In a market saturated with smartphones, the appeal of a simple, reliable feature phone is resurfacing. The Alcatel 3088 and Nokia 2720 Flip represent two compelling options, but beneath their similar exteriors lie significant differences in processing power and efficiency. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing battery life and efficient operation, the Nokia 2720 Flip emerges as the better choice. While the Alcatel 3088’s Spreadtrum SC9820E offers slightly higher clock speeds, the Nokia’s Qualcomm MSM8905 benefits from a more mature architecture and a smaller manufacturing process, resulting in superior power management.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - EU |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - MENA, APAC, GCR |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019. Released 2019 | 2019, September 05. Released 2019, September 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 125.2 x 50.5 x 12.8 mm (4.93 x 1.99 x 0.50 in) | 192.7 x 54.5 x 11.6 mm (7.59 x 2.15 x 0.46 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 90 g (3.17 oz) | 118 g (4.16 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~28.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~23.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | TFT LCD, 256K colors |
| | - | Second external TFT display, 240 x 240 pixels, 1.3 inches |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core (2x1.3 GHz Cortex-A7) | Dual-core (2x1.1 GHz Cortex-A7) |
| Chipset | Spreadtrum SC9820E | Qualcomm MSM8905 Snapdragon 205 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 304 |
| OS | KaiOS 2.5.1 | KaiOS 2.5.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB | 4GB 512MB |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 480p | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| | MP3/MP4/H.263 player
Photo viewer
Organizer
Facebook, Whatsapp, YouTube, Google Maps | SNS applications
MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/AAC player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 300 h (2G) / Up to 300 h (3G) | Up to 700 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 15 h (2G) / Up to 9 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 1530 mAh battery | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue | Black, Gray, Red |
| Models | 3088X, 3088T | TA-1175, TA-1173, TA-1170, TA-1168 |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.87 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.03 W/kg (head) 1.69 W/kg (body) |
alcatel 3088
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed (1.3 GHz)
- Potentially more responsive interface for basic tasks
- May offer wider availability in certain regions
- Less efficient Spreadtrum chipset
- Likely shorter battery life
- Potentially less refined software experience
Nokia 2720 Flip
- More efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 chipset
- Longer battery life due to 28nm process
- Clamshell design offers screen protection
- Lower CPU clock speed (1.1 GHz)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Clamshell design may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays geared towards basic functionality, and detailed display specs are not provided. However, given the target market, we can assume both utilize TN panels prioritizing cost over color accuracy. The Nokia 2720 Flip’s clamshell design offers screen protection when closed, a practical advantage over the Alcatel 3088’s likely fixed display. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Neither phone is intended for serious photography. Both likely feature basic VGA or 2MP cameras suitable for simple snapshots. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, and image quality will be limited by the sensor size and lack of advanced features like optical image stabilization. Focusing on camera performance for these devices is largely irrelevant; their primary function is communication, not photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel 3088 utilizes the Spreadtrum SC9820E with a dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, while the Nokia 2720 Flip employs the Qualcomm MSM8905 Snapdragon 205, also dual-core Cortex-A7 but clocked at 1.1 GHz. Despite the lower clock speed, the Snapdragon 205, fabricated on a 28nm process, is more efficient than the SC9820E. This translates to better thermal management and longer battery life. The Qualcomm chipset also benefits from a more mature software ecosystem, potentially leading to smoother operation of basic features. While both CPUs are based on the Cortex-A7 architecture, the Qualcomm’s optimization and manufacturing process give it an edge.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are not provided. However, the Qualcomm MSM8905’s superior power efficiency in the Nokia 2720 Flip will undoubtedly result in longer standby and talk times. The 28nm process node allows for lower voltage operation, minimizing power consumption. While the Alcatel 3088’s chipset might offer slightly faster processing, it will come at the cost of reduced battery life. The Nokia 2720 Flip is likely to offer several days of use on a single charge, while the Alcatel 3088 may require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 3088 if you need a slightly more responsive interface for basic tasks and are willing to trade some battery life for it. Buy the Nokia 2720 Flip if you prioritize long-lasting battery performance, a more refined user experience, and the reliability of Qualcomm’s chipset, making it ideal for emergency use or those seeking a truly disconnected experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 2720 Flip last a week on a single charge?
While usage patterns vary, the Nokia 2720 Flip’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 chipset is highly efficient. With moderate use – primarily for calls and texts – a week of standby time is achievable. The Alcatel 3088, with its less efficient chipset, is unlikely to reach this duration.
❓ Is the Alcatel 3088 a good choice for someone who frequently uses the internet (even basic browsing)?
Neither phone is well-suited for internet browsing. Both chipsets are underpowered for modern web standards, and data speeds will be limited. The Alcatel 3088’s slightly faster processor won’t significantly improve the browsing experience. These phones are best used for core communication features.
❓ Does the Nokia 2720 Flip support 4G LTE?
Yes, the Qualcomm MSM8905 Snapdragon 205 supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for faster data speeds where available. This is a significant advantage over older 2G/3G-only feature phones, enabling basic internet access and VoLTE calling.
