Alcatel 3L (2020) vs Xiaomi Redmi 10C: Which Budget Champion Reigns?

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Alcatel 3L (2020) and Xiaomi Redmi 10C are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi 10C is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset provides significantly better performance, a more efficient 6nm process, faster charging, and a generally more modern experience compared to the Alcatel 3L's older Helio P22.

PHONES
Phone Names	alcatel 3L (2020)	Xiaomi Redmi 10C

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	2022, March 21
Status	Discontinued	Available. Released 2022, March 23

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)	169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	165 g (5.82 oz)	190 g (6.70 oz)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution	720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)	720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density)
Size	6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)	6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53	Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)	Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GE8320	Adreno 610
OS	Android 10	Android 11, MIUI 13

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM	64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Dual	-	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm	5 MP, f/2.2
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	5 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	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
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

Battery
Charging	10W wired	18W wired
Type	Li-Po 4000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Chameleon Blue, Dark Chrome, Agate Green	Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green
Models	5029Y, 5029, 5029D, 5029D_EEA, 5029Y_EEA	220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL
Price	About 150 EUR	£ 99.00 / € 109.86
SAR	-	0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body)

alcatel 3L (2020)

Very affordable
Decent basic functionality
Compact size

Outdated chipset
Slow charging
Lower resolution display
Limited performance

Xiaomi Redmi 10C

Better performance
Faster charging
Higher resolution display
More modern chipset (6nm)
Improved camera

Slightly more expensive than Alcatel 3L
May lack some premium features

Display Comparison

The Redmi 10C typically features a larger 6.53-inch display with a 1080 x 2340 resolution, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The Alcatel 3L (2020) usually has a smaller 6.088-inch display with a lower resolution (720 x 1560). Expect sharper visuals and better color reproduction on the Redmi 10C.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi 10C generally boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor (typically 50MP) and improved image processing. While both phones offer decent camera capabilities for their price range, the Redmi 10C tends to produce better photos, especially in low-light conditions. The Alcatel 3L usually has a 13MP main camera.

Performance

This is where the Redmi 10C truly shines. The Snapdragon 680's 6nm process and Kryo 265 cores offer a substantial performance boost over the Alcatel 3L's 12nm Helio P22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the Redmi 10C. Gaming performance will also be noticeably better.

Battery Life

Both phones offer decent battery life, but the Redmi 10C's more efficient chipset and faster charging (18W vs 10W) give it an edge. Expect slightly longer battery life and quicker top-ups with the Redmi 10C.

Buying Guide

The Alcatel 3L (2020) is best suited for users who prioritize a very low price point and basic functionality. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C is ideal for those seeking a smoother experience, better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and faster charging without spending much more.