The Alcatel 3x (2019) and Samsung Galaxy A10s represent a segment of the market where value is paramount. Both devices aimed to deliver a functional smartphone experience at an incredibly accessible price point. However, beneath the similar price tags lie key differences in their core components, particularly their Mediatek Helio chipsets, impacting performance and efficiency. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance in basic tasks, the Alcatel 3x (2019) edges out the Samsung Galaxy A10s. Its Helio P23, built on a 16nm process, offers a slight performance advantage, despite the A10s’ more efficient 12nm Helio P22. However, the A10s’ brand recognition and potentially better software support make it a viable alternative.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 5048Y | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - 5048Y | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 66 - 5048A | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28 - SM-A107M/DS |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, Q4 | 2019, August 12. Released 2019, August 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.49 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 156.9 x 75.8 x 7.8 mm (6.18 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6763V Helio P23 (16 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| 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 |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| 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, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Jewelry Black, Jewelry Green, Jewelry Rose | Blue, Green, Red, Black |
| Models | 5048Y, 5048A, 5048Y_EEA, 5048I, 5048U_EEA | SM-A107F, SM-A107M |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.25 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
alcatel 3x (2019)
- Potentially better CPU performance due to higher clock speeds on some cores.
- Helio P23 may handle multitasking slightly smoother.
- More aggressive pricing potentially available.
- 16nm process is less power efficient than the A10s’ 12nm.
- Alcatel brand recognition is lower than Samsung.
- Potentially shorter software support lifecycle.
Samsung Galaxy A10s
- More power-efficient chipset (Helio P22, 12nm).
- Stronger brand reputation and potentially better software support.
- Wider availability and easier access to accessories.
- Slightly lower CPU performance compared to the Alcatel 3x.
- May struggle more with demanding multitasking.
- Camera likely offers minimal improvement over the Alcatel 3x.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: the Alcatel 3x’s chipset has to drive the display, and the slightly older architecture may result in marginally less efficient display rendering. While neither manufacturer provides detailed display specs, the focus here isn’t on visual fidelity but on how efficiently the chipset manages the display workload.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a meaningful comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on the A10s is a common marketing tactic in this segment, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). The Alcatel 3x’s camera performance will likely be dictated by its image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio P23, while the A10s relies on the P22’s ISP. Image quality will likely be similar, with both struggling in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel 3x utilizes the Mediatek MT6763V Helio P23, fabricated on a 16nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU split into 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Samsung Galaxy A10s employs the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, a 12nm chip with a uniform octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. The 12nm process of the P22 *should* translate to better power efficiency, but the P23’s higher clock speeds on four cores provide a potential performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks. The lack of RAM specifications in the provided data makes a direct comparison difficult, but the chipset difference is the primary differentiator.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience. The actual battery capacity isn’t provided, but given the target market, both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The A10s’ more efficient Helio P22 chipset *could* translate to slightly longer battery life under moderate usage, offsetting any potential capacity differences. However, the P23’s performance advantage might lead to faster battery drain during heavier tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 3x (2019) if you need a phone capable of handling slightly more demanding multitasking and appreciate a potentially smoother experience with everyday apps. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A10s if you prioritize brand reliability, a potentially longer software support lifecycle, and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functions like calling, texting, and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 3x (2019) struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio P23 is an entry-level chipset, it should handle basic apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without significant issues. However, expect some slowdowns when multiple apps are open simultaneously or when using more demanding features within those apps. The A10s will likely perform similarly, but the P23’s slightly higher clock speeds might offer a marginally smoother experience.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A10s a better choice if software updates are important to me?
Generally, Samsung provides longer software support for its devices compared to Alcatel. While neither phone is guaranteed to receive extensive updates, the Galaxy A10s is more likely to receive security patches and potentially even a single major Android version update, offering a more secure and up-to-date user experience over the long term.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle basic 2D games and less demanding 3D titles. However, don't expect a smooth experience with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Fortnite. Frame rates will likely be low, and you may encounter stuttering and lag. The Alcatel 3x’s P23 might offer slightly better performance in gaming due to its higher clock speeds, but neither phone is designed for serious gaming.
