The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Alcatel 3L (2020) represents a baseline for essential functionality, while the Realme 7i aims to deliver a more robust experience, particularly for gaming and multimedia, at a slightly higher price point. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices to help you determine which best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 7i is the superior choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Alcatel 3L’s Helio P22, and the 18W fast charging is a significant convenience. While the Alcatel 3L remains a viable option for basic use, the 7i offers better value for its price.
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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, December 22. Released 2020, December 23 |
| 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) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 208 g (7.34 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB 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) | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Chameleon Blue, Dark Chrome, Agate Green | Glory Silver, Victory Blue |
| Models | 5029Y, 5029, 5029D, 5029D_EEA, 5029Y_EEA | - |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 190 EUR |
alcatel 3L (2020)
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Slow processor struggles with demanding apps
- Slow 10W charging
- Likely limited camera performance
Realme 7i (Global)
- Faster and more efficient Helio G85 processor
- 18W fast charging significantly reduces charging time
- 5W reverse wired charging adds versatility
- Slightly higher price than the Alcatel 3L
- May still struggle with graphically intensive games at high settings
- Camera quality may not compete with higher-end devices
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize standard LCD panels, and detailed specifications like resolution and brightness are not provided. However, the Realme 7i’s slightly larger target market suggests a potentially larger screen size, which could be beneficial for media consumption. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like HDR on either device indicates a focus on cost optimization.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme 7i’s positioning as a more feature-rich device suggests a potentially more capable camera system. The Alcatel 3L likely relies on basic image processing, while the 7i may offer features like scene recognition or improved low-light performance. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are largely marketing features and offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The Realme 7i’s Mediatek Helio G85 chipset is the clear winner here. While both chips are built on a 12nm process, the G85 features a more modern CPU architecture – specifically, two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz – compared to the Alcatel 3L’s all-Cortex-A53 configuration. This architectural difference translates to significantly improved single-core and multi-core performance, making the 7i much better suited for demanding applications and gaming. The 7i will handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a more stable framerate than the 3L.
Battery Life
The Realme 7i’s 18W wired charging is a game-changer compared to the Alcatel 3L’s 10W charging. This means significantly faster top-up times, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the 7i effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. The 7i also includes 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices – a feature absent on the Alcatel 3L.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 3L (2020) if you need a functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Realme 7i (Global) if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, faster charging, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 7i handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Realme 7i’s Helio G85 chipset is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to stick to medium graphics settings for a smooth and consistent framerate. The Alcatel 3L’s Helio P22 will struggle with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Realme 7i compared to the Alcatel 3L?
With 18W fast charging, the Realme 7i will charge significantly faster than the Alcatel 3L’s 10W charging. While exact times depend on battery capacity (which isn't specified), expect the 7i to reach 100% in approximately 2-2.5 hours, while the 3L could take 3.5-4 hours or longer.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Realme 7i useful?
The 5W reverse charging on the Realme 7i is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch in a pinch. It's not a replacement for a dedicated power bank, but it can be helpful in emergencies.
