Both the Alcatel 3L (2020) and the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) target the entry-level smartphone market, but they approach it with different philosophies. The Alcatel prioritizes affordability and basic functionality, while the Samsung aims for a slightly more robust experience with a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best fits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a smoother experience and occasional multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Alcatel 3L’s Helio P22. However, the Alcatel 3L remains a viable option for those on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and light app usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January. Released 2020, May | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 205 g (7.23 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Chameleon Blue, Dark Chrome, Agate Green | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | 5029Y, 5029, 5029D, 5029D_EEA, 5029Y_EEA | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
alcatel 3L (2020)
- Potentially better battery life due to the more efficient chipset.
- Lower price point, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
- Simpler user experience for those unfamiliar with smartphones.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Galaxy A12.
- Likely lower-quality display.
- Slower charging speeds.
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Exynos 850.
- Faster 15W charging.
- Larger 5000mAh battery (typical for this model).
- Slightly higher price.
- Potentially shorter battery life during heavy usage compared to the Alcatel 3L.
- May experience occasional software bloat from Samsung.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the Alcatel 3L, it's likely a 720p LCD. The Samsung Galaxy A12 also features a large LCD, but the key difference lies under the hood. The Exynos 850’s GPU will provide a smoother experience when scrolling and navigating the UI compared to the Helio P22. The lack of high refresh rates on either device means the performance difference will be more noticeable in UI responsiveness than in video playback.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given both phones target the budget segment. Both will likely feature a primary camera accompanied by several low-resolution sensors (often 2MP macro/depth). The Alcatel 3L’s camera specs are unavailable, but the Galaxy A12’s main sensor is likely a 13MP unit. The Exynos 850’s image signal processor (ISP) will offer slightly better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. However, don't expect flagship-level image quality from either device.
Performance
The core difference between these phones is the chipset. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, offers a significant advantage over the Alcatel 3L’s 12nm Mediatek Helio P22. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations clocked at 2.0 GHz, the Exynos 850 utilizes more efficient Cortex-A55 cores across all eight, leading to better sustained performance and improved power efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Galaxy A12. The Helio P22, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Alcatel 3L’s Helio P22 chipset, built on a larger 12nm node, is inherently more power-efficient than the Exynos 850. This could translate to slightly longer battery life during light usage. However, the Samsung Galaxy A12 compensates with 15W wired charging, significantly faster than the Alcatel 3L’s 10W charging. This means the A12 can replenish its battery much quicker, reducing downtime. While battery capacity is not specified for the Alcatel 3L, the Galaxy A12 typically features a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 3L (2020) if you need a supremely affordable phone for basic communication and minimal app usage, and battery life is paramount. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you prefer a more responsive user experience, can handle slightly faster charging, and anticipate using more demanding apps or light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is a relatively efficient chip and generally doesn't suffer from significant overheating issues during moderate gaming. However, demanding titles played for extended periods may cause some thermal throttling, leading to a slight performance decrease. The 8nm process helps mitigate this compared to older, larger-node chipsets.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A12 actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Realistically, the 2MP macro camera on the Galaxy A12 is limited in its capabilities. Due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus, the resulting images often lack detail and sharpness. It's more of a marketing feature than a genuinely useful camera component.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
The Galaxy A12 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to stick to lower graphics settings (Balanced or Low) to achieve consistently playable frame rates. Expect around 30-40 FPS, which is acceptable for casual gaming. Don't expect a high-end gaming experience.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Alcatel 3L (2020) from 0% to 100% with the included 10W charger?
With its 10W charging, the Alcatel 3L will take approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. This is significantly slower than the Samsung Galaxy A12's 15W charging, which can achieve a full charge in around 2-2.5 hours.
