In a market saturated with smartphones, the feature phone persists, offering simplicity and extended battery life. We pit the Alcatel 3088, equipped with a Spreadtrum chipset, against the iconic Nokia 3310 (2017) – a modern reimagining of a classic – to determine which provides the best experience for users prioritizing core communication features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a basic, reliable feature phone, the Alcatel 3088 edges out the Nokia 3310 (2017) due to its more powerful Spreadtrum SC9820E chipset. While the Nokia 3310 boasts brand recognition and a robust build, the Alcatel offers a slightly more responsive user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 | - |
| EDGE | Yes | Yes |
| GPRS | Yes | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019. Released 2019 | 2017, February. Released 2017, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 125.2 x 50.5 x 12.8 mm (4.93 x 1.99 x 0.50 in) | 115.6 x 51 x 12.8 mm (4.55 x 2.01 x 0.50 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 90 g (3.17 oz) | 85 g (3.00 oz) |
| | - | Flashlight |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~28.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~30.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core (2x1.3 GHz Cortex-A7) | - |
| Chipset | Spreadtrum SC9820E | - |
| OS | KaiOS 2.5.1 | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB | 16MB |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 480p | 240p@8fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | Yes |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS |
| | MP3/MP4/H.263 player
Photo viewer
Organizer
Facebook, Whatsapp, YouTube, Google Maps | Audio/Video player |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 51 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 300 h (2G) / Up to 300 h (3G) | Up to 600 h |
| Talk time | Up to 15 h (2G) / Up to 9 h (3G) | Up to 22 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1530 mAh battery | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue | Warm Red (Glossy), Dark Blue (Matte), Yellow (Glossy), Grey (Matte) |
| Models | 3088X, 3088T | - |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.49 W/kg (body) |
alcatel 3088
- More powerful processor (Spreadtrum SC9820E)
- Potential for running basic apps (WhatsApp, browser)
- Likely more responsive user interface
- Brand recognition is lower than Nokia
- Build quality may not match Nokia's reputation
Nokia 3310 (2017)
- Iconic brand and design
- Potentially more durable build quality
- Simple and distraction-free user experience
- Less powerful processor
- Limited functionality beyond calls and texts
- Slower app loading times
Display Comparison
Specific display details for both devices are unavailable. However, given their market segment, both likely utilize low-resolution color displays optimized for readability rather than media consumption. The Nokia 3310 (2017) is known for its curved display, a design choice prioritizing ergonomics, while the Alcatel 3088 likely features a more standard flat panel. Expect similar viewing angles and color reproduction across both devices, limited by their basic display technology.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is positioned as a photography powerhouse. The Alcatel 3088 likely includes a basic camera, but its quality will be limited by the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) capabilities. The Nokia 3310 (2017) also features a camera, but its primary function is likely for quick snapshots rather than detailed image capture. Image quality on both will be sufficient for basic documentation but should not be expected to rival even entry-level smartphones.
Performance
The Alcatel 3088’s Spreadtrum SC9820E chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, provides a demonstrable performance advantage over the Nokia 3310 (2017). While the Nokia 3310’s chipset specifications are not publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume it utilizes a simpler, less powerful processor given its focus on core functionality. This difference translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Alcatel, particularly when running applications like WhatsApp or a basic web browser. The Cortex-A7 architecture in the Alcatel, while dated, is still more capable than the likely single-core processor in the Nokia.
Battery Life
Both the Alcatel 3088 and Nokia 3310 (2017) excel in battery life, a key selling point for feature phones. While specific battery capacities are unknown, the less demanding Spreadtrum SC9820E in the Alcatel, combined with its likely optimized software, should deliver comparable or potentially slightly longer battery life than the Nokia 3310. Both devices are expected to provide several days of standby time and hours of talk time on a single charge, making them ideal for users who prioritize longevity over frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 3088 if you need a feature phone capable of handling basic apps like WhatsApp or a simple web browser, and appreciate a slightly faster processor for a smoother experience. Buy the Nokia 3310 (2017) if you prioritize brand heritage, a potentially more durable build quality (based on Nokia's reputation), and a minimalist, distraction-free experience focused solely on calls and texts.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can the Alcatel 3088 run WhatsApp, and how well does it perform?
Yes, the Alcatel 3088, powered by the Spreadtrum SC9820E chipset, can run WhatsApp. However, performance will be basic. Expect slower loading times compared to a smartphone, and limited multitasking capabilities. It's suitable for occasional messaging but not for heavy WhatsApp usage.
❓ Is the Nokia 3310 (2017) more durable than the Alcatel 3088?
Nokia has a long-standing reputation for building durable phones. While specific drop test data isn't available for both models, the Nokia 3310 (2017) is generally perceived as being more robust due to its construction and brand history. The Alcatel 3088 is likely built to a similar standard for a feature phone, but may not offer the same level of perceived durability.
❓ Does the Alcatel 3088 support internet browsing, and is it a usable experience?
The Alcatel 3088 does support basic internet browsing, but the experience is limited by the slow processor and low-resolution display. It's suitable for checking simple text-based websites, but loading times will be slow, and complex websites may not render correctly. It's not a replacement for smartphone browsing.
