Alcatel 3x (2019) vs. Motorola Moto G7 Play: A Detailed Comparison for Budget Shoppers
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G7 Play is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 chipset, built on a more efficient 14nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Alcatel 3x’s MediaTek Helio P23, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading. While both offer similar battery endurance, the G7 Play’s more refined software experience adds to its overall appeal.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | alcatel 3x (2019) | Motorola Moto G7 Play |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 5048Y | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - 5048Y | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat7 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 66 - 5048A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 41, 66, 71 - USA | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, Q4 | 2019, February. Released 2019, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.49 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 147.3 x 71.5 x 8 mm (5.80 x 2.81 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 149 g (5.26 oz) |
| - | Splash resistant (market dependent) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (market dependent) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1512 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 81.4 cm2 (~77.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6763V Helio P23 (16 nm) | Qualcomm SDM632 Snapdragon 632 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.2, 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 | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Jewelry Black, Jewelry Green, Jewelry Rose | Deep indigo, Fine Gold, Starry Black |
| Models | 5048Y, 5048A, 5048Y_EEA, 5048I, 5048U_EEA | XT1952-4, XT1952-5 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.74 W/kg (head) 1.40 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.84 W/kg (head) 0.85 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -90.0dB / Crosstalk -92.9dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 103h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 1468:1 (nominal), 3.180 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 66dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 81dB |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 97230 (v7) GeekBench: 4154 (v4.4) GFXBench: 7.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
alcatel 3x (2019)
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable battery life
- Functional for basic tasks
- Less powerful processor
- Less efficient chipset
- Likely slower software experience
Motorola Moto G7 Play
- More powerful Snapdragon 632 processor
- More efficient 14nm process
- Smoother user experience
- Potentially better software support
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar charging speed to Alcatel 3x
- Camera details are lacking
Display Comparison
Both the Alcatel 3x and Moto G7 Play share a contrast ratio of 1468:1 (nominal) and 3.180 (sunlight), suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, the context data lacks specifics on screen resolution or size, making a direct comparison difficult. Given Motorola’s generally better display calibration, the G7 Play likely offers slightly more accurate colors. The absence of information on PWM dimming rates prevents assessment of potential eye strain for sensitive users.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Given the market positioning, it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera systems. Without further information, it’s impossible to determine a clear winner. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality, serving primarily as a marketing feature.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G7 Play’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 (14nm) significantly outperforms the Alcatel 3x’s MediaTek Helio P23 (16nm). The Snapdragon 632 utilizes a Kryo CPU architecture, featuring a mix of performance (Gold) and efficiency (Silver) cores, offering a more balanced approach than the Helio P23’s homogenous Cortex-A53 setup. The 14nm process node of the Snapdragon 632 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained tasks. This translates to a smoother experience when switching between apps and a more enjoyable experience with moderately demanding games.
Battery Life
Both the Alcatel 3x and Motorola Moto G7 Play boast an endurance rating of 103 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. Both phones also support 10W wired charging, meaning charge times will be similar. The Snapdragon 632’s superior power efficiency may allow the Moto G7 Play to maintain its battery life for slightly longer under heavy use, but the difference is likely minimal.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 3x (2019) if your primary need is a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and you are prioritizing the absolute lowest possible price. Buy the Motorola Moto G7 Play if you want a more responsive user experience, slightly better performance for casual gaming, and a more polished software experience, even if it means spending a little more.