The Alcatel 3L (2020) and Nokia 3.4 represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they differ significantly in their underlying hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on the impact of the Mediatek Helio P22 versus the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 on real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia 3.4 emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 460 chipset, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Alcatel 3L’s Helio P22, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user interface. While both offer 10W charging, the Nokia 3.4’s more efficient processor contributes to better overall battery life.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 13, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January. Released 2020, May | 2020, September 22. Released 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| 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) | 161 x 76 x 8.7 mm (6.34 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4", 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) | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Chameleon Blue, Dark Chrome, Agate Green | Fjord, Dusk, Charcoal |
| Models | 5029Y, 5029, 5029D, 5029D_EEA, 5029Y_EEA | TA-1288, TA-1285, TA-1283 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.56 W/kg (body) |
alcatel 3L (2020)
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Functional for basic tasks
- Inferior processor performance
- Less efficient power consumption
- Likely slower app launch times
Nokia 3.4
- More powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset
- Improved power efficiency
- Smoother multitasking and responsiveness
- Slightly higher price
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera performance still limited by budget sensors
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the Nokia 3.4 benefits from the more modern Snapdragon 460’s image signal processor (ISP), potentially leading to slightly better color reproduction and dynamic range. The Alcatel 3L’s display specs are largely unknown, but given its positioning, it likely prioritizes cost savings over display quality. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, as both phones target the budget segment. Both will likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. However, the Snapdragon 460’s ISP in the Nokia 3.4 offers advantages in image processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The Alcatel 3L’s image processing will likely be more basic. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia 3.4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) is a clear upgrade over the Alcatel 3L’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm). The Snapdragon 460 features a combination of Cortex-A73 and A53 cores, offering significantly better sustained performance than the Helio P22’s all-Cortex-A53 configuration. The A73 cores provide a boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. The 11nm process node also contributes to improved power efficiency, meaning the Nokia 3.4 will likely run cooler and experience less throttling under load. While both phones likely feature 3GB or 4GB of RAM, the superior chipset will make a more substantial difference than RAM capacity alone.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience. However, the Snapdragon 460’s 11nm process is more power-efficient than the Helio P22’s 12nm process. This translates to longer battery life for the Nokia 3.4, even with a similar battery capacity (which is not specified in the provided data). The Nokia 3.4 will likely achieve a longer screen-on time and require less frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 3L (2020) if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and you prioritize minimizing upfront cost. Buy the Nokia 3.4 if you value a more fluid user experience, occasional gaming, and a slightly more future-proof platform, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 3.4 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 460 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can handle PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at lower graphics settings. Expect frame rate dips during intense action. The Alcatel 3L’s Helio P22 will struggle significantly with these titles, offering a less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed (2.0 GHz vs 1.8 GHz) significant in everyday use?
The raw clock speed difference isn't the whole story. The Nokia 3.4’s Snapdragon 460 utilizes more efficient CPU cores (Cortex-A73) alongside its A53 cores, providing a more substantial performance boost than the 200MHz clock speed difference suggests. This translates to faster app loading and smoother multitasking.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge both phones with the 10W charger?
Expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours for both devices. The 10W charging standard is relatively slow. However, the Nokia 3.4’s more efficient processor will likely reach 100% with slightly less energy consumed overall.
