The Alcatel 3L (2020) and Tecno Spark 6 Go represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and light social media, the Alcatel 3L (2020) edges out the Tecno Spark 6 Go. Its Helio P22 chipset, while not powerful, consistently outperforms the Helio A20 found in some Spark 6 Go variants, offering a smoother overall experience.
| 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 | 2020, November 22. Released 2020, November 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) | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) - 2GB, 3GB modelMediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - 4GB model |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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 | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Chameleon Blue, Dark Chrome, Agate Green | Ice Jadelite, Mystery White, Aqua Blue |
| Models | 5029Y, 5029, 5029D, 5029D_EEA, 5029Y_EEA | KE5j, KE5k |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 70 EUR |
alcatel 3L (2020)
- More powerful Helio P22 chipset
- Potentially better battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Generally smoother user experience
- Basic camera system
- Likely limited software updates
Tecno Spark 6 Go
- Lower price point
- Potential for 4GB RAM/Helio A25 variant
- Large battery capacity (likely)
- Helio A20 chipset can feel sluggish
- 2MP macro camera is largely ineffective
- Potential for significant software bloat
Display Comparison
Neither the Alcatel 3L nor the Tecno Spark 6 Go boast impressive displays. Specifics regarding panel type (IPS vs TFT) and resolution are not provided, but both are likely to feature basic LCD panels. The focus here is on functionality, not fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their budget constraints. Color accuracy and brightness are likely to be average, suitable for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but both likely feature basic sensors. The Tecno Spark 6 Go often includes a 2MP macro lens, which is largely ineffective due to its low resolution and lack of autofocus. The Alcatel 3L’s camera setup is similarly basic. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and lack of detail in low light. Image processing will likely prioritize sharpening over natural colors.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel 3L utilizes the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12nm), an octa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz using Cortex-A53 cores. The Tecno Spark 6 Go varies; the 2GB/3GB models use the Helio A20 (12nm), featuring a less powerful octa-core configuration with a split clock speed (4x1.8 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). The 4GB model *may* feature the Helio A25 (12nm), which offers a modest performance improvement. The P22’s higher clock speed and consistent core architecture give it a clear advantage in multi-tasking and app loading times. The A20’s lower clock speeds will result in noticeable lag when running multiple apps or demanding tasks. The lack of information on RAM speed (LPDDR3 vs LPDDR4) further complicates the comparison, but the chipset difference is the dominant factor.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this price point. However, the Alcatel 3L’s more efficient Helio P22 chipset may translate to slightly better battery life. Both devices support 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take several hours. Battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns, but the Alcatel 3L’s chipset offers a slight advantage in power efficiency.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 3L (2020) if you prioritize consistent performance for everyday tasks and a slightly more refined software experience. Buy the Tecno Spark 6 Go if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to accept occasional slowdowns, particularly if you opt for the 2GB RAM configuration. The Spark 6 Go's potential for a Helio A25 chip in the 4GB model offers a slight performance boost, but the price difference must be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 6 Go struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Tecno Spark 6 Go, particularly the 2GB RAM variant with the Helio A20, may exhibit noticeable lag when running multiple instances of WhatsApp and Facebook simultaneously. Switching between apps will likely be slow. The 3GB or 4GB variants will offer a slightly improved experience, but still won't match the smoothness of the Alcatel 3L.
❓ Is the Alcatel 3L a good choice for someone upgrading from a feature phone?
Yes, the Alcatel 3L is a reasonable choice for a first smartphone. Its Helio P22 chipset provides a more responsive experience than the Helio A20, making the transition to a smartphone operating system less jarring. It offers essential smartphone functionality without overwhelming the user with unnecessary features.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
While technically possible to *install* PUBG Mobile on both devices, the experience will be far from ideal. The Helio P22 in the Alcatel 3L will offer slightly better frame rates at the lowest settings, but both phones will likely struggle with consistent performance and may experience significant overheating. Expect frequent lag and stuttering.
