading times, and occasional stutters, especially when multitasking. The Redmi Note 13R’s Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 will provide a much smoother experience.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Alcatel 3 (2025) with its 10W charging?
Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 3 to 4 hours with the Alcatel 3 (2025)'s 10W charger. This is a significant drawback compared to the Redmi Note 13R’s 33W fast charging.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13R capable of handling light gaming?
Yes, the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 is capable of handling many popular mobile games at medium settings. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience for titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 13R support software updates for a long period?
Xiaomi typically provides at least two major Android updates and three years of security patches for its Redmi Note series. This is a longer support lifespan than Alcatel generally offers for its budget devices, making the Redmi Note 13R a more future-proof investment.
