Looking for an affordable smartphone that gets the job done? The Alcatel 3L (2020) and Alcatel 1 (2021) are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Alcatel 3L (2020) takes the win due to its significantly more powerful processor and newer chipset. While both are budget options, the 3L's performance advantage makes it a more capable daily driver, despite potentially similar camera and battery performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January. Released 2020, May | 2021, June 25 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, October 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 158.7 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm (6.25 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 137.6 x 65.7 x 9.8 mm (5.42 x 2.59 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 134 g (4.73 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Asahi Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.4, (ultrawide/depth sensor), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 2 MP, f/2.8 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 2000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Chameleon Blue, Dark Chrome, Agate Green | Volcano Black, AI Aqua |
| Models | 5029Y, 5029, 5029D, 5029D_EEA, 5029Y_EEA | - |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 60 EUR |
alcatel 3L (2020)
- More powerful processor
- Newer chipset (12nm)
- Octa-core CPU
- Likely better software support
- Potentially slightly better camera processing
- May be slightly more expensive
- Charging speed is slow (10W)
- Basic design
alcatel 1 (2021)
- Lower price point
- Compact size (potentially)
- Decent battery life
- Weaker processor
- Older chipset (28nm)
- Quad-core CPU
- Likely slower software updates
- Noticeable lag with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.0-6.2 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness. The 3L might have slightly better color accuracy due to its newer design, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a dual-camera setup on the rear, probably with a 13MP main sensor and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The 3L's newer processor *might* offer slightly better image processing, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
This is where the 3L shines. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset (12nm) is considerably more powerful than the Alcatel 1's MT6739 (28nm). The 3L's octa-core CPU (2.0 GHz) versus the 1's quad-core (1.28 GHz) translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance. Expect noticeable lag on the Alcatel 1 with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 3000-4000mAh. Battery life should be comparable, offering a full day of moderate use. The 3L's more efficient 12nm process *could* give it a slight edge, but it's unlikely to be significant.
Buying Guide
The Alcatel 3L (2020) is ideal for users who prioritize performance and responsiveness, even on a tight budget. The Alcatel 1 (2021) might appeal to those seeking the absolute lowest price point and are less concerned with speed and processing power, primarily using the phone for basic communication and media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Alcatel 3L (2020) is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and octa-core CPU. The Alcatel 1 (2021) will struggle with even moderately demanding games.
❓ How much does each phone typically cost?
The Alcatel 1 (2021) is generally the more affordable option, often found for under $100. The Alcatel 3L (2020) typically retails for around $120-$150, depending on storage configuration.
